KR20060105767A - Display system for use on horizontal or non-horizontal surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display system comprising an electronic display device housed within a support fixture, wherein the support fixture can be arranged on a substantially horizontal surface, such as a floor and walkway, or a non-horizontal surface comprising a substantially vertical surface, such as a wall. It can be fixed on the surface. Therefore, the electronic display device and the support fixture are thin, lightweight, durable and shock resistant. The control electronics of the display device are arranged in such a way that space is conserved.

Description

Display system for use horizontal or non-horizontal surfaces}

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C §119 (e) of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 526,271, filed December 3, 2003. In addition, the present application also discloses the provisions of co-pending application no. Partial serial application. Application No. 10 / 454,631 is a co-pending application filed on May 16, 2003, claiming benefit under 35 USC §119 (e) of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 378,070, filed May 16, 2002. Partial serial application of 10 / 438,923. Application No. 10 / 438,923 is a co-pending application filed on May 3, 2002 and filed on November 1, 2002, which is a continuation of Application No. 10 / 137,357, filed Jan. 14, 2003, US Patent No. 6,507,285. Of the patent application No. 10 / 285,639. Application No. 10 / 137,357 is a continuation of Application No. 09 / 767,846, filed Jan. 24, 2001 and registered as US Pat. No. 6,417,778, July 9, 2002. Application No. 09 / 767,846 is a continuation of Application No. 09 / 418,752, filed Oct. 15, 1999 and now abandoned. Application No. 09 / 418,752 is a partial serial application of Application No. 09 / 304,051, filed May 4, 1999 and registered as US Pat. No. 6,219,876 on April 24, 2001. Moreover, this application is incorporated by reference in co-pending application no. Partial serial application. Application No. 10 / 759,167 is a partial consecutive application of co-pending application No. 10 / 682,435 filed October 10, 2003, claiming benefit under 35 USC §119 (e) of the US provisional application identified as follows: Is: Application No. 60 / 418,626, filed October 12, 2002; Application No. 60 / 428,387, filed November 19, 2002; Application No. 60 / 429,044, filed November 22, 2002. Application No. 10 / 682,435 is a partially continuous application of co-pending Application No. 10 / 438,923. Each of the above-identified applications and patents is incorporated by reference.

US Pat. No. 6,417,778 to Blum et al, incorporated by reference, discloses an electronic display device coupled with a floor that is capable of conveying information through dynamic images and text. The present application relates to various new and advantageous features of such electronic display devices.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display system comprising an electronic display device housed within a support fixture, wherein the support fixture can be arranged on a substantially horizontal surface, such as a floor and walkway, or a non-horizontal surface comprising a substantially vertical surface, such as a wall. It can be fixed on the surface. Therefore, the electronic display device and the support fixture are thin, lightweight, durable and shock resistant. The control electronics of the display device are arranged in such a way that space is conserved.

More specifically, a display system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic display device and a support fixture for housing the electronic display device. The support fixture includes a protective covering surrounding the electronic display device, a support framework supporting the protective covering, an outer shell and base including multiple surfaces in contact with the protective covering. The base, protective covering and outer shell substantially surround the electronic display device therein. The support fixture is adapted to be arranged on a substantially horizontal plane and walkway to protect the electronic display device from damage, and further includes a fixture to secure the support fixture and the electronic display device to a non-horizontal plane such as a wall.

Embodiments of the present invention also relate to a thin display system disposed on the floor, the display system comprising an electronic display device wrapped by a transparent or partially transparent protective covering and facing an inclined surface tapered with thin edges. In addition, the display system is capable of walking, characterized by the inclined surface and thin edges reducing the likelihood of a person tripping over the display system.

Embodiments of the present invention also relate to a thin display system disposed on the floor, the display system comprising an electronic display device and a thin outer shell and base substantially enclosed in a transparent or partially transparent protective covering, the electronic display device Is substantially centered with respect to the outer shell, wherein the control electronics of the electronic display device are arranged around the electronic display device and housed within the outer shell and the base.

As noted above, an electronic display device coupled with a floor has been disclosed above. More specifically, US Pat. No. 6,417,778 discloses a system for electronically delivering information through an electronic display device coupled to a floor. The electronic display device comprises a deformable electronic display surface presenting, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display can be connected to a computer and the image reproduced by the computer can be displayed on the display. Thus an image displayed on the display can be modified by playing back another computer image and displaying the computer image on the display. The display can be combined with the base portion of the bottom covering as included in its recess or can be included in the bottom surface facing the top of the insertion portion of the bottom covering. Alternatively, the display may be formed integrally with the base portion or the insert portion. The deformable display can use a number of different graphics that can be displayed on the display in various ways. For example, the graphics may be displayed at a location that is generally stuck on the display or may scroll through the display with an example methodology of displaying multiple graphics individually or in combination.

Another alternative to modifying the displayed graphic on the bottom covering involves using a light emitting polymer that produces and thus changes the graphic. The luminescent polymer may be applied, attached or woven into the bottom covering. The luminescent polymer is used on any part of the bottom covering, for example a base part or an insertion part or another part of another embodiment of the bottom covering. Light emitting polymers are known and described in US Pat. Nos. 5,945,502, 5,869,350 and 5,571,626, which are incorporated by reference.

Another option for the display is to use electronic ink or electric paper. Electrical paper is described in US Pat. Nos. 5,723,204, 5,604,027, 4,126,854 and 4,143,103, both available from Xerox and incorporated by reference. Electric paper uses a number of small electrically charged beads of hair width called Gyricon that produce pixels. Two-tone beads are embedded inside the liquid-filled plastic sheet forming the paper surface. Each of the semi-black and semi-white beads rotate in response to the electric field. Whether the beads are black- or white-side up determines the image. Since the image does not need to be refreshed and the screen is not backlit, the electrical paper uses only a portion of the power used by conventional electronic displays. Electromagnetic stylus and printer-like devices can be used to present images on paper.

Electronic ink is available from E Ink Corp., Spin Spinley Pl 45, Cambridge, 02138, Massachusetts. Electronic inks utilize microencapsulated micromechanical display systems. Small microcapsules are captured between two sheets of plastic to produce pixels. Alternatively the capsule is sprayed onto the surface. The result is a flexible display material. The small capsule contains a mixture of transparent dark ink and white paint chips. The electric charge passes through the capsule. Depending on the electrostatic charge, the paint chips drift the top or stop on the bottom of each capsule. If the paint chips drift the top, the surface appears white. If they stop under the ink along the bottom, the surface appears black. Each of the two states is stable: white or black. A transparent electromagnetic grid placed on the sheet surface controls the shape of the image. The display is for example wirelessly connected to a computer or the like and thus to the World Wide Web, for example by using a Motorola paging system. The characters on all displays can be changed simultaneously by a single editor through a web page when multiple displays are used.

The floor display systems described above are used in places that are walkways or other (eg wheeled shopping cart) passages, such as entrance passages to stores, public buildings or homes. In this embodiment a strong force is added to the floor display system by way of a walkway or other passage. Techniques for properly protecting electronic display devices from damage by these forces and other factors have been disclosed. The technology involves the use of durable and durable protective materials, such as tempered glass or plastic, surrounding the electronic display device. More sophisticated protection structures have also been disclosed. For example, US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 454,631, incorporated by reference, describes a module protection structure for an electronic display device coupled with a floor.

As described in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 454,631, the electronic display assembly comprises a plurality of display modules. Coherent displays appear over multiple display modules. That is, individual display modules appear only in the display fragment and represent a display in which a plurality of display modules as a whole are complete or integrated. On the other hand, each module may be arranged to display an unrelated image and / or text.

More specifically, the display module is an electronic display device incorporating any display technology, including those disclosed herein and not explicitly disclosed. The display module is arranged to electronically display graphical images and alphanumeric data in a static (not moving or changing) or dynamic (ie scrolling or moving or changing) format. More specifically, the display module is coupled to the controller by wired or wireless means to display the content selected by the user and is deformable through the controller. It is coupled to the controller via display driver circuitry such as, for example, a video graphics adapter card. The controller includes any kind of electronic logic circuit, for example a general microprocessor or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that can be deployed in software. The driver of the display module is integrated into the controller or assembled in the ASIC. The controller is also a single board computer with a processor, memory and one or more display driving circuits assembled on the board, as well as wireless components for communicating with the outside world or loading data into memory. The controller is coupled to a storage medium, which is random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash or other non-volatile solid-state electronic storage, electronic erase and programmable read only memory (EEPROM) or magnetic and / Or in the form of a suitable medium for storing digital data, including optical disk storage. The storage medium stores the control software for execution by the video content of choice for the controller and the display under the control of the control software, for example by the display module.

As further described in US Pat. No. 10 / 454,631, the display module of the assembly is arranged in a separate protective enclosure including a bottom member, a top member and a vertical foot or sidewall. In embodiments the elements of the protective enclosure are common to the display module; For example, the protective enclosure has a general top member, a bottom member and one or more general sidewalls. In other embodiments each display module has separate protective enclosures with separate bottom members, top members and sidewalls. According to an alternative embodiment separate protective enclosures with separate top and bottom members and vertical supports may be provided for each display module. The volume between the top member and the display module is provided. The vertical support and the bottom member of the protective enclosure can be made of a material, including for example plastic, metal, glass or wood.

The advantage of the modular structure described in US Pat. No. 10 / 454,631 is that the structure is at least partially shared by the system of vertical supports distributed across the assembly, so that the structure is applied to the display module from the pressure and shock applied to the assembly. Provides excellent protection for and includes. Thus pressure and impact are not concentrated in any particular spot but instead are distributed and dissipated between the various members forming the protective enclosure. This effect is further enhanced by increasing the degree of segmentation, ie by increasing the number of protective enclosures bound within the display module and the same total area. Increasing the degree of segmentation of the display assembly allows the display assembly to be built thinner. In general, thinner display assemblies are more desirable because they cause less obstruction and lighter weight. Increased splitting allows the vertical support of the protective enclosure to be made shorter and the top member or members to be made thinner.

In the embodiment described in 10 / 454,631 a vertical support is used where the vertical support does not extend continuously across the display area as light rays. In practice, the column is used as a vertical support as opposed to a continuous beam. This kind of structure can be made of more economical materials. In another embodiment, the display module has a gap formed therein disposed to receive the vertical support. The vertical support can be any kind of protrusion arranged to be received in a corresponding gap in the display module. When received within the gap of the display module as described above, the vertical support protrudes beyond the upper surface of the display module to support the top protective member of the protective enclosure and provide a volume of space between the top member and the module. The protective structure utilizing the features described above is a substantially thin top member or member for the protective enclosure or enclosures of the display assembly because the structure provides a distributed vertical support for the top member that has crossed the described assembly. Enable them to listen Moreover, this structure can be used as a single or member display device as opposed to a modular display device.

US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 682,435, which is incorporated by reference, discloses lightweight control electronics for adjusting the display of the display element layer in a thin and flexible display system. Control electronics are housed in a thin, lightweight, flexible frame laterally on the display element layer.

1 shows a plan view of at least a portion of a display system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Display system 100 includes one or more flat display panels 101. System 100 further includes control electronics 102 coupled to display panel 101 via connector 103. Connector 103 represents one or more connections that may be both wired and wireless. Connector 103 is used to transmit control signals from control electronics 102 to panel 101 and to operate image data, which includes an image driver. Control electronics 102 is formed, for example, as a single board computer.

Furthermore, display panel 101 includes any features and characteristics of display modules described in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 454,631 or other applications incorporated by reference. Similarly, control electronics 102 includes any features and characteristics of display modules described in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 454,631 or other applications incorporated by reference.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control electronics 102 is arranged laterally with respect to the display panel 101 (ie, one or more sides). The display panel 101 and the control electronics 102 are arranged to lie in substantially the same plane and are both thin and flat. In contrast, the control electronics of a conventional display system are generally placed behind the display panel, so the combination of display and control electronics tends to be somewhat bulky.

As noted, the arrangement of FIG. 1 need not include multiple panels 101, but instead may include only a single or member display panel coupled to the control electronics. However, “tiling” a number of panels 101 as shown in FIG. 1 advantageously enables a thin support structure to be formed as part of the durable, lightweight support fixture described above. More specifically, the support fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention includes thin support fixtures 104a and 104b arranged between the display panel 101 and the border portion 104c around the border of the display 101. As shown, members 104a and 104b traverse or are perpendicular to each other, and boundary portion 104c outlines a rectangle but other geometries are possible. For example, the support members 104a, 104b or portions thereof may be parallel or at an angle other than 90 ° with respect to each other, or may include bent or curved portions. Moreover, boundary portion 104c may define other shapes than right angles, such as curved or cornered shapes. Support members 104a, 104b and border portion 104c provide support frameworks for one or more transparent or translucent protective coverings. The covering or coverings are formed of a durable material such as tempered glass or plastic. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the boundary portion 104c is formed as part of the outer protective shell.

Similar to other embodiments of the electronic display device combined with the floors shown here, the combined support fixtures, including display panel or panels 101 and support frameworks 104a, 104b, 104c may be walkways or entrance passages to stores, public buildings or homes. Used in other places such as shopping carts with wheels. Thus, the support fixture has a negligible adverse effect on the support fixture or the display panel or panels that house it, and is durable enough to be repeatedly stepped, walked, wheeled, or other rolling or sliding objects across it. It is durable. The electronic display device and associated support fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention thus comprise any structure described in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 454,631.

2 shows a schematic diagram of a partially assembled display system according to an embodiment of the invention, including an electronic display device comprising four display panels 101 according to an embodiment of the invention. The display panel is placed on the base 201, stationary or attached. The control electronics 102 is laterally arranged relative to the display panel 101 and also rests, rests or attaches over the base 201. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, including support frameworks 104a, 104b, 104c comprising four display panels 101 housed in support fixtures and transparent or translucent protective covering 301 supported by support frameworks 104a, 104b, 104c. A schematic diagram of a more generally assembled display system 100 is shown. In an embodiment each display panel or group of display panels can have a separate protective cover.

The outer protective shell 310 includes the surface 302. The boundary portion 104c is formed as the inner edge of the outer protective shell 310. The surface 302 abutting the display panel 101 is a surface inclined downward. For example, the surface 302 can be at the same level as the top surface of the support fixture and can be the top or outer surface of the protective covering 301, tilted below the outer edge so that the entire boundary of the display system 100 is It provides a sloped surface for those who approach. When the display system is placed in the corridor of a commercial facility, this structure makes it easy for a person walking on a floor display system or a wheeled shopping cart to cross over. However, other shapes for the border surface 302 are possible. For example, it is not necessary to start at the top level of the support fixture, but can start at another level. The tangent abutment surface 302 may comprise a number of different slopes, for example. The outer shell 310, including the abutment surface 302, surrounds the control electronics 102 and is secured to the base 201. As described above, the support fixture for a thin electronic display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a covering 301, an outer shell 310 including abutment surface 302, support frameworks 104a, 104b, 104c and base 201.

The display system 100 further includes an external power supply module 303 connected to the control electronics 102 by a power cable 304. In an embodiment the additional data line is included in the power cable 304 and accessible through the power supply module 303.

4 shows an alternative embodiment according to the invention. The display system 100 of FIG. 4 is an electronic display device, abutment surface 302 and base 201 comprising a support fixture comprising two display panel 101 and a support covering 301 supported by support framework 104a or 104b (depending on perspective) and 104c. (Covered and invisible).

5 shows possible dimensions of a display system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. 5 is a side front view with some perspective. The outer edge 501 of the abutment surface 302 of the protective covering 301 is at the forefront of FIG. 5. Some US coins lean up against corner 501 to indicate scale. The coin includes US 25 cents 502, two US 5 cents 503, and US 10 cents 504.

In an embodiment the thickest portion of the display system 100 (ie, the shortest distance from the top surface of the protective covering 301 to the bottom surface of the base 201) is 0.3-1 inch thick, preferably 0.5-0.7 inch thick. The thickness of the outer edge 501 is 0.1 inch or less, preferably 0.02 to 0.08 inch. As noted, the abutment surface 302 slopes down to the outer edge 501 at approximately the same level as the top level of the protective covering 301. In an embodiment such tilt occurs at a distance of 6-12 inches, preferably at a distance of 8-10 inches.

In addition to being able to walk on the floor as noted above, embodiments of the invention may be secured on a non-horizontal surface such as a wall. 6A and 6B show the display system 100 so that the bottom surface of the base 201 of the display system 100, that is, the display panel, faces upward for the two-panel system (see FIG. 4) and the four-panel system (see FIG. 3), respectively. When this is arranged it represents the surface in contact with the floor. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, embodiments of the present invention further include a device or devices that are attached or secured to a non-horizontal surface. The device or devices for attachment or fixation of the display system 100 to the non-horizontal surface are included in the support fixture of the electronic display device and adapted, for example, to catch the protrusion from the non-horizontal surface. For example, the fixed loop 601 is coupled to or formed integrally with the base 201 at or above its outer edge 201.1. Or a hole or recess 602 may be formed in the base 201, for example. The fixation loop 601 or hole / recess 602 may cause the support fixture and the electronic display device to be suspended, for example, causing engagement with hooks or other protrusions on the wall so that the electronic display device faces outwardly. However, the invention is not limited to fixed loops and / or holes / recesses. Any device for attaching, securing, or hanging the support fixture and the electronic display device to a non-horizontal surface is within the scope of the present invention. For example, attachments or fasteners associated with support fixtures may include hooks or hooks, hook-and-loop locks such as Velcro, magnets, pins, bolts, screws, etc., and coupling structures formed or coupled to support fixtures, retaining Containers, brackets that can be secured to the wall and are designed to receive support fixtures, and the like. The attachment or fixation device need not be coupled to the base 201 but may be coupled to or formed on other portions of the support installation, such as facing out or up a surface, such as the structure / border surface 302.

Embodiments of the invention also include any feature or characteristic of the application incorporated by reference. For example, embodiments of the present invention provide an interactive feature including an audio device, a sensing device that senses the presence of a person and performs actions in response to it, deformable image orientation, and providing product information in response to customer questions. It includes or is coupled thereto. Embodiments of the invention also enable wired or wireless communication over a network.

Some embodiments of the invention have been described and / or described in detail. However, it will be implanted that modifications and variations of the present invention are encompassed by the above instructions and are within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1 illustrates a plan view of the components of a multi-panel display system and regulating electronics in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

2 shows a schematic diagram of components of a partially assembled multi-panel display system and coupled control electronics according to an embodiment of the invention.

3 shows a schematic diagram of a more fully assembled multi-panel display system according to an embodiment of the invention.

4 shows a schematic diagram of another example of a more generally assembled far-panel display system according to an embodiment of the invention.

5 shows a side view of some schematic diagram of a display system according to an embodiment of the invention.

6A and 6B show an example of a fixing device for a display system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (23)

A display system comprising an electronic display device housed within a support fixture, wherein the support fixture is arranged on a substantially horizontal surface and is capable of walking on it, and is more capable of being fixed on a non-horizontal surface. The display system of claim 1, wherein the non-horizontal surface is substantially vertical. The display system of claim 1, wherein the electronic display device is capable of displaying a static or dynamic image. Electronic display devices; And House Electronic Display: Protective covering surrounding the electronic display device; A support framework supporting the protective covering; An outer shell in contact with the protective covering; And In a display system comprising a support fixture including a base, The base, protective covering and outer shell substantially enclose the electronic display therein; The support fixture is further adapted to be arranged over and walk on a substantially horizontal surface while protecting the electronic display device from damage, and further comprising a fixing device for securing the support fixture and the electronic display device to a non-horizontal surface. Display system 5. The display system of claim 4, further comprising control electronics arranged laterally with respect to the electronic display device. 6. The display system of claim 5, wherein the control electronics is arranged to lie in substantially the same plane as the electronic display device. 5. A display system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fixing device further comprises a structure to catch the protrusion from the non-horizontal surface. 8. A display system according to claim 7, wherein the fixing device comprises a loop. 8. The display system of claim 7, wherein the securing device includes a recess formed in the support fixture. 5. A display system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fixing device is coupled to or formed on the base. The display system of claim 10, wherein the fixing device is coupled to or formed on an outer edge of the base. 5. A display system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the abutment surface of the outer shell is inclined. 13. The display system of claim 12, wherein the inclination spans a distance of 6 to 12 inches. 13. The display system of claim 12, wherein the tilt is over a distance of 8 to 10 inches. 5. A display system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the outer edge thickness of the abutment surface is less than 0.1 inch. 5. A display system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the outer edge thickness of the border surface is between 0.02 and 0.08 inches. 5. The display system of claim 4, wherein the thickest portion of the display system is between 0.3 and 1 inch thick. 5. The display system of claim 4, wherein the thickest portion of the display system is between 0.5 and 0.7 inches thick. The display system of claim 4, wherein the electronic display device comprises a plurality of display panels. 20. The display system of claim 19, wherein the support framework is a member arranged between a plurality of display panels. 20. The display system of claim 19, wherein an inner edge of the outer shell forms a boundary of the display panel. In a thin display system lying on the floor, the display system comprises an electronic display device wrapped by a protective covering and bordered by an inclined surface tapering to thin edges, which is capable of walking on it, The slanted surface and the thin edges reduce the likelihood of a person tripping over the display system. In a thin display system lying on the floor, the display system comprises an electronic display device substantially enclosed in a protective covering and a thin outer shell and base, the electronic display device being positioned substantially centrally relative to the outer shell, Control electronics for electronic display devices are thin display systems which are arranged around the electronic display device and housed in an outer shell and base.

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