Abstract: Disclosed is a planar reciprocating electronic light emitting device consisting of a small amount of light emitting units arrayed in a row or more than one row transversely which being able to reciprocate up and down so as to exhibit much better visual effect than a large scaled displaying device thereby reducing fault rate and production cost, and increasing production efficiency.

Abstract: A display device having a multiple columnar arrangement of colored light sources on a carrier. The carrier and mounted light sources are moved, either rotated or swung as a pendulum, within the display device to create a recurring visual image. A control unit within the display device controls actuation of the colored light sources and movement of the carrier such that individual colored light sources are actuated at a point within a surface region to achieve a color mixing at that point.

Abstract: A tactual computer monitor includes rows and columns of rectangular cells. Each cell includes four rows and two columns of movable pins which are felt and read by a blind person. The pins are driven by electromechanical impact drivers and are held in position by resilient elastomeric cords. The impact drivers are carried on a bi-directional printhead which travels beneath the movable pins. An erasing mechanism is provided to positively drive the pins downwardly to erase the characters produced by the printhead.

Abstract: An optical display system includes a point light source or a linear array of point light sources, and a rotating optical subassembly for directing light from said source or sources to at least one viewing station. Resolution may be increased by providing alternate images which are slightly offset from one another, using mirror surfaces at slightly different angles, or using cylindrical lenses with small angle prisms associated with the optical paths. Cross-polarized polarizing layers may also be employed to provide successive images for 3D imaging. Two viewing stations may be provided, along with circuitry for energizing the light source to provide different images at the two viewing stations.

Abstract: A visual special effects display device is presented with a control mechanism which enables the unique control and programming of one or more devices simultaneously. The display device may be incorporated into tickets at public events, promotions, toys or other applications. In one embodiment the visual elements are constructed from LEDs and controlled by a combination of a remote transmitter and local switching mechanism. The display devices may be programmed in advance and assigned a unique code which permits the programming of specific images in a large audience. Messages, images and effects may be altered or permanantly programming at any time during the event. Designs include tickets, drink coasters, wands, swords, tops, yo-yos, frisbees, batons, hats, jump ropes and other toys.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an active matrix device which permits enlargement of the area and high-speed response and which serves in place of a semiconductor switch. An active matrix device 35 incorporating scanning-signal electrodes 25 and data-signal electrodes 16 disposed in a matrix configuration and structured such that at least one matrix operating means and a light function device which is operated by the matrix operating means are disposed at intersections of the scanning-signal electrodes 25 and the data-signal electrodes 16, wherein the matrix operating means is mechanically-conductive switch 33 which is operated by static electric force. The mechanically-conductive switch 33 incorporates a thin flexible film 23 which is deflected by static electric stress, a conductive film 29 formed on the thin flexible film 23, a data-signal electrode 16 and a pixel electrode 27a of the light function device.

Abstract: An LED display apparatus includes an LED display module, an inner frame member, and a supporting unit. The LED display module has an array of light emitting diodes mounted thereon, and a longitudinal axis. The inner frame member is disposed to confine the LED display module therein, and has a size sufficient to permit movement of the LED display module in opposite directions of the longitudinal axis. The supporting unit mounts the LED display module in the inner frame member such that the LED display module is movable back and forth in the inner frame member along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An image display apparatus and an image display method for a vehicle provided for achieving stable image display in accordance with the velocity of the vehicle throughout the period in which the vehicle passes through the system installation section. An incoming velocity detector and an outgoing velocity detector are each provided at the ends of the system installation section. The velocity of a train is detected throughout the period in which the train passes through the system installation section. Display timing of display terminals is controlled in accordance with the detected velocity. As a result, even if the velocity of the train changes while the train passes through the system installation section, no drifts of the image viewed by the passenger on the train would result.

Abstract: A display apparatus having a rotating display panel which can generate a three dimensional image when viewed by a viewer wearing polarized glasses is disclosed. The display apparatus comprises a pedestal; a display body rotatably mounted on the pedestal; multiple light emitting arrays, each light emitting array further comprising multiple light emitting units and being equally spaced on a surface of the display body for displaying information when the display body rotates; and a polarizer provided on each of the light emitting arrays, the polarization direction of adjacent polarizers being perpendicular. In addition, the light emitting units are of different to colors whereby the display apparatus having a rotating display panel can generate a colorful image.

Abstract: In a moving-film display device, each pixel includes a moving film electrode capable of bending and a counter electrode. The display color of each pixel is determined when the moving film electrode bends by a potential difference between the moving film electrode and the counter electrode. The moving film electrode is connected to a signal line via a TFT. The TFT is turned on/off by an address line. A controller keeps the TFT ON until the potential of the moving film electrode becomes substantially equal to a signal potential, and turns off the TFT before the moving film electrode comes closest to the counter electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low-cost, programmable electronically actuated, continuous use traffic sign including a pixellated display matrix, the display matrix being electronically actuatable to display a desired traffic information image display suitable for roadside and other vehicular use where it may be clearly viewed by direct sunlight during the day and by illumination at night. A preferred display is electrostatically actuated for low power requirements and comprises pixels which have spiral rollout shutters. The display can be remotely programmed and controlled, via a modem, and may be solar or battery powered, powered by a local power network or from a combination of the foregoing. Low-cost film technology manufacturing methods are also described.

Abstract: A display apparatus combines a product display container and a plurality of light controlled light sources, wherein the light sources operate to create a visual image advertising the product.

Abstract: A projecting display system includes a light source (101) which produces light which is spatially modulated by a number of spatial light modulators (105, 107). A splitting means (103) is provided in the light path between the light source (101) and the spatial light modulators (105 and 107) such that the overall luminous flux produceable by the system is not determined by the maximum luminous flux which each spatial light modultors (105, 107) can accommodate.

Abstract: A display of the type in which a mobile unit moves one or more arrays of light sources repeatedly through a sequence of positions in a display zone to create the illusion of a floating image. According to a first aspect of the invention, each array is provided with a mechanism for sensing when it arrives at each position in the display zone, and each array then is provided with data to display at that position. According to a second aspect of the present invention, the display is provided with a data storage medium that is geometrically congruent with the path along which the arrays move, and the data to be displayed are read from the data storage medium as the mobile unit moves past the data storage medium. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the path of motion of the arrays is circular; and, within the second aspect of the invention, the data storage medium is a cylindrical medium, for example, a floppy disk or a compact disk.

Abstract: A pre-programmed device and method for forming and displaying images includes: electrically powered light emitters in one or more rows that can be moved in a path generally perpendicular with the row of lights; a microprocessor(s) controlling the lights; motion or speed sensors which enable the display device; and a source of electrical power within, on, or connected to the display device is provided. The microprocessor turns the individual electrically powered light emitters on and off in a time-controlled manner to display graphics, words or messages when the display device is moved at or above a rate of speed required to be seen by humans.

Abstract: A two-dimensional display provides a virtual image of characters and figures that is produced by moving a body equipped with luminous devices and controlling the flashing position and time of each luminous device while moving the body.

Abstract: An image-creating implement includes a plurality of light sources, such as LED's, arranged in a one-dimensional matrix. The one-dimensional matrix includes a vertical column and a plurality of horizontal rows in which each of the horizontal rows has no more than one of the light sources. The implement also includes electronic circuitry which is adapted to blink each of the light sources in a manner such that when the matrix is moved an observer thereof will observe a two-dimensional image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of word screen formation by laser light projection and the structure of word formation by laser light projection, and in particular, relates to a plurality of laser production devices arranged in a single column and by rapid reciprocating action of the devices to project multiple columns of light track and form word arrays.

Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for supporting an evaluation of equipment operability in which simulation equipment models of design object equipment or layout object equipment are arranged in a simulation space together with simulation body-shaped models patterned after humans who may operate the equipment, and the body-shaped models are moved within the simulation space so that an evaluation of operability of the layout object equipment is supported. A reference position of a body-shaped model to be arranged in the simulation space is defined in accordance with a basic posture of the body-shaped model. When the present model is changed to a body-shaped model which is different in the body form, the body-shaped model after an alteration is arranged in the simulation space so that the reference position coincides with the reference position before the alteration.

Abstract: A point source array generates an array of output beams defining a plurality of image pixels. A microlens array receives the output beams and direct them toward desired pixel locations. Either one or both of the point source array and microlens array are scanned over time to form an image of pixels. An image is composed of an array of image portions. Each image portion includes a plurality of pixels. For each image portion, there is a corresponding point source of light and a corresponding microlens. The corresponding point source and microlens scan light within the area of the image portion to generate all of the pixels for such image portion. The microlens array is an integral array. Each lens moves together with each image portion being scanned concurrently by the microlens array an point source array.

Abstract: A fiber optic display sign has an optical system with enhanced light efficiency so that the display system is suitable for outdoor use. A number of fiber optics have light receiving ends arranged in a compact bundle for receiving an image from an image generator, the fiber optics coupling the image to the output ends thereof for display. An array of lenses is positioned adjacent the output ends of the fiber optics for directing or aiming the light from the fiber optics to control the viewing angle of the image displayed. The array of lenses may be fixed with respect to the output ends of the fiber optics or the lens array may be movable with respect thereto so as to vary the viewing angle. The image generator employs a light source formed of a densely packed array of white light emitting diodes to provide enhanced brightness.

Abstract: An image display apparatus comprising a rotatable member carrying an array of light emitting devices; a drive for rotating the member, and a control for selectively energizing each of the light emitting devices in a predetermined sequence as the member rotates so as to present a visible image. The image display device is incorporated in a fan cooling unit having a plurality of blades, the rotatable member being one of the blades of the fan cooling unit. The fan cooling unit includes a sensing arrangement responsive to rotation of the blades, for triggering the control for the energization of the light emitting devices in dependence on the speed of rotation of the blades.

Abstract: A system (300) for combining a panning camera (308) with one or more displays (304), such as head-mounted displays, is provided. A panoramic view from an electronic panning camera may be provided to an electronic panning control circuit (510). The electronic panning control circuit may be responsive to a view selector (306), such as a head-tracker located on a user's HMD. The electronic panning circuit selects the desired portion of the panoramic view to send to the user's display. A stereoscopic, view providing for a depth-of-field effect simulating actual vision, stereo view is achieved by locating a first electronic panning camera (502) in an optically horizontally offset relation with a second electronic panning camera (504). An image splitter (510), such as a half silvered mirror, sends the same, slightly horizontally offset, to both cameras. Individually pannable views may be delivered to users via a communications network (312).

Abstract: A pointing device includes a casing having a lens received in the first end thereof and a battery received in the second end thereof. A motor is received in the casing and has a shaft to which a transparent disk is co-rotatably mounted, a plurality of pictures imprinted on the transparent disk. A control device for actuating the motor is received in the casing and connected to a button on the casing. A laser beam generating device is located between the control device and the transparent disk, and aligns with the pictures when the transparent disk is co-rotated with the shaft so as to project a motion picture on a remote wall.

Abstract: A novel display system for observing virtual and real images. The display system includes a light redirection surface or reflective surface (e.g, mirrored surface) to display, for example, a virtual image. The system also has a light emitting surface, or LES, which includes first and second sides directly opposite from each other. The LES emits light to form the virtual image at an apparent distance behind the reflective surface. An observing region is also included on the second side of the LES for observing the image through the LES.

Abstract: A display device and method for producing a three-dimensional visual effect having a viewing area with a front and a depth with a rotating spiral screen disposed within the viewing area with the screen facing the front of the viewing area. A plurality of independently controlled light-producing elements are disposed on the spiral screen. Computerized image programs control the activation of selected of the plurality of light-producing elements in a desired pattern. The rotating spiral screen can also be a television screen.

Abstract: A static diffracting grating display system provides a fixed image representing high digital content information. A plurality of physical diffracting features are fixed into the surface of a substrate. The diffracting features are positioned and oriented to selectively diffract or reflect a first incident beam of light which is then collected by a first display optical system. For color, preferably three light sources, red, green and blue, are used to form three incident beams of light. The period between adjacent ones of the diffracting features can be adjusted to appropriately form full-color image from the collected light. Preferably the diffracting features are formed by embossing a deformable substrate. Where the material of the deformable substrate is not reflective, a reflective coating is then applied. In some circumstances a protective overcoat applied over the reflective surface to obviate scratches or other damage to the diffracting features of the embossed surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are cross-talk resistant drive circuitry for electrostatic video displays and flexible, foldable and shaped embodiments of such displays including books, fanfolds and scrolls employing flexible polymer film construction. Transitorless drive circuitry uses row and column dumping capacitors to charge electrostatic pixels in a traveling group to avoid simultaneously charging row-adjacent pixels. Also, individual pixels can be shielded each with their own Faraday cage to control charge leakage from the pixel. The pixels' have spiral rollout shutters whose time parameters can be controlled by the use of suitable bleed resistors. Low-cost film technology manufacturing methods are also described.

Abstract: A method of emitting a visual image from a lighted display includes the step of providing at least one body which is rotatable in at least one rotation direction about an axis of rotation. A plurality of substantially circular image lines are defined, with each image line overlying a respective body. Each image line is concentrically disposed around a respective axis of rotation at a respective radial distance from the axis of rotation. A plurality of light sources are provided and are carried by the at least one body. Each light source is associated with and overlies a respective image line. The at least one body is rotated about the axis of rotation in a plurality of rotations. A rotational speed of the at least one body is determined. A plurality of positions are calculated for at least one of the light sources along the image line dependent upon the rotational speed.

Abstract: Images are presented to an observer using a controllable light delivery medium having a display region. The light delivery medium is controlled in such a way as to enable the observer to perceive any of more than one image based on the motion state of the observer's eye and without relying on any change in the operation of the controller or the medium as the basis for triggering the perception of the more than one image.

Abstract: A display device to indicate positive and negative display values by increasing or decreasing a number of lit display elements to provide a display device that allows an expansion of the display range in the limited analog display area of a display section. The display device includes a first display element group that is lit to indicate display values; a second display element group located near the first display element group that is lit to indicate an origin corresponding to the display value; and a control device to control, lighting of a display value by the first display element according to a position of the origin.

Abstract: A method of producing a three-dimensional image comprises the steps of: sequentially producing images of depth plane contours of an object by tracing the images representative of the contours in each plane; and projecting the contour images onto a moving screen to display the images at an appropriate point in space. The rate of production of the contour images is more rapid than can be discerned by the human eye such that persistence of vision creates an apparently solid three-dimensional image of the object.

Abstract: The invention is intended to represent a three-dimensional image of an object just as observable from a viewing point, allowing representation of a semi-transparent image on the condition that its rear side may not transparently visible. A three-dimensional image display device according to the present invention is composed essentially of a laser light source, a modulator, an X-Y deflector, a control computer, an image data memory, a moving flat screen and a projection lens. The screen is constructed of a large number of pixels (e.g., 100 by 100 pixels) and each of the pixels is composed of a large number of diffraction elements (e.g., 5 by 5 diffraction elements). On the basis of three-dimensional image data and desired view-point data, both control and image-data preparing computers perform ON-OFF control of laser radiation onto diffraction elements having different reflection directions to determine displaying condition of a pixel composed of said diffraction elements.

Abstract: A light display system adapted for mounting on a rotatable member and capable of generating an image visually perceptible in a reference frame fixed relative to the rotatable member. The display system has a base adapted for mounting on the rotatable member for rotation with the rotatable member about an axis of rotation. Plural light arrays are mounted on the base at angularly spaced locations around a center of the base; each light array has a plurality of lamps. A sensor is operable to detect the fixed reference frame and to provide a signal indicative of the fixed reference frame. A controller is operatively connected to the sensor for receiving the signal from the sensor and is operatively connected to the light arrays. The controller is configured for firing the light arrays in predetermined positions relative to the fixed reference frame to form the image visually perceptible in the fixed reference frame.

Abstract: A large scale, portable light emitting diode image display system including one or more display panels comprising a web or netlike structure, preferably formed of interconnected flexible foldable strap members arranged in plural vertical columns and horizontal rows. Light emitting diode light sources are mounted on the column straps at predetermined spaced apart points to form a matrix for projecting multi-color images. Each panel includes fasteners at opposite ends of horizontal straps for connecting the panels to each other and each panel includes connectors at opposite ends of the vertical straps for connecting the panels to each other and to a support structure for erecting the display system as a stage backdrop, billboard or other image display arrangement.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a pedestal, a cylindrical display body rotatably mounted on the pedestal, a plurality of light emitting lines composed of a plurality of units, each line being equidistantly and axially arranged on a wall of the display body for displaying information when the display body rotates, a control circuit mounted on the display body for controlling a rotating speed of the display body and the information displayed on the display apparatus, and a power supply having a positive electrode and a negative electrode provided within the pedestal for providing the power required by the apparatus.

Abstract: A stereographic image display apparatus for permitting the observation of a high resolution and sharp color stereographic image of a wide view field without requiring specially designed spectacles, comprises a display device for displaying an image by emitting a light, a focusing optical system for focusing the image displayed on said display device at a different position than that of said display device, and an image moving unit for rotating an image surface of the focusing optical system around one axis in the image surface as a rotation axis.

Abstract: A scrolling display system has a plurality of light emitting cell array segments, each being consisted of a given number of light emitting cells arranged in alignment with a given dot interval, the plurality of light emitting cell array segments being arranged in one of column and row directions in spaced apart relationship for forming a display plane, an interval of adjacent light emitting cell array segments being greater than the given dot interval, an image memory storing an image data to be displayed on the display plane, the image data containing pixel information for all pixels to form dot matrix on the display plane with the given dot interval in column and row directions, and a display controller reading out data fractions of the image data corresponding to respective of light emitting cell array segments and supplying the data fractions to respective light emitting cell array segments for driving light emitting cell array segments, the display controller controlling shifting of display image in the

Abstract: A display device is constructed with a support for cyclic or repetitive motion. An array of lights is mounted on the support for sweeping across a region of space during motion of the support. A microcontroller or other microprocessor is coupled to the lights for turning on and off the respective lights of the array. A periodically actuated switch such as an inertial switch is coupled to the microcontroller for measuring the time period or cycle time of a cycle of the cyclic or repetitive motion of the support and for indicating initiation of a cycle. The microcontroller is programmed for synchronizing the turning on and off of respective lights of the array according to the time period or cycle time of a cycle of the cyclic or repetitive motion of the support for forming at least one image across the region of space swept by the array of lights using persistence of vision of a viewer. According to one example the support is a hand held wand for hand held swinging motion back and forth.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for displaying information by providing a flat-panel display module with display information, separating the flat-panel display module from information source and locating the module, without being inverted, at a specified position physically displaced from the source. The separated display module can be operated with or without connection to the source, and the module can be transported away from the source to provide a portable data store which can be accessed independently of the source. The module can be back-lighted and positioned alongside a keyboard of the source, and the separated display can be operated simultaneously with another flat-panel display.

Abstract: A display apparatus operable for displaying actual three-dimensional moving images is provided. The display apparatus includes a stepper motor having an elongated rotatable shaft, a plurality of display structures spaced along the length of the rotatable shaft, each of the display structures including a light-emitting element, and a control assembly for controlling the illumination of the light-emitting elements of the respective display structures for generating three-dimensional displays of moving images thereon.

Abstract: The laser illuminated image projection system includes a microlaser array coupled with a beam shaper to produce an exceptionally bright projection light beam. In one embodiment, the beam shaper includes a binary phase plate to modify the shape and intensity profile of the projection light beam. In another embodiment, the beam shaper includes a microlens array arrangement. In yet another embodiment, the beam shaper includes a diffuser arrangement. A light valve modifies the projection light beam to generate an output light beam indicative of an image. A projection lens arrangement focuses the output light beam onto a remote surface to reproduce the image thereon.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display device comprising an evacuated enclosure (45). A phosphor coated screen (44), means to rotate the phosphor coated screen, one or more electron gun (41-43) and control means to drive the one or more electron gun. Sequential image Frames (FIGS. 2b-2f) are written to the rotating phosphor coated screen (44) by the one or more electron gun (41-43) for a number of image sectors. Provided the screen rotates sufficiently rapidly and the phosphor coating has the required persistence the human eye will perceive a three-dimensional image within the display volume swept out by the phosphor coated screen. In the preferred embodiment the planar screen (44) rotates about a vertical axis with three electron guns (41-43) located below the display volume directed upwardly towards the center of the display volume. In another embodiment the display screen is in the form of a helix (51) with the electron gun (52) being aligned substantially along the axis of rotation of the helix.

Abstract: A scan type display device has a device body carrying a light emitting cell array, in which a plurality of light emitting cell arrays are aligned on a line, for scanning aerial plane to display a desired image by residual image effect. The light emitting cells are selectively illuminated according to an image data stored in a memory in synchronism with motion of the device body. The display device also has at least one light receiving element provided on the device body in a positional relationship with the light emitting cell array in such a manner that, when an image carrying medium containing an image to be sampled is placed in close proximity to the light emitting cell array in opposition and the light emitting cells in the light emitting cell array are selectively illuminated, a reflected light from the image carrying medium is received by the light receiving element for sampling the image on the image carrying medium.

Abstract: A display device for producing a three-dimensional real image having a viewing chamber with a front, a back and a depth with a movable screen disposed within the chamber with the screen facing the front of the viewing chamber. Light-producing elements create an image on the movable screen with structure to rapidly move the screen within the chamber. Also disclosed is an embodiment utilizing a rotating spiral screen.

Abstract: An electrostatically actuated color video display is disclosed which can be illuminated by backlighting transmitted through the display and by reflected ambient light to have good visibility in both bright daylight and in subdued or dim light. To display full-color dynamically changing images from an electronic video signal the functions of creating the image and of generating color light rays for use in the image are separated. A preferred embodiment employs a pixellated color screen having rectangular cells of alternate red, green, blue and a somewhat opaque white color and a shuttering mask comprising an array of selectively actuatable light-modulating capacitors with black movable electrodes that when retracted are in registration with and present an open light path to individual color screen cells and when extended present a continuous black screen appearance.

Abstract: A device for converting the visual and/or auditory into tactile representations includes imaging equipment for converting light and/or sounds, including spoken text, into electrical signals, processing equipment for processing the electrical signals, and a tactile display for converting processed electrical signals into tactile images. The tactile images are felt by the user enabling them to obtain visual or auditory information by touch about the world around them that would otherwise be obtained through vision and/or hearing.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display device includes a display plate for producing light-emission or optical variations by an external electrical, magnetic, or optical operation, or a display member for arranging LEDs in matrix, a drive circuit for vibrating the display plate in a specified direction with respect to the display surface of the display plate, a shape data memory for storing two-dimensional sectional images for displaying on the display plate, through an input circuit, a position detector for detecting the position of the display plate while the display plate is vibrating, a controller for controlling so that a specified part of the display plate emits light or produces an optical variation for a specified time only, utilizing positional data from the position detector to display the two-dimensional sectional images on the display plate in sequence while the display plate is vibrating.

Abstract: An optical display device to allow a person or a device to physically sense various images. The device includes an image sensor having at least one image input portion adapted to be directed at a scene in which images are to be viewed, a circuit optically coupled to the image sensor to convert the images viewed by the input portion into amplified coherent light energy beam, and a photosensitive display device in optical communication with the coherent light energy beam for producing a physically recognizable display of the viewed scene.