US 3,963,326 A · Data display panels

Abstract

A module, for a data display panel, comprising a number of elements, each separately controllable to be selectively illuminated or extinguished so as to display any one of a plurality of symbols. The transmission of light to each of the elements of the module is controlled by an individual occulting or blanking member. Each element comprises an optical light transmission system having an input end with a source surface, the illumination of which is controlled by its individual blanking member and an output end with an image surface which reproduces the state of illumination of the source surface. The image surfaces are preferably contiguous with the source surfaces spaced apart. Each image surface may have a different area to its associated source surface and such surfaces may occupy arbitrary relative positions, i.e. not necessarily being directly opposed to one another.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A module for a display panel, comprising:

a. a plurality of distinct on-and-off optical systems,
b. each system including an input end, light control means, an output end light transmitting means,
c. said input end including a source surface facing inwardly of said module,
d. said light control means optically associated with said source surface to control the illumination by a light source for selectively illuminating and obscuring said source surface,
e. said output end being spaced from said input end and including an image surface facing outwardly of said module,
f. said image surface being non-coextensive with said source surface, with the plurality of image surfaces being contiguous and having various shapes and sized areas to form a cohesive, substantially continuous display area,
g. said light transmitting means extending between said source surface and said image surface for reverberating the illuminated or obscured state of said source surface to said image surface thereby bringing said image surface to a corresponding state of illumination or obscurity.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Data display panels

Life of this patent

Data display panels

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12