Comprehensive information display system

Abstract

Apparatus and method are disclosed for presenting information over a display area, using a group of contiguous or substantially adjoining modules which essentially cover the area. Each module is made up of contiguously arranged elements, capable of presenting alternatively either a luminous (highly visible) or a non-luminous (much less visible) aspect. By selectively operating or energizing chosen elements in groups within each module, characters or symbols are presented which, collectively over the group of modules, presents the information to be displayed. Each module comprises a mounting base and an associated printed circuit board, referred to as a satellite board, having conductive element connected to each element of the module so that each element may be activated or energized, or deactivated selectively. The modules, in turn, are mounted so that the satellite board is connected electrically to a higher order control master or major printed circuit board. The latter is controlled, in turn, by mechanical or electronic means to selectively energize or activate the desired elements in all the modules, thus to present the information to be displayed. Each element has an incandescent electric light or a rotatable part having luminous and non-luminous aspects. Accessory means for changing color or, surface texture or reflective characteristics, etc., can be applied to each element or in selected elements and/or modules; similarly, background surfaces appearing between elements may be changed in color, aspect, etc. Special combination connector conductor means are provided between individual elements and the module base and other connectors are provided between modules and larger units, including the necessary conductive components to connect electrically the master board or circuit with satellite or module circuits. Novel aspects of connector and mounting devices are an important feature of the invention.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.