GB2329505A

GB2329505A - Scrolling message display

Info

Publication number: GB2329505A
Application number: GB9819964A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan William Robinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-09-17
Filing date: 1998-09-15
Publication date: 1999-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2018-09-15
Also published as: GB9819964D0; GB2329504A; GB2329505B; GB9819463D0; GB2329504B

Abstract

A scrolling message display is adapted so that it displays less than 8 preferably less than 6 characters, the characters being part of a longer message. Such a short display enables the display to have a length to height ratio of between 2:1 and 4:1 thereby improving packing arrangements. The display shown is a mains plug message display designed for use with a conventional mains socket. Other applications include a pager, a handle for a supermarket trolley, or a clock, watch, pen or badge.

Description

2329505 1 SCROLLING MESSAGE PAGER The present invention describes a

compact form of electronic scrolling message paging display device, whereby the length of a scrolling electronic alphanumeric display is restricted to a smaller number of characters than is normal for such a display, providing the advantage of much larger, and therefore more legible, character height for a given overall display device length, thus enabling the message to be viewed more easily.

As an example character height may be increased by a factor of 6 or more when a 2.6 character wide display is used instead of the conventional 16 character length form of scrolling display.

The benefit of improved legibility of the message in general terms, enables the display to be viewed at distance, or alternatively, enables the overall dimensions of the display device to be greatly decreased.

Where the invention is described as a combined mains electricity plug and scrolling message display, information 2 or instructions may be provided to an observer, employing a convenient form of packaging arrangement, which can be positioned without additional fixing requirements.

Where the invention is described as a novel form of handle for electric appliances, weapons, tools, trolleys, vehicles, or the like, information or instructions can be provided to an operator.

The handle may also be defined as any other suitable form of similar packaging arrangement, and may have one or more display panels fitted to aid viewing from various directions.

Alternatively a vertical scrolling message display arrangement may be used to take advantage of normal orientation. This may enable the character length of the display to be increased without reducing character height whilst the message is scrolled in the vertical axis. This advantage is gained at the expense of a less natural viewing arrangement.

When incorporated in another form as a wrist watch or clock or the like as a 4 character long scrolling message display, which may also be controlled to provide a static display, 3 the invention provides for a normal timekeeping device which operates when required as a paging device or addressable message display.

The concept may be extended further where by virtue of the small size, a 2.6 character wide scrolling display may be incorporated in a ring worn on the f inger to produce a paging device. When extended to 4 characters wide, the ring may also add a conventional time keeping function.

In another form the unit may be constructed as a badge for suitable fixing to clothing or similar, or as a pen.

In yet another form the unit may be constructed as an "EXIT" or similar sign, which may be suitable for wall mounting, or as a measuring instrument, consisting of 3 or 4 static characters capable of providing longer scrolling messages when required.

Previous Patents have described row-column connected scrolling displays in a mathematical sense as consisting of one character or more. However those descriptions took no account of the fact that a scrolling display one character in width is not of practical use, as the information displayed is indiscernible by a human observer because of the inability of the human brain to make sense from the flashing light element matrix. This is a consequence of the way in which the data is updated. In fact the technique only becomes practical for human observation when the display

4 width is approximately two or more characters wide as a minimum.

Nevertheless, the applicant has found that effective communication can be achieved using a much shorter scrolling display unit than conventionally employed, in which only a small number of characters, e.g. four or less or, preferably, three or less, can be displayed at any one time as a message of many more characters is scrolled across the display. Surprisingly, it has been found that the human eye/brain system is still capable of discriminating messages of any given length without difficulty when only three characters or less are displayed simultaneously.

In consequence of this lack of realisation, traditional scrolling message displays have been configured conventionally to be typically 12 or 16 characters or more in width thus defining the dimensions and aspect ratio of the overall unit for a given character height.

It will be appreciated that a vertical scrolling arrangement may be described similarly to that above, where the length is to be understood related to the normal scrolling plane of the display.

Accordingly, the invention provides an electronic scrolling display unit mounted in a suitable housing comprising an electronic control circuit and a multiple element display panel, wherein the control circuit comprises a timing unit, storage means, input means and output means, the output means being coupled to the display panel, wherein the control circuit is capable of providing sequential data to the display panel representing a message, or optionally when selected, provides a static alpha-numeric display.

It may be advantageous for the length of the display panel to be less than 6 characters in length, or for the message to be of a length greater than the length of the display panel.

In some cases it is preferable for the ratio of message length to the display panel length to be greater than or equal to 2:1.

One advantage of a short length horizontal display is that it produces overall geometries for a display sign of approximately 2:1 to 4:1 in terms of the display panel length to height ratio. This facilitates greatly improved packaging arrangements when compared with conventional length scrolling display signs. As a consequence, substantially greater character heights may be adopted for 6 a given display length than would be the case when conventional length displays are used having overall geometry in the region of 10: 1. The larger height of the characters results in the message display being read more easily.

Furthermore, the resultant display can be made less expensively than conventional displays because of the reduced number of light emitting elements and associated parts and packaging needed.

Such a design requires between 10% and 20% of the number of light emitting elements needed in conventional displays. The matrix elements may comprise LCD, LED, gas discharge, incandescent or devices employing other optical technique, modern video panels being appropriate also. Low persistence devices are of advantage in ensuring display quality.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a design including a horizontal electronic scrolling display panel wherein the width of the display panel is such as to display only a minimum number of characters in whole or in part simultaneously whereby the entire message is still clearly understandable.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides means 7 for selecting pre-stored messages or for displaying further messages through a keyboard or remote interface, which may include speech recognition techniques with or without a switch input as confirmation of the voice signal. The switch input may select operation of speech recognition for use in forming/selecting messages for display.

According to another aspect, the invention provides optionally for a voice signal output equivalent to the displayed message.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a block diagram of a message display unit in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a 7 x 15 display matrix with different successive energised states showing a 2.6 character wide version; Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a 7 x 23 display matrix with different successive scrolling energised states showing a 4 character wide version, which is able to display time of day in 4 character wide static format; 8 Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the matrix of figure 3 showing the 4 character wide static time display, displaying a time of 10:30 in a wristwatch version of a pager device; Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the matrix of figure 3 showing the 4 character wide static time display 46, displaying a time of 10:30 in a typical handle 47, attached to the device 45; Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a message handle designed for use on a supermarket trolley, 5-1.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing a 2.6 character wide display 60 integrated into a mains electricity plug, with connecting pins shown at 62 and 64.

With reference to Figure 1, an electronic circuit for controlling the display comprises a microcomputer circuit consisting of a central processing or timing unit 10, a program memory 12, a data memory 14 and input/output circuitry 16. In applications where only pre-recorded messages need be displayed, the control circuit may be a simpler electronic sequencer design providing fabrication cost benefits. The program and data memories 12, 14 contain a plurality of messages, either predefined or entered via 9 the keyboard or remote interfaces, which can be selected either, by switch means 18 connected to the input line, by a keyboard interface 20 using a keyboard 22, or by the remote interface using parallel or serial communication techniques incorporating wired, radio, optical, microwave, audio or other transmission mediums.

Alternatively, data may be transferred to the data memory 14 to cause information to be displayed statically.

Once a message has been selected the central processing unit 10 transfers the relevant data representing to each character from its memory 14 to a display buffer memory 24 such that data stored in the buffer memory 24 represents an image of the instantaneous sequential bit pattern for each character, up to the maximum number of characters capable of being displayed at one time in a display matrix 26. In the example of a 2.6 character wide display, the first 15 bits of column data are selected from the buffer memory 24 for each row in turn, and are applied to the display matrix 26 via a column amplifier 28 and a row amplifier 30, and their corresponding latches 32, 34, whilst the appropriate row is energised and held for a predetermined time. Following each complete cycle the data within the display buffer memory 24 is shifted along one position and the whole display cycle is repeated again during which the appropriate data bits for further characters are organised within the central processing unit 10 and transferred into the display buffer memory 24. The process can be used to produce a message display capable of scrolling in any direction or alternatively remaining static. According to how the buffer memory 24, amplifiers 28, 30 and latches 32, 34 are arranged, and according to the program stored in the program memory 12, the apparatus of Figure 1 can be configured to cause a message to be moved from one end to the other of the display panel or up and down by illuminating the matrix elements in an appropriate sequence.

A similar description relates to a vertical scrolling display design.

As before, it will be understood that references to the "length" of the display panel and the "length" of the message to be displayed in this specification are to be construed as being the "length"' of each in the direction of movement of the message with respect to the panel.

A shift register can be used in place of the latches 32, 34 although latches are preferable due to the low number of columns driven by the latch to output column data, whereby the interval between subsequent column data bits is greatly reduced resulting in improved appearance of the displayed message.

Referring to Figure 2, the display elements 35 are arranged in a 7 x 15 matrix. The elements are driven such that characters generally each occupy 5 columns of elements with a 1-column spacing, resulting in a display only 2.6 characters wide. A matrix of this size can be seen in Figure 2 in which the first part of the word "THANKYOW' (occupying 8 character widths) is displayed on the matrix display of 2.6 characters width in a scrolling manner, scrolling from right to left. The first 8 sequential illuminated matrix positions of the word are shown.

Referring to Figure 3, the display elements are arranged in a 7 x 23 matrix assuming the same 7 x 5 element character matrix, resulting in a display 4 characters wide. A matrix of this size can be seen in which the first part of the word "TRANKYOW (occupying 8 character widths) is displayed on the matrix display of 4 characters width in a scrolling manner, scrolling from right to left. The figure shows the first 8 sequential illuminated matrix positions of the word.

As an alternative to the arrangement described above, but at the expense of electronic complexity, the illuminated matrix 12 elements may be powered individually instead of adopting a row and column approach - this approach is less of a problem practically when the display length is limited to a small number of characters, as described, such that the number of connections is not excessive. Even so, as an example, a 7 x 15 matrix would require 105 driving circuits, compared with 22 for the conventional design. However, this arrangement may be adopted to provide an improved quality display for short length panels.

It will be appreciated that the size of the display panel can be expressed in characters or characters and partcharacters or in other ways, and that the characters themselves may be represented by various matrix element structures besides the ones indicated.

Where reference has been made to alphanumeric display characters throughout this description it is taken to include other graphics characters or shapes which are capable of being defined by the display matrix.

13

Claims

An electronic information mains plug message display device designed for use with a conventional electricity mains socket outlet, incorporating a short length scrolling message display comprising an electronic control circuit and a multiple element display panel included within, as part of, or attached to, a mains plug housing or similar arrangement, wherein the control circuit comprises a timing unit, storage means, input means and output means, the output means being coupled to the display panel, wherein the display panel is less than approximately 8 characters in length, and the length to height ratio of the display panel is less than 5:1 approximately, and wherein the control circuit is capable of providing sequential data to the display panel representing a scrolling message of a length greater than the length of the display panel.

2. A scrolling message display paging device comprising an electronic control circuit and a multiple element display panel contained within a housing, wherein the 14 control circuit comprises a timing unit, storage means, input means and output means, the output means being coupled to the display panel, wherein the display panel is less than approximately 6 characters in length, and the length to height ratio of the display panel is less than 4:1 approximately, and wherein the control circuit is capable of providing sequential data to the display panel representing a scrolling message of a length greater than the length of the display panel, and the housing overall dimensions have an approximate height to width aspect ratio in the range of 1: 4 to 4: 1.

3. An electronic display handle designed for use on a tool, weapon, appliance, trolley, vehicle, or other device, incorporating a scrolling message display comprising an electronic control circuit and a multiple element display panel included within, on, as part of, or attached to, a handle, or similar housing or support, wherein the control circuit comprises a timing unit, storage means, input means and output means, the output means being coupled to the display panel, wherein the control circuit is capable of providing sequential data to the display panel representing a scrolling message or other information of a length greater than the length of the display panel, which appears to move along the display as a consequence of illuminating elements of the display in a predetermined sequence, and, wherein the display panel is less than approximately 6 characters in length.

4. An item according to any previous claim whereby data may be displayed statically.

5. A digital electronic clock, watch, pen or badge or similar arrangement, comprising an electronic control circuit and a multiple element display panel, wherein the control circuit comprises a timing unit, storage means, input means and output means, the output means being coupled to the display panel, wherein the display panel is approximately 4 characters in length, and the length to height ratio of the display panel is less than 4:1 approximately, and wherein the control circuit is capable of providing sequential data to the display panel representing a scrolling message of a length greater than the length of the display panel, or of providing data to the display panel representing a static display of time or other information, and the housing overall dimensions have an approximate height to width aspect ratio in the range of 1: 4 to 4: 1.

16 6. An item according to other claims whereby information is displayed in the horizontal plane.

An item according to other claims whereby information is displayed in the vertical plane.

An item according to other claims, wherein the message length is greater than the length of the display panel.

An item according to other claims, wherein the ratio of the message length to display panel length is greater than or equal to 2:1.

10. An item according to any previous claim, wherein the electronic control circuit is arranged such that the speed of the scrolling message displayed can be varied.

11. An item according to other claims, wherein the length of the display panel is less than 5 characters in length.

An item according to other claims, wherein the length of the display panel is less than 4 characters in length.

17 13. An item according to other claims, wherein the length of the display panel is less than 3 characters in length.

14. An item according to other claims, wherein the display panel is approximately 2 characters in length.

15. An item according to other claims, wherein the control circuit is capable of providing data to the display representing time.

16. An item according to other claims, wherein the control circuit is capable of providing data to the display representing temperature.

17. An item according to other claims, wherein the control circuit is capable of providing data to the display representing weight or other value.

18. An item according to other claims, wherein the control circuit is capable of providing data to the display representing the word "EXIV or similar.

19. An item according to other claims, wherein the control circuit is capable of providing data to the 18 display representing the word "FIRE" or similar.

20. An item according to the previous 5 claims, whereby this data is displayed statically.

21. An item according to other claims, wherein means is provided for incorporating function as an electronic counter.

22. An item according to other claims, wherein means is provided for incorporating a time keeping function.

23. An item according to other claims, wherein means is provided for incorporating function as a temperature gauge.

24. An item according to other claims, wherein means is provided for incorporating function as a weighing machine or other measuring instrument.

25. An item according to other claims, wherein means is provided for incorporating function as an alarm.

26. An item according to other claims, wherein means is provided for incorporating function as a clock.

2 19 7. An item according to other claims, wherein means is provided for incorporating function as a watch.

28. An item according to other claims, wherein means is provided for incorporating function as a ring worn on a finger.

29. An item according to other claims, wherein means is provided for incorporating function as a badge or pen.

30. An item according to other claims, wherein the display panel is a matrix display.

31. An item according to the previous claim, wherein the matrix display incorporates LED, LCD, gas discharge, incandescent or devices employing other optical techniques, including video panel technology.

32. An item according to other claims, wherein the length to height ratio of the display panel is less than 4:1.

33. An item according to other claims, wherein length to height ratio of the display panel is 1 than 3:1.

34. An item according to other claims, wherein the length to height ratio of the display panel is less than 2:1.

35. An item according to other claims, wherein the electronic control circuit is arranged to display information in the form of characters which appear to move from one end to the other or up and down depending on geometry of the display panel as a consequence of illuminating elements of the matrix in a predetermined sequence.

36. An item according to other claims whereby the length of the display panel is defined with regard to the display plane.

37. An item according to other claims, wherein the electronic control circuit is arranged such that the illumination of the display can be varied in whole or in part.

38. An item according to other claims, wherein the input means include a plurality of display selection switches.

21 39. An item according to the previous claim, arranged such that operation of the switches causes different selected messages to be displayed.

40. An item according to other claims, wherein the input means include a speech recognition system for supplying, selecting or defining messages.

41. An item according to the previous claim, further comprising means for selecting speech recognition as the input means.

42. An item according to other claims, wherein the input means includes a keyboard interface, the electronic control circuit being arranged such that user-defined information entered using a keyboard coupled to the keyboard interface can be displayed.

43. An item according to other claims, wherein the input means includes a switch interface for connection to display selection switches.

44. An item according to other claims, wherein the input means include a wired interface for connecting the unit to a computer or other electronic system for defining 22 or selecting information.

45. An item according to other claims, wherein the input means include a radio paging or other electromagnetic wave interface for defining or selecting information.

46. An item according to other claims, wherein the input means include an infra-red or other optical interface for defining or selecting information.

47. An item according to other claims, wherein the imt means include a speech, ultrasonic, or other acoustic wave interface for defining or selecting information.

48. An item according to other claims, wherein the input means provides for different information to be selected or defined.

49. An item according to other claims, wherein the electronic control circuit comprises a computer circuit including a central processing unit, memory means for storing a control program and messages for display, and input/output means for feeding display control signals to the display panel.

23 50. An item according to other claims, wherein the elements of the display panel are electrically driven employing a row and column arrangement.

51. An item according to other claims, wherein the elements of the display panel are electrically driven individually.

52. An item according to other claims, wherein the output means include speech or other audible output.

53. An item according to other claims wherein one or more display panels are included.

54. An item according to other claims whereby the display panel or panels are constructed to display one or more lines of information.

55. An item according to other claims associated with a portable arrangement.

56. An item according to other claims associated with a fixed arrangement.

57. An item according to other claims constructed from 24 metal, wood, plastic, composite or other suitable material.

58. An item according to other claims whereby the physical packaging arrangement is defined as a housing.

59. An item according to other claims whereby the physical outline of the display panel is arranged to be included within the overall outline dimensions of the housing.

60. An item according to other claims whereby the display panel physical outline falls outside the overall dimensions of the housing.

61. A unit according to other claims wherein the housing has an overall height to width aspect ratio in the range of 1: 4 to 4: 1, approximately.

62. A unit according to other claims wherein the housing has an overall height to width aspect ratio in the range of 1: 3 to 3: 1, approximately.

63. A unit according to other claims wherein the housing has an overall height to width aspect ratio in the range of 1: 2 to 2: 1, approximately.

64. A unit according to other claims wherein the housing has an approximate overall height to width aspect ratio of 1: 1.

65. An item according to other claims arranged to be suitable for surface, wall, gantry or other appropriate mounting.

66. An item according to other claims arranged to be suitable for desk or table top use.

67. An item according to other claims whereby the overall dimensions of the display panel are arranged to be suitable in applications where the physical space available is limited whilst still enabling displayed information to be viewed with ease.

68. A handle according to other claims whereby the description of a handle is taken to define any other form of suitable arrangement.

69. An electronic sign or information display handle designed for use on a trolley, vehicle, or similar 26 device, incorporating a scrolling message display comprising an electronic control circuit and a multiple element display panel wherein the control circuit comprises a timing unit, storage means, input means and output means, the output means being coupled to the display panel, wherein the control circuit is capable of providing sequential data to the display panel representing a message or other information which appears to move along the display as a consequence of illuminating elements of the display in a predetermined sequence.

70. A handle according to other claims suitable for incorporation in a supermarket trolley or similar item.

71. An item constructed and arranged substantially as herein described.