U.S. patent application number 11/052054 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-13 for display and corresponding support, emissive lighting display modules and packaging for such display modules.
Invention is credited to Steven De Keukeleire, Robbie Thielemans, Herbert Van Hille.
Application Number | 20060075666 11/052054 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35432005 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060075666 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thielemans; Robbie ; et
al. |
April 13, 2006 |
Display and corresponding support, emissive lighting display
modules and packaging for such display modules
Abstract
Display including comprising a support holding a number of
emissive lighting modules of single or multiple types wherein
whereby the emissive lighting modules are provided of a mechanical
packaging of non-rectilinear geometry, optionally a triangular, a
rectangular, a pentagonal, a hexagonal or an octagonal geometry;
and wherein the whereby said support can have a two or three
dimensional shape, and optionally can be a display tile assembly, a
brick assembly, a pole assembly, a cabled assembly, a strip
assembly, a grid assembly, a direct-mount display assembly, a
mounting curtain assembly section and/or a curtain bar
mechanism.
Inventors: |
Thielemans; Robbie;
(Nazareth, BE) ; Van Hille; Herbert; (Ismaning,
DE) ; De Keukeleire; Steven; (Deinze, BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BACON & THOMAS, PLLC
625 SLATERS LANE
FOURTH FLOOR
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
35432005 |
Appl. No.: |
11/052054 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60616200 |
Oct 7, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/448 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/14 20130101; G09F
9/30 20130101; G09G 2360/04 20130101; H04N 9/30 20130101; H04N
2213/001 20130101; G09G 2370/042 20130101; G09G 2370/04 20130101;
G09F 9/33 20130101; G09F 27/008 20130101; G09G 3/2014 20130101;
G06F 3/1446 20130101; H05B 47/18 20200101; H04N 9/12 20130101; G06F
3/1431 20130101; H05B 47/10 20200101; G09F 19/22 20130101; G09G
2370/045 20130101; G09F 9/3026 20130101; G09G 3/32 20130101; G09F
15/00 20130101; Y02B 20/40 20130101; G09G 2300/026 20130101; H04N
5/70 20130101; G09G 3/3611 20130101; H04N 13/305 20180501; G09G
5/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
040/448 |
International
Class: |
G09F 9/00 20060101
G09F009/00 |
Claims
1. Display comprising a support holding a number of emissive
lighting modules of single or multiple types wherein the emissive
lighting modules by mechanical packaging are arranged with
non-rectilinear geometry; and wherein said support shape is
selected from the group consisting of two and three dimensional
shapes.
2. Display according to claim 1, whereby the display is a large
scale display.
3. Display according to claim 1, whereby the mechanical packaging
and the support are arranged so they enable assembly of build a
display with a non-rectilinear periphery.
4. Display according to claim 1, whereby the mechanical packaging
and the support are such that they enable assembly of a display
having a non-planar geometry.
5. Display according to claim 1, whereby the emissive lighting
modules held by the support are distributed in a heterogeneous
manner in order to achieve an irregular pitch.
6. Mechanical packaging for emissive lighting modules for use in a
display according to claim 1, said mechanical packaging having a
non-rectilinear geometry selected from the group consisting of, a
triangular, a rectangular, a pentagonal, a hexagonal and an
octagonal geometry.
7. Emissive lighting display module for use in a display according
to claim 1, said emissive lighting module including a mechanical
packaging with non-rectilinear geometry.
8. Support for use in a display according to claim 1, wherein the
support comprises one or more assemblies selected from the group
consisting of a display tile assembly, a brick assembly, a pole
assembly, a cabled assembly, a strip assembly, a grid assembly, a
direct-mount display assembly, a mounting curtain assembly section
and/of a curtain bar mechanism.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to packaging geometries for
emissive lighting display modules and the corresponding support
mechanisms that enable large-scale display applications. In
particular, the present invention relates to an adaptable support
framework and non-rectilinear display module packages that achieve
non-orthogonal large-scale display geometries.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0004] Conventional incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, and neon
tubes have long been used to illuminate many large-scale commercial
and public signs. However, the market is now demanding cheaper and
larger displays that have the flexibility to customize display
sizes and colors, that have lighting, image and video capability,
and that are easy to install, maintain and disassemble, especially
for use in temporary venues; these are market specifications that
are not possible with the older technologies. As a result, many
displays now utilize emissive lighting modules, such as light
emitting diodes (LEDs), or organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs),
or other emissive display technologies. The emissive display
modules are more advantageous than conventional lighting modules,
because they consume less power, possess a much longer lifetime and
have lower maintenance costs. However, the use of solid-state
lighting is still relatively new in large-scale display
applications; therefore, a need exists to provide a support
framework for lighting modules for the purpose of creating
integrated large-scale displays.
[0005] Emissive display technologies are currently being applied to
modular large-scale display applications, such as outdoor or indoor
stadium displays, large marketing advertisement displays, and
mass-public informational displays. The configurations of these
large-scale displays are often inflexible and have few display
geometries and support frameworks and, therefore, result in
standard rectilinear displays, such as billboards. Further, these
displays are not always designed from the standpoint of easy
assembly or maintenance and, at best, ready access of lighting
elements is often considered late in the execution of the design.
Thus, there exists a need to provide a support framework capable of
being configured into a large variety of non-planar geometries. In
addition, there is a need to provide lighting modules that have a
variety of form factors and packaging geometries that can be
fastened to a support framework in order to create a variety of
large-scale displays with non-rectilinear peripheries.
[0006] An example of a configurable large-scale display is found in
reference to U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,669, entitled "Sectional display
system." The U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,669 details a planar matrix of
display units contained within a support framework that provides
ready access to the internally located display modules and other
components. This design allows for quick change-out of the modular
display elements and other components. However, the U.S. Pat. No.
6,314,669 patent fails to provide a means of creating large-scale
non-planar displays, such as vaulted shapes, saddle shapes, or
other curved displays that may envelop interior or exterior walls
and ceilings.
[0007] The U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,669 also requires that the lighting
modules be uniformly populated, such that the spacing of display
elements is constant and consistent along the length and breadth of
the display system. This can be problematic for many display
designs that require an irregular pitch for unique lighting effects
or to minimize wind loads. Thus, a need exists to provide a support
framework capable of being populated with lighting modules in a
heterogeneous manner in order to achieve an irregular pitch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to packaging geometries for
emissive display modules and the accompanying support mechanism for
use in large-scale display applications. In particular, the present
invention relates to an adaptable support framework and
non-rectilinear display module packages that together form
non-orthogonal large-scale displays.
[0009] It is an object of this invention to provide a support
framework for lighting modules for the purpose of creating
integrated large-scale displays.
[0010] It is another object of this invention to provide a support
framework capable of being configured into a large variety of
non-planar geometries.
[0011] It is yet another object of this invention to provide
lighting modules with a variety of form factors and packaging
geometries that can be fastened to a support framework to create a
variety of large-scale displays that have non-rectilinear
peripheries.
[0012] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a
support framework capable of being populated with lighting modules
in a heterogeneous manner in order to achieve an irregular
pitch.
[0013] To this aim, the present invention concerns a display
comprising a support holding a number of emissive display modules
of single or multiple types whereby the emissive display modules
are provided of a mechanical packaging of non-rectilinear geometry,
optionally a triangular, a rectangular, a pentagonal, a hexagonal
or an octagonal geometry; and whereby said support can have a two
or three dimensional shape, and optionally can be a display tile
assembly, a brick assembly, a pole assembly, a cabled assembly, a
strip assembly, a grid assembly, a direct-mount display assembly, a
mounting curtain assembly section and/or a curtain bar
mechanism.
[0014] The present invention is also about such a packaging and
about emissive display modules provided of a packaging which can be
used in a display as described above and where the packaging has a
non-rectilinear geometry, optionally a triangular, a rectangular, a
pentagonal, a hexagonal or an octagonal geometry.
[0015] The present invention also handles about a support which can
be used in a display according to the invention, where such support
can be a display tile assembly, a brick assembly, a pole assembly,
a cabled assembly, a strip assembly, a grid assembly, a
direct-mount display assembly, a mounting curtain assembly section
and/or a curtain bar mechanism.
[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the display, the
emissive lighting modules held by the support can be distributed in
a heterogeneous manner in order to achieve an irregular pitch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In order to better show the characteristics of the
invention, some preferred embodiments of a mechanical packaging and
supports are shown which can be used in a display according to the
invention, without being limitative in any way, with reference to
the attached drawings, where:
[0018] FIG. 1A through 1E illustrate perspective views of a variety
of display module types in accordance with the invention;
[0019] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate respectively a plan view and a
perspective view of a display tile assembly for use as an
illuminated floor tile in accordance with the invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a viewable side of
a brick assembly for use in a larger display in accordance with the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 4A and 4B illustrates perspective views of a pole
display assembly in accordance with the invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cabled display
assembly in accordance with the invention;
[0023] FIG. 6A and 6B illustrate perspective views of a strip
assembly in accordance with the invention;
[0024] FIG. 7A and 7B illustrate perspective views of a fastening
mechanism that joins multiple strip assemblies in accordance with
the invention;
[0025] FIG. 8A through 8D are perspective views of a grid assembly
for mounting a plurality of display modules in accordance with the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 9A illustrates a direct-mount display assembly in
accordance with the invention;
[0027] FIG. 9B illustrates a direct-mount display enclosure in
accordance with the invention;
[0028] FIG. 10A illustrates a mounting curtain assembly section in
accordance with the invention;
[0029] FIG. 10B illustrates a curtain assembly display mount in
accordance with the invention;
[0030] FIG. 11A illustrates a curtain bar mechanism in accordance
with the invention;
[0031] FIG. 11B illustrates a data and power cable which is
contained within the curtain bar mechanism in accordance with the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] FIGS. 1A through 1E illustrate the perspective views of a
variety of display module types in accordance with the invention.
Display modules are the smallest user-configurable lighting
elements of a large-scale display and contain all the electronic
circuitry necessary to power and drive an array of emissive
lighting elements 100. Display modules may be of a variety of
packaging outlines. A triangular display module 110 is a
triangle-shaped lighting module that contains an array of, for
example, six emissive lighting elements 100. A rectangular display
module 120 is a rectangle-shaped lighting module that contains an
array of, for example nine emissive lighting elements 100 in a
3.times.3 array. A pentagonal display module 130 is a
pentagon-shaped lighting module that contains an array of, for
example six emissive lighting elements 100.
[0033] A hexagonal display module 140 is a hexagon-shaped lighting
module that contains an array of, for example seven emissive
lighting elements 100. An octagonal display module 150 is an
octagon-shaped lighting module that contains an array of, for
example eleven emissive lighting elements 100.
[0034] In operation, a plurality of display modules are
interconnected within a support framework (not shown) to form a
modular large-scale display (not shown) that is operated by means
of a display control module (not shown). FIGS. 1A through 1E
illustrate a number of exemplary arrays of emissive lighting
elements 100; however, actual array sizes and shapes are not
limited to those provided in these array examples.
[0035] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a plan view and a perspective
view, respectively, of a display tile assembly 200. Display tile
assembly 200 is a planar assembly of, for example, four rectangular
display modules 120, and is suitable for use as an illuminated
floor tile. Display tile assembly 200 operates within a set of tile
assemblies to form a large-area, tiled display; for example, a
display that covers an entire floor. A single display tile assembly
200 includes a number of rectangular display modules 120, for
example four and a protective glass cover 210. The display modules
120 within a display tile assembly 200 can be placed in contact
with each other or they can be placed at a certain fixed or
arbitrary distance of each other, depending on the application.
[0036] In operation, a plurality of tile assemblies 200 are
interconnected to form an overall large-scale floor display (not
shown) that is operated by means of a display control module (not
shown).
[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a viewable side of a brick
assembly 300 in accordance with the invention. Brick assembly 300
is suitable for use as an autonomous display; or, alternatively,
may operate within a set of brick assemblies 300 to form a larger
display (not shown). Brick assembly 300 includes a number of
rectangular display modules 120, for example two, a faceplate 310,
drive circuit printed circuit boards (PCBs) 320, a heat sink 330, a
service (Light-Emitting Diode) LED 340, a backup battery 350, a
cooling fan 360 and a display housing 370.
[0038] Faceplate 310 is a protective glass cover that encases
rectangular display modules 120. Drive circuit PCBs 320 contains
the electronic circuits that switch the individual emissive
lighting elements 100 on and off and control the intensity of the
display. Heat sink 330 and cooling fan 360 are the thermal
management components that regulate the temperature within brick
assembly 300. Service LED 340 is readable by user maintenance
personnel and indicates a malfunction within brick assembly 300.
Backup battery 350 provides auxiliary power, in the event of a
power outage, to allow brick assembly 300 to store display
configuration settings before power-down.
[0039] In operation, drive circuit PCBs 320 receives control
signals from controller module (not shown) by means of data cables
(not shown) and uses signals to activate and modulate the
illumination of rectangular display modules 120 that create a
portion of an overall display. A large-scale display is constructed
from an array of brick assemblies 300, for example a large-scale
wall display.
[0040] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of a pole assembly 400
in accordance with the invention. Pole assembly 400 includes a
number of display modules, for example, rectangular display modules
120 stacked in the vertical dimension on a single vertical surface.
Pole assembly 400 also includes a pole support member 410, cabling
used to carry data and power to rectangular display modules 120
(not shown), and a mechanical means of fixing the display tiles
onto the pole (not shown).
[0041] Pole assembly 400 can have rectangular display modules 120
mounted on more than one vertical surface of a pole. Additionally,
a single vertical surface of a pole may contain more than one
vertical stack of rectangular display modules 120 (not shown). The
distances between the individual rectangular display modules 120
mounted on pole assembly 400 is variable. Pole assembly 400 is
installed on site, for example, by securing one end into the
ground. Other means of anchoring pole assembly 400 are also
possible, as shown in FIG. 4B.
[0042] In operation, pole assembly 400 receives control signals
from controller module (not shown) by means of data cables (not
shown) that determine the illumination level of each emissive
lighting elements of the display. Pole assembly 400 then
illuminates to produce a pole assembly 400 viewable image.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cabled assembly 500 in
accordance with the invention. Cabled assembly 500 includes a
number of display modules, for example four rectangular display
modules 120 assembled in a linear fashion on mounting cables 510.
In addition, electrical cabling (not shown) is used to carry data
and power to rectangular display modules 120, and means of mounting
rectangular display modules 120 onto the pole (not shown). In
operation, a number of cabled assemblies 500 operating in parallel
produce an overall large-scale display (not shown) that is operated
by means of a display control module (not shown).
[0044] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a side view and a front view,
respectively, of a strip assembly 600 in accordance with the
invention. Strip assembly 600 includes a number of display modules,
for example, nine rectangular display modules 120 fastened in a
linear fashion onto a strip mounting subassembly 610. The use of
other display module geometries, for example triangular display
module 110, pentagonal display module 130, hexagonal display module
140, or octagonal display module 150, is possible. Strip mounting
subassembly 610 is a strip of flexible material, for example, a
polymer, that is capable of securely holding rectangular display
modules 120, while providing flexibility and thereby allowing strip
assembly 600 to be bent into a variety of forms, such that a number
of non-orthogonal, three-dimensional surfaces can be achieved, e.g.
spherical-, conical-, or barrel-shaped surfaces. Strip mounting
subassembly 610 also provides cabling for interconnecting the data
and power connections to rectangular display modules 120 adjacent
to each other on the strips (not shown). The flexibility of strip
assembly 600 also allows a compact packaging of long strips (not
shown). Strip assembly 600 may have a variety of lengths and
widths. Other strip shapes and designs, including curved shapes are
also possible.
[0045] FIG. 7A and 7B illustrate front views of fastening
mechanisms 700 that join multiple strip assemblies 600 along their
lateral dimension. FIG. 7A depicts a strip fastening mechanism 710,
which joins a plurality of strip assemblies 600 together by a cord
720, which is, for example, a polymer rope. Alternatively, FIG. 7B
depicts strip fastening mechanism 712. Strip fastening mechanism
712 illustrates a number of strip assemblies 600 that are joined
together using zippers 730 or similar mechanisms (not shown). In
operation an overall large-scale display (not shown) is produced by
operating a number of strip assemblies 600 together in
parallel.
[0046] FIGS. 8A through 8D depict grid assembly 800 in accordance
with the invention. Grid assembly 800 is a structural framework
used for mounting a plurality of display modules, and is formed of,
for example, a lattice of extruded aluminium tubing. Grid assembly
800 is designed to be mounted on a large structural surface, such
as a building wall (not shown). Grid assembly 800 is capable of
taking on a variety of three-dimensional geometries in order to
create both planar and complex non-planar surfaces. FIGS. 8A and 8B
depict a rectangular grid assembly 810. Rectangular grid assembly
810 is a planar and rectilinear framework designed to carry
rectangular display modules 120 for a flat display. Other,
non-planar, configurations for rectangular grid assembly 810 are
possible. FIGS. 8C and 8D depict a hexagonal grid assembly 812.
Hexagonal grid assembly 812 is a honeycomb-like structure designed
to hold hexagonal display modules 140. Hexagonal grid assemblies
812, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, implement a non-planar display
with an irregular outline. Overall, hexagonal grid assembly 812 is
capable of implementing large non-planar displays, such as barrel
vaults, domes, saddle shapes or non-uniform, three-dimensional
shapes (not shown).
[0047] In operation, grid assembly 800 receives control signals
from controller modules (not shown) by means of data cables (not
shown) that determine the illumination level of each emissive
lighting element of the display. Grid assembly 800 then illuminates
to produce a large-scale display.
[0048] FIG. 9A illustrates a direct-mount display assembly 900 in
accordance with the invention. Direct-mount display assembly 900 is
formed of a direct-mount display enclosure 910, a hinge mechanism
912, a mounting attachment 914, a building wall 916, and a
controller 918. FIG. 9B depicts a perspective view of direct-mount
display assembly 910 and includes a direct-mount display enclosure
910, which contains a plurality of display modules, for example six
rectangular display modules 120.
[0049] Direct-mount display assembly 900 is formed of direct-mount
display enclosure 910 mounted through hinge mechanism 912, which
allows easy adjustment of the display angle for, for example ready
maintenance or removal. Direct-mount display assembly 900 is
anchored to building wall 916 through mounting attachment 914.
Controller 918 can be mounted inside building wall 916 and contains
the display control functionality and power supply required for the
operation of display assembly 900.
[0050] In operation, a plurality of direct-mount display assemblies
900 receive control signals from controller 918 by means of data
cables (not shown) that determine the illumination level of each
emissive lighting element of the display. Direct-mount display
assembly 900 then illuminates to produce a large-scale display.
[0051] FIG. 10A illustrates a mounting curtain assembly section
1000 in accordance with the invention. Mounting curtain assembly
section 1000 is formed of a curtain 1010 and a number of display
modules, for example, six rectangular display modules 120. Mounting
curtain assembly section 1000 is a portion of an overall
large-scale display (not shown) that may contain many numbers of
mounting curtain assembly sections 1000.
[0052] FIG. 10B illustrates a curtain assembly display mount 1011
in accordance with the invention. Curtain assembly display mount
1011 possesses a plurality of push-button receptacles 1012, for
example, four, on curtain 1010, onto which rectangular display
modules 120 mount by means of "snap-in-place" push buttons 1014.
Alternatively, rectangular display modules 120 can be mounted to
curtain 1010 by means of a threaded stud (not shown), passing
through a "buttonhole" (not shown) on curtain 1010 and secured in
place by means of a nut (not shown). Numerous additional means of
mounting rectangular display modules 120 are also possible, such as
a sewn pocket in curtain 1010 (not shown). The use of other display
module geometries, for example triangular display module 110,
pentagonal display module 130, hexagonal display module 140, or
octagonal display module 150, is possible by the use of mounting
curtain assembly section 1000. Additional effects are possible, for
example, the fabric of curtain 1010 may be conventionally printed
upon in order to produce a banner or billboard that uses
rectangular display modules 120 for lighting or image
enhancement.
[0053] The shape and dimensions of curtain 1010 can vary. In
addition, any number of display modules, for example rectangular
display modules 120, can be attached to the curtain, by the use of,
for example, push buttons 1014. The display pitch can be modified
by selectively populating curtain 1010 with rectangular display
modules 120 at various distances. During installation display
modules are fed through the curtain 1010 and the wires are
concealed behind them. Alternatively, curtain 1010 can be of a
"sandwiched" construction, for example, a second layer can be added
with stitched channels where the cables (not shown) can be fed
through to provide electrical interconnection for control signals
and power.
[0054] FIG. 11A illustrates a curtain bar mechanism 1100 in
accordance with the invention. Curtain bar mechanism 1100 consists
of curtain 1010, which is mounted between curtain bars 1110.
Curtain bars 1110 are fixed by means of attachments 1112 to a wall,
ceiling or similar fixed surface (not shown).
[0055] FIG. 11B depicts data and power cable 1114, which is
contained within curtain bar mechanism 1100. Data and power cable
1114 provides a connection to controller boxes (not shown) that are
unobtrusively installed within walls or at attachments 1112, for
example. Curtain bars 1110 are spaced at intervals that do not
affect pixel pitch.
[0056] In operation, a plurality of mounting curtain assembly
sections 1000 receive control signals from controller assemblies by
means of data cables (not shown) that determine the illumination
level of each emissive lighting element of the display. Mounting
curtain assembly sections 1000 then illuminate to produce a
large-scale display.
[0057] The present invention is a number of packaging geometries
for emissive lighting display modules and the corresponding support
mechanisms. Therefore, support frameworks are provided for a
variety of lighting modules for the purpose of creating integrated
large-scale displays. The packaging geometries of the present
invention include: a triangular display module 110, a rectangular
display module 120, a pentagonal display module 130, a hexagonal
display module 140, and an octagonal display module 150. Thus,
lighting modules with a variety of form factors and packaging
geometries are provided that can be fastened to a support framework
to create a variety of large-scale planar or non-planar displays
that have non-rectilinear peripheries. The support mechanisms of
the present invention include: a display tile assembly 200, a brick
assembly 300, a pole assembly 400, a cabled assembly 500, a strip
assembly 600, fastening mechanisms 700, a grid assembly 800, a
direct-mount display assembly 900, a mounting curtain assembly
sections 1000, and a curtain bar mechanism 1100. Therefore,
numerous support frameworks capable of being configured into a
large variety of planar or non-planar geometries are provided,
whereby the support mechanisms hold a large number of display
modules of single or multiple types to create a large-scale
display, and support framework capable of being populated with
lighting modules in a heterogeneous manner to achieve an irregular
pitch is demonstrated.
[0058] The invention is by no means restricted to the above
described embodiment, represented in the accompanying drawings; on
the contrary, such a mechanical packaging and support which can be
used in a display according to the invention, can be made in all
sorts of variants while still remaining within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *