Patent · US Expired

Edge-lit multiple image display device

US4949489A · kind A · utility

10Cited by
5References
20Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 11, 1989
Grant dateAug 21, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 11, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG09F2013/1868
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

There is disclosed an edge-lit multiple image display device. The device utilizes a plurality of internal-reflecting-light sheets which are provided in a stacked array. Images are formed on the surfaces of the sheets with a coating of a material that changes the density on the internally reflecting surface of its respective sheet. A light source is provided to illuminate the edges of the stacked array of sheets, with a light shield that can be moved to selectively direct the light to one edge at a time of the edges of the sheets in the stack. As the light shield is moved to selectively and alternatingly illuminate the edges of selected sheets in the stacked array, the images displayed on each of the edge-lit plates becomes illuminated, appearing and then disappearing as the light source is applied and then removed from the edge of its respective plate. This can be used to provide an animated display.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.