Optical display device and method of operating an optical display device
US6239716A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S362/80
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical display device has a set of LEDs arranged in a matrix and includes control circuitry which acts as a controllable current source and as controllable voltage sources. The control circuitry enables a constant current to be applied for each LED, and respective voltages to be established accordingly. Due to the additional logic circuitry which deliver different clock pulses at different frequencies for cyclic switching of at least one LED, signals that are visible to the human eye are generated and at the same time signals that are not visible to the human eye are also generated. The signals that are not visible are digitally coded and transmitted for appropriately adapted reading devices. Thus additional information for a variety of purposes can be made available, especially in the communications and traffic area, simultaneously with the lighting up of the LEDs. This refers in particular to traffic control systems, diagnosis and monitoring. An optical display device designed in this way permits a design, for example, as a taillight, brake light, flashing indicator light and the like in a motor vehicle or with other traffic and communications means and also in equipment in p…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.