Providing a floating alphanumeric/graphical display without moving electronics
US8085218B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG09F9/33
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Mechanisms for providing a floating display without moving electronics is provided. The mechanisms include a stationary array of light emitting elements and a moving reflective element. As the reflective element rotates, oscillates, or otherwise moves in a path relative to the array of light emitting elements, a controller controls the illumination, i.e. the pulsing on and off, of the light emitting elements based on a location of the reflective element so as to achieve a desired image, alphanumeric message, graphical display, animated display, or the like. The reflective element may be a reflective sphere having a reflective exterior surface. In this way, the electronics used to generate the floating display are kept stationary while the reflective element is moved along a path of motion to generate the floating image. This reduces the complexity and cost of the electronics needed to generate a floating image.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.