Patent ID: 6677922
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: G09F

Abstract:
A pixel for use in a visual matrix display, the pixel comprising:a substantially planar opaque rigid element; a layer of cube prism retroreflective elements having an aperture, said layer being disposed on a front side of the opaque rigid element such that light originating from a rear side of the opaque rigid element is substantially prevented from passing through said layer; wherein each face of each cube prism has an angle relative to an axis normal to the planar opaque rigid element, the angles for each cube prism averaging about 35 degrees; a light source received in the aperture; a selectively pivotable flap having a retroreflector including a retroreflective surface, wherein the selectively pivotable flap is opaque at the retroreflective surface, the selectively pivotable flap having an axis of pivot located generally parallel to the planar opaque rigid element; and wherein the selectively pivotable flap is adapted to travel between a first position where the selectively pivotable flap covers the light source and a second position where the light source and retroreflective surface are exposed.