Patent ID: 6016135
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A graphic display system comprising:(a) display means having a matrix of elements switchable between light and dark states from which elements images of characters are formed, said matrix of elements being disposed about a longitudinal axis and said display means having rotation symmetric about said axis;(b) means for generating data signals representing said characters, said generating means including a memory having storage for said data signals;(c) graphic driver means operated by said data signals for selectively changing the elements of said display means between said light and dark states for presenting said characters selectively in upright or inverted orientation and in reverse sequence when inverted, such that a message containing said characters can be presented in right- or left-handed orientations and in upright or inverted orientation, said driver means being operative to present said characters in the same orientation and sequence when said characters are flipped in opposite directions to positions 180.degree. displaced from each other symmetrically about said axis, wherein said driver means comprises means for converting said data signals corresponding to said characters to light and dark states of said elements to form said characters in said matrix, and said converting means comprises means providing an array of data signal storage cells corresponding to said matrix of elements;(d) means for reading said data signals from said memory into said array of storage cells for storing said data signals for said characters in the upright position or in the inverted position in reverse sequence; and(e) means for mapping said data signals in said cells to the matrix of elements of said display means in locations corresponding to the orientation and sequence of said characters in said array of data storage cells;wherein said elements are disposed in first and second pluralities of areas in first and second rows between which said axis extends such that said rows are on opposite sides of said axis and other graphic symbols are disposed in third and fourth pluralities of areas in rows spaced on opposite sides of said axis, said first and third pluralities of areas being disposed in mirror-wise symmetric relationship with said second and fourth pluralities of areas with respect to said axis.