Patent ID: 6150996
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: G09F,G09G

Abstract:
A modular sign system for constructing outdoor changeable message signs with an exteriorly exposed sign screen of an adjustable size, the system comprising:a) a sign controller comprised of circuitry with a data output for providing message data to a selected number of individual display modules through said data output, said selected number being changeable as the screen size is adjusted, said data including specific data for each display module;b) a plurality of interchangeable display modules, each display module comprising:i) an enclosure having a display side with a sign screen portion, the enclosure positionable next to other interchangeable display modules such that the screen portions are adjacent one another for defining the sign screen;ii) a submatrix of changeable pixel elements positioned within the open interior of the enclosure adjacent to the display side, the pixel elements viewable through the display side, the enclosures sized and the pixel elements arranged on each display module to provide an alphanumeric character height capability on each of said individual display modules of at least six inches; andiii) circuitry contained with the enclosure and connected to the pixel elements, said circuitry having a data input and being configured for retaining a display module address, for receiving the message data, for distinguishing the specific data corresponding to said display module address, and for operating the pixel elements in accordance with the specific data received from the sign controller, the circuitry sealed within the enclosure whereby each display module is independently protected from the weather;c) a mounting structure having slots for the attachment of a variable number of interchangeable display modules positioned in a matrix arrangement comprising at least one row and at least two columns wherein each display module is exteriorly exposed, the mounting structure having sufficient slots for accommodating additional display modules for expansion of said matrix arrangement, thereby expanding the sign screen and reconfiguring said sign.