Abstract:
Discrete flexible pixel elements are hermetically sealed from the environment and comprise unitary, self-contained replaceable modules which enable efficient, economical production of large scale, free-form electronic displays, signs and lighting effects for outdoor use. The method and means for producing hermetically sealed discrete flexible pixel elements include encapsulation means, exterior casement means, and cable connector means.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 10/965,127 filed on Oct. 14, 2004 now abandoned, entitled “Flexible Pixel String Software and Method.” 
     This application claims priority from the earlier filed U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/926,706 filed Apr. 27, 2007, entitled “Flexible Pixel Assemblies for Mounting on Irregular Surfaces,” and is hereby incorporated into this application by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     This application is related to U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/965,133 filed on Oct. 14, 2004, entitled “Flexible Pixel String Hardware and Method,” which is pending. 
     This application is also related to U.S. utility patent application entitled “Flexible Pixel Element Fabrication and Sealing Method”, application Ser. No. 11/895,424, filed concurrently herewith, a copy of which is attached and the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention teaches a discreet flexible pixel element for use in flexible pixel strings, a connection means for serially connecting a plurality of discreet flexible pixel elements into flexible pixel strings, and a distribution means for distributing operating power, image data and control signals to a flexible pixel string, thereby to produce visual display images and lighting effects for viewing by a viewing party or public. Flexible pixel strings may be used in electronic display devices and signage and, more particularly, in non-rectilinear, non-planar electronic display devices having irregular shapes and surface features. Electronic displays having irregular shapes or surface features include channel letter displays, free-form logo and design displays; curved, round and cylindrical displays, and the like. Displays of this type often are mounted on large area surfaces, such as the interior or exterior of buildings, where the intent is to complement the surface architecture of the building by conforming to the building surfaces. The discreet flexible pixel element, connection means, and signal distribution means of the present invention enable efficient, economical production of large scale, direct view electronic displays, signage and lighting effects that are not restricted to rectilinear and planar configuration, but may freely conform to irregular shapes and surfaces. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Electronic display devices and electronic signage are known in the art. An electronic display device typically comprises a display board that produces visual images by means of a grid of small light-emitting elements such as incandescent bulbs, LEDs, or the like; data handling and control means for managing transfer of digital image data for display as visual images, and means for converting digital image data into visual image data and display control signals to drive light-emitting elements or pixels to produce visual images on an electronic display board for viewing. 
     The graphical content that can be displayed on electronic display devices is technology-dependent and generally limited by the light-emitting elements used to produce visual images. Early prior art electronic display devices consisted of a matrix or grid of small light-emitting elements, such as incandescent bulbs, which were turned on and off in simple patterns to produce text messages and primitive graphic images for viewing. Continuing improvements in the art have produced electronic display devices that are increasingly larger in scale and more powerful with respect to the size, complexity and sophistication of visual images that can be displayed. Light-emitting display technology also has become increasingly more sophisticated, progressing from monochrome incandescent and LED devices to video quality components capable of producing near continuous-tone graphical output, dynamic combinations of text and images, complex animations, recorded video sequences and live video streams. 
     Electronic display devices of irregular shape also are known in the art. One popular type of irregular shape electronic display device is channel letter signage, where large block letters with internal channels are fitted with light-emitting elements to produce signage and lighting effects. Depending on the type of light-emitting elements used, as well as the capabilities of the control means employed, early prior art channel letter signs were capable of producing simple dynamic graphical effects such as flashing, rippling, scrolling and the like. The prior art provides for channel letter signs that can display video quality images and a variety of dynamic lighting effects. 
     The construction of prior art irregular shape electronic display devices, including channel letter signage, is typically accomplished using conventional rectangular-grid video components. However, such use of rectangular-grid video components is inelegant and wasteful in implementation, while the end result often lacks the desired effect that shaped video components can provide. Moreover, rectangular-grid video components and control system means are inadequate for creating the type of custom shaped electronic display devices that are becoming increasingly popular. Custom shaped electronic displays may be non-rectilinear and non-planar (e.g., circular, cylindrical and spherical displays), making the use of rectangular-grid video components to produce custom shaped electronic displays difficult to execute and expensive to produce. However, electronic display devices and signage that use rectangular-grid video components are more easily repaired than those that use shaped video components, since rectangular-grid video components are easily replaced when they fail or are damaged, while shaped video components must be re-fabricated to match the failed or damaged components. 
     Additional problems in the prior art result from limitations of technology used to distribute signals, such as operating power, image data and display control signals, to pixel elements ganged together in large scale displays and signage. In the prior art, pixel element driving circuits, such as LED drivers, typically reside on one or more off-board printed circuit boards (PCBs) within a remotely located display controller. Distribution of operating power, image data, and display control signals to the pixel elements is accomplished by means of lengthy power and signal cables. This means of supplying pixel elements with operating power, image data and control signals incurs several disadvantages. First, power loss and signal degradation across long run lengths of conductors limits the distance the off-board pixel element driver PCBs can reside from the pixel elements they drive, thus limiting the size of the electronic display device to the maximum conductor run length and restricting optimal placement of remote display controllers. Second, limitations on the number of pixel elements that can be serviced by a single driver PCB requires the use of multiple driver PCBs to service a large plurality of pixel elements embodied within large scale electronic displays and signage. Third, the use of multiple driver PCBs requires the concomitant use of expensive power and signal cables to service the pixel elements. Finally, the multiplicity of driver PCBs, power cables and signal cables, in addition to the large plurality of pixel elements inherent in the design of large scale electronic display devices and signage, creates a vulnerable design architecture having complex wiring with many connection points and potential points of failure. Moreover, while the prior art provides for serial-connection of pixel elements in electronic display devices and signage, the data transmission distance between pixel elements is limited to short distances and still requires a large number of power and signal conductors to transmit operating power, image data and control signals between pixel elements. 
     Another problem inherent in the prior art is means and methods to protect a vulnerable design architecture having many potential points of failure and delicate electronic components, such as pixel elements and drivers, from failure due to harsh environmental conditions and inclement weather, a particular problem with outdoor or exterior electronic displays and signage. In the prior art, pixel elements are collectively sealed in protective enclosures to protect them from the elements. Not only does this add to the cost of already expensive large scale exterior electronic displays and signage, but producing enclosures that conform to irregular shaped surfaces can be a complex and costly undertaking. Moreover, such an enclosure constitutes a single failure point, wherein any failure of the enclosure exposes all the connection points and delicate electronic components contained therein to potential failure. Finally, collective enclosures are subject to over-heating from both internal and external sources including component power dissipation and solar radiation. 
     A solution to these and other problems is taught in patent application Ser. No. 10/965,133 filed on Oct. 14, 2004, entitled “Flexible Pixel String Hardware and Method,” pending, which teaches the use of flexible pixel strings that can be conformably applied to fit irregular shapes surfaces, including non-rectilinear and non-planar shapes and surfaces, such as channel letter displays, and is hereby incorporated into this application by reference as if fully set forth herein. A portion of that teaching is the use of a plurality of discreet flexible pixel elements that can be connected in series by means of flexible connectors and wiring to produce a flexible pixel string that is conformable to irregular shapes and surfaces. 
     The present invention discloses further teaching of means and methods operative and efficacious in producing the aforesaid discreet flexible pixel elements, including means of connecting said discreet flexible pixel elements in series-connection to embody flexible pixel strings. The present invention also teaches signal distribution means to supply operating power, image data, and display control signals to discreet flexible pixel elements embodied within flexible pixel strings. 
     In summation, the prior art is generally dependent on conventional means, such as rectangular-grid video components, to produce electronic display devices and signage having advanced graphical capabilities that also can conform to irregular shapes and surfaces. As a result, design and production of such devices are slow and inefficient, production costs are prohibitive, and outcomes are often inelegant and failure prone. Clearly, a novel approach to address the aforesaid deficiencies of the prior art is needed to continue to satisfy public demand and thereby ensure continuing development of the art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The general purpose of the present invention is to provide direct view, large scale electronic display devices and signage having advanced graphical capabilities that can conform to irregular shapes and surfaces. More specifically, the present invention embodies a discreet flexible pixel element that can be interchangeably connected in series with a plurality of like discreet flexible pixel elements to embody a flexible pixel string. Said discreet flexible pixel element may embody a single light-emitting element, such as a solitary LED or incandescent bulb, or may embody a plurality of light-emitting elements, such as a plurality of red-green-blue (RGB) LEDs electronically connected within said discreet flexible pixel element. 
     Said flexible pixel string may be one of a plurality of interchangeable flexible pixel strings that comprise a flexible pixel string array. Said flexible pixel strings and said flexible pixel string arrays can be applied conformably to irregular shaped and non-planar surfaces thereby to produce direct view, large scale, electronic display devices and dynamic electronic signage and lighting effects such as visual displays, architectural lighting, color effects lighting, channel letter lighting, and similar such applications. Said large scale electronic display devices, dynamic electronic signage and lighting effects may be applied to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings, large conveyances and transport vehicles such as ships and trucks, and similar large area surfaces. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a discreet flexible pixel element having at least one and preferably a plurality of on-board light-emitting elements or pixels. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said on-board light-emitting elements or pixels of said discreet flexible pixel element comprise a plurality of red, green and blue LED light-emitting pixel elements. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a discreet flexible pixel element having at least one and preferably a plurality of on-board pixel element drivers for driving said on-board light-emitting pixel elements. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said on-board pixel element drivers for driving said on-board light-emitting pixel elements of said discreet flexible pixel element comprise a plurality of constant-drive LED current drivers that drive a plurality of red, green and blue LED light-emitting LED pixel elements. 
     According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of said discreet flexible pixel elements are connected in series to comprise a flexible pixel string. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of said flexible pixel strings are apportioned into operative groups to comprise flexible pixel string arrays, wherein each said flexible pixel string array embodying said plurality of flexible pixel strings is driven by a line controller. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, said discreet flexible pixel element comprises a non-unique, non-addressed, self-contained unit that is fully interchangeable with any other like unit. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each said interchangeable discreet flexible pixel element has a single input connector having at least four input signal conductors and a single output connector having at least four output signal conductors, wherein the output connector of any given discreet flexible pixel element can be operatively fitted and connected to the input connector of any other given discreet flexible pixel element thereby operatively to establish series connection. 
     According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of said flexible pixel strings can be conformably applied to, or mounted on, irregular shapes and surfaces including non-rectilinear and non-planar surfaces such as channel letter displays, pillars, curved walls and the like to produce large scale electronic display devices and dynamic electronic signage and light effects. 
     According to still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a display controller that operatively controls said discreet flexible pixel elements, and thereby said flexible pixel strings, to drive a plurality of light-emitting elements therein such as RGB LEDs, thereby to produce visual display output including light-generated images and lighting effects from electronic display devices and signage. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said display controller embodies a signal distribution means whereby operating power, image data and control signals are operatively transmitted to a plurality of said discreet flexible pixel elements serially-connected by means of flexible cables or conductors. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, said display controller embodies image data conversion means that converts conventional graphical image data created for matrix-grid type, rectilinear or planar electronic display devices into visual image data and control signals corresponding to logical and spatial placement and position of said discreet flexible pixel elements embodied within said flexible pixel strings conformably applied to irregular shapes and surfaces. 
     A significant aspect and feature of the present invention is that a plurality of discreet flexible pixel elements may be interchangeably connected in series to embody flexible pixel strings. Advantageously, said flexible pixel string requires only a single line driver to supply power and signal requirements to service said plurality of series-connected discreet flexible pixel elements comprising said flexible pixel string and the light-emitting pixel elements therein. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is that said flexible pixel strings can be apportioned into operative groups of flexible pixel string arrays. Advantageously, each said flexible pixel string array can be driven by a remote line controller embodying a plurality of line drivers corresponding to the number of flexible pixel strings contained within said flexible pixel string array, thus allowing greater design freedom to conformably apply said flexible pixel string arrays to irregular shapes and surfaces such as channel letter displays and the like. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is that flexible pixel strings and flexible pixel string arrays can be conformably applied to, or mounted on, irregular shape and non-planar surfaces, thereby advantageously to produce large scale electronic display devices, dynamic electronic signage and lighting effects efficiently and economically. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is that each discreet flexible pixel element embodies on-board light-emitting pixel elements and on-board pixel element drivers, advantageously reducing some of the limitations of off-board pixel element drivers such as power loss and signal degradation and enabling means to produce discreet, interchangeable flexible pixel elements. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is that each discreet flexible pixel element embodies one input connector with one input power conductor and no more than four input data and control signal conductors and one output connector with one output power conductor and no more than four output data and control signal conductors, thereby advantageously to reduce the number of connectors and conductors to the minimum required to operatively provision series-connected discreet flexible pixel elements with operating power, image data and control signals. 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is that each discreet flexible pixel element comprises a non-unique, self-contained unit that is fully interchangeable with any other like unit. Advantageously, any given discreet flexible pixel element is easily replaced with any other like discreet flexible pixel element when necessary due to damage or failure, since the signal distribution means of the present invention obviates any requirement for unique configuration, identification or addressing of said discreet flexible pixel elements. Also advantageously, said discreet flexible pixel elements can be replaced while power to the electronic display device or electronic sign is maintained. 
     Yet a further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a display controller that embodies signal distribution means whereby operating power, image data and display control signals are transmitted serially to a plurality of said discreet flexible pixel elements connected in series by means of flexible cables embodying one input connector having one input power conductor and no more than four input signal conductors and one output connector having one output power conductor and no more than four output signal conductors, thus advantageously reducing the number of electrical connections, the length of power and signal cables, and the number of conductors needed to operatively supply said discreet flexible pixel elements and the light-emitting pixel elements therein with operating power, image data and control signals, thereby reducing the number of potential failure points. 
     Yet a further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a display controller that embodies an image data translator and pixel array configuration table that convert conventional graphical image data created for use with matrix-grid, rectilinear and planar electronic displays into visual image data and display control signals corresponding to irregular shape, non-rectilinear and non-planar electronic display devices that embody said discreet flexible pixel elements, thereby advantageously to supply said discreet flexible pixel elements with requisite visual image data and display control signals. Also advantageously, said image data translator and pixel array configuration table eliminate any requirement for addressing or configuration means to uniquely identify placement or position of said discreet flexible pixel elements. 
     Having thus described embodiments of the present invention and set forth significant aspects and features of the present invention, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a discreet flexible pixel element, a connection means for connecting a plurality of said discreet flexible pixel elements in series to embody flexible pixel strings, a conversion means to convert graphical image data from a rectilinear, planar format to visual image data corresponding to the logical and spatial positions of a plurality of said discreet flexible pixel elements within a plurality of said flexible pixel strings conformably applied to irregular shapes and surfaces, and a signal distribution means for transmitting said converted visual image data, operating power and control signal to said discreet flexible pixel elements within said flexible pixel strings, thereby to produce visual display images and lighting effects for viewing by a viewing party or public. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the interchangeable discreet flexible pixel element of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified connection diagram depicting a plurality of discreet flexible pixel elements in series-connection to embody flexible pixel strings apportioned into operative groups to embody flexible pixel string arrays; 
         FIG. 3  is a general block diagram depicting a display system embodying a display controller, one or more line controllers, a plurality of series-connected discreet flexible pixel elements of the present invention, a plurality of flexible pixel strings, and a plurality of flexible pixel string arrays; 
         FIG. 4-A  is a simplified circuit diagram depicting various electrical components and circuit connections of the discreet flexible pixel element of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4-B  is a continuation of the simplified circuit diagram of  FIG. 4-A  depicting additional electrical components and circuit connections of the discreet flexible pixel element of the present invention; and, 
         FIGS. 5-A  and  5 -B are a simplified connection diagram depicting series-connection of a plurality of discreet flexible pixel elements and signal paths between functional components thereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of discreet flexible pixel element  10  of the present invention. Discreet flexible pixel element  10  embodies a printed circuit board  11 , on which various electrical components (described hereinafter) are mechanically joined by operative electrical connection, a plurality of light-emitting elements  13  hermetically sealed within case  12 , input connector  14 , output connector  16  and flexible cables  18 . Light-emitting elements  13  illuminate when energized by on-board element drivers (not shown) to produce visual output in the form of emitted light. In a preferred embodiment, light-emitting elements  13  comprise a plurality of red, green and blue (RGB) colored LEDs. 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified connection diagram depicting a plurality of discreet flexible pixel elements  10   a - 10   n  connected in series to embody flexible pixel string  20   a , wherein output connector  16  of a given discreet flexible pixel element  10  is operatively joined in series-connection to input connector  14  of the next discreet flexible pixel element  10  of flexible pixel string  20   a .  FIG. 2  further depicts an operative grouping of flexible pixel strings  20   a - 20   n  apportioned to embody a flexible pixel string array  30 . 
       FIG. 3  is a general block diagram depicting discreet flexible pixel elements  10  of the present invention as applied in a display system  50 . Display system  50  embodies display controller  40  which transmits visual image data and display control signals (not shown) via electronic interface  34  to a plurality of line controllers  32  operatively enabled to transmit visual image data and display control signals to a plurality of flexible pixel strings  20  embodying flexible pixel string arrays  30 , which can conform to irregular shapes and surfaces in the production of large scale electronic display devices, as heretofore described. 
     Display controller  40  comprises operating system  42 , output image translator  44 , and pixel array configuration table  46 . Display controller  40  operatively executes operating system  42  and output image translator  44  to convert graphical image data from a source format, typically created for use with grid-matrix and rectilinear displays and signage, into visual image data and display control signals corresponding to the logical and spatial locations of discreet flexible pixel elements  10  conformably applied to irregular shapes and surfaces, as maintained within pixel array configuration table  46 . Pixel array configuration table  46  maintains logical and spatial position data for each discreet flexible pixel element  10  used in display system  50 . Once output image translator  44  converts graphical image data into visual image data, display controller  40  transmits said visual image data together with display control signals to line controllers  32  via electronic interface  34 . Line controllers  32  route said visual image data and display control signals to the appropriate flexible pixel string  20 . 
     Display controller  40  may be any commercially available device capable of operatively transmitting visual image data and display control signals to line controllers  32  via electronic interface  34  such as a personal computer or workstation. Alternatively, display controller  40  may be any proprietary device capable of operatively transmitting visual image data and display control signals to line controllers  32  via electronic interface  34 . 
     In a first preferred embodiment of display system  50 , display controller  40  comprises the Daktronics® VNet® Display Controller. Details of hardware configuration, internal communications, protocols and operation of said first preferred embodiment are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,581 entitled Display System, filed Aug. 12, 1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,632 entitled Display System, filed Feb. 9, 2000. Both patents are assigned to the assignee of the present invention and are hereby incorporated into this application by reference thereto as if fully set forth herein. In a second preferred embodiment of display system  50 , display controller  40  comprises the Daktronics® Venus 7000® Display Controller. Details of hardware configuration, internal communications, protocols and operation of said second preferred embodiment are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,819,303, entitled control system for an electronic sign (video display system), filed Aug. 17, 1998, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and that patent is hereby incorporated into this application by reference thereto as if fully set forth herein. 
     Those skilled in the art will apprehend that reference to the aforesaid display controllers  40  shall not be considered limiting in scope of the types of display controllers  40  that may be embodied within display system  50 . 
     Line controller  32  receives visual image data from display controller  40  via electronic interface  34 , buffers it in internal memory (not shown) and routes it as required along with display control signals to flexible pixel strings  20 . Line controller  32  may be any commercially available device operatively capable of receiving visual image data and display control signals from display controller  40  via electronic interface  34  and transmitting same to flexible pixel strings  20 . Alternatively, line controller  32  may be a proprietary device produced for the same purposes. In a preferred embodiment, line controller  32  comprises the Daktronics® ProPixel® Line Controller. 
       FIG. 4-A  and  FIG. 4-B  are simplified schematic diagrams depicting the internal components of discreet flexible pixel element  10  of the present invention. Referring now to  FIG. 4-A , input connector  14  provides input supply voltage +VCC IN  14   a  and four input data and control signals CLKIN  14   b  (CLOCK IN), DATAIN  14   c  (DATA IN), LATIN  14   d  (LATCH IN), and OEIN  14   e  (OUTPUT ENABLE IN). Only input supply voltage and four input data and control lines are needed to supply operating power, image data and display control signals to operate discreet flexible pixel element  10 . 
     Constant-current driver  100  (hereinafter designated CCD  100 ) is a solid-state integrated circuit (IC) device that operatively drives RGB LEDs  60 - 80  in accordance with visual image data and display control signals (not shown) received from display controller  40  via electrical interface  34  and line controller  32 . CCD  100  is a three-channel constant-current LED driver capable of producing a wide range of driving current levels for driving RGB LEDs  60 - 80  as appropriate to their operational power requirements. CCD  100  controls operation of RGB LEDs  60 - 80  using a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) control method that allows very precise control of intensity and duration of illumination. In operation, CCD  100  performs ON/OFF switching of RGB LEDs  60 - 80  by color group at specified current drive levels (modulating intensity of illumination) and for specified time intervals (modulating duration of illumination) in accordance with visual image data received from display controller  40 . Modulating the current drive levels to each group of RGB LEDs  60 - 80 , in combination with modulating the time interval that each group of RGB LEDs  60 - 80  is illuminated, produces various patterns and colors of emitted light thereby producing visual display output and light effects. CCD  100  also re-drives output supply voltage +VCC OUT  16   a  and output data and control signals CLKOUT  16   b  (CLOCK OUT), DATAOUT  16   c  (DATAOUT), LATOUT  16   d  (LATCH OUT), and OEOUT  16   e  (OUTPUT ENABLE OUT) to output connector  16 . Output connector  16  operatively connects to input connector  14  of the next series-connected discreet flexible pixel element  10  thereby to supply said next discreet flexible pixel element  10  in flexible pixel string  20  with the requisite operating power, image data and display control signals. The power and data signals transmitted from CCD  100  via output connector  16  are received at input connector  14  of said next series-connected discreet flexible pixel element  10  and thereby received by CCD  100  instant as input supply voltage +VCC IN  14   a  and input data and control signals CLKIN  14   b  (CLOCK IN), DATAIN  14   c  (DATA IN), LATIN  14   d  (LATCH IN), and OEIN  14   e  (OUTPUT ENABLE IN). Series resistors  110  modulate the slew rate, or rate of change, of output signals CLKOUT  16   b , DATAOUT  16   c , LATOUT  16   d , and OEOUT  16   e  to reduce electronic emissions and improve signal integrity over long series-connections of a plurality discreet pixel elements  10 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, CCD  100  embodies the Allegro Microsystems, Inc. 3-Channel Constant-Current LED Driver with PWM Control, Model A6280; the apparatus, processes, functions and characteristics of said preferred embodiment of CCD  100  as described in applications manual “A6280 3-Channel Constant-Current LED Driver with PWM Control (A6280-DS Rev. 3)” provide a complete and detailed understanding of the application of said preferred embodiment and that document is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference thereto. 
     Those skilled in the art will apprehend that the foregoing exposition, as well as other aspects and features of CCD  100  here unstated, including means and methods of IC device application and operational and functional details, are limiting neither in scope nor intent of the present invention. For example, the preferred embodiment heretofore described teaches LED driver means that embody a 3-channel device (e.g., CCD  100  of the preferred embodiment) that drives RGB LEDs  60 - 80  by color groups by channel. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention anticipates LED driver means which embody a 5-channel device that drives RGBCM (i.e., red, green, blue, cyan and magenta color LEDs) by color groups by channel, as well as LED driver means which embody two 3-channel devices (e.g., two CCD  100  devices of the preferred embodiment) that drive RGBCAW (i.e., red, green, blue, cyan, amber, and white color LEDs) by color groups by channel, operating by multiplexed control signal means thereof, or by patterned selection of dissimilar color LEDs with reference to a universal color space (e.g., hue-saturation-brightness), as appropriate to the uses and functions of display system  50 . These and other minor differences in application of IC devices and other electrical components, and the distribution of data and control signal thereof, are anticipated herein and therefore captured by the scope and intent of the present invention. 
     Red LEDs  60   a - 60   h  provide light-emitting elements of discreet flexible pixel element  10  for emitting red colored light. Eight red LEDs  60   a - 60   h  are shown, but any number of red LEDs  60   a - 60   n  may be used depending on the configuration requirements of discreet flexible pixel element  10  and the operational capabilities of LED driver means as embodied by CCD  100 . 
     Green LEDs  70   a - 70   f  provide light emitting elements of discreet flexible pixel element  10  for emitting green colored light. Six green LEDs  70   a - 70   f  are shown, but any number of green LEDs  70   a - 70   n  may be used depending on the configuration requirements of discreet flexible pixel element  10  and the operational capabilities of LED driver means as embodied by CCD  100 . 
     Blue LEDs  80   a - 80   f  provide light emitting elements of discreet flexible pixel element  10  for emitting blue colored light. Six blue LEDs  80   a - 80   f  are shown, but any number of blue LEDs  80   a - 80   n  may be used depending on the configuration requirements of discreet flexible pixel element  10  and the operational capabilities of LED driver means as embodied by CCD  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4-B , step-down switching regulator  120  is a solid-state IC device equipped with an internal 1.4 amp power switch (not shown) that performs step-down DC/DC conversion of on-board bus voltage (+VCC) to regulated DC output voltage as required to drive RGB LEDs  60 - 80  (+VLED). Step-down switching regulator  120  embodies a conventional DC/DC buck regulator topology as configured with inductor  122  (L 1 ), capacitor  124  (C 3 ), Zener diode  126   a  (CR 1 ), and Schottky diodes  126   b  and  126   c  (CR 2 -CR 3 ). The use of a step-down switching regulator in conventional DC/DC buck regulator DC voltage reduction is well known and well understood in the art and the details of operation will not be reexamined here in the interest of brevity. 
     In operation, step-down switching regulator  120  uses current mode, high frequency switching to make and break the connection with inductor  122  (L 1 ) at location  120   a  (SW). When step-down switching regulator  120  internal power switch is ON, a voltage is forced across inductor  122  (L 1 ) due to the differential voltage at location  120   b , corresponding to VIN at connection L 1 - 1  and +VLED at connection L 1 - 2  of inductor  122  (L 1 ). Voltage across inductor  122  (L 1 ) sets the bias states of diodes  126   a - 126   c  (CR 1 -CR 3 ) causing current to flow in inductor  122  (L 1 ) and across the load (RGB LEDs  60 - 80 ), charging capacitor  124  (C 3 ), which thereby modulates current change at inductor  122  (L 1 ) presenting a stable output voltage at +VLED. When step-down switching regulator  120  internal power switch is OFF, voltage across inductor  122  (L 1 ) is removed causing it to discharge thereby maintaining current flow. Voltage is reversed across inductor  122  (L 1 ) resetting the bias states of diodes  126   a - 126   c  (CR 1 -CR 3 ) causing capacitor  124  (C 3 ) to discharge in combination with inductor  122  (L 1 ), maintaining stable output voltage at +VLED at a value set by feedback resistor network  130  (R 6 -R 7 ) in accordance with the power requirements of RGB LEDs  60 - 80 . Transient voltage suppressor  128  embodies a resistor-capacitor network that provides over-voltage protection to the inputs and outputs of CCD  100 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, step-down switching regulator  120  embodies the Linear Technology Corporation, 500 kHz Step-Down Switching Regulator, Model LT1936; the apparatus, processes, functions and characteristics of said preferred embodiment of step-down switching regulator  120  as described in applications manual “LT1936 1.4A, 500 kHz Step-Down Switching Regulator (LT 1006 Rev. C, undated)” provide a complete and detailed understanding of the application of said preferred embodiment and that document is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference thereto. 
     Those skilled in the art will apprehend that the foregoing exposition, as well as other aspects and features of step-down switching regulator  120  here unstated, including means and methods of IC device application and operational and functional details, are well known in the art. Notwithstanding, certain advantages obtain in the application of step-down switching regulator  120  as embodied by the present invention: 1) a large DC/DC step-down power change is effected with very little power dissipation resulting in high power density (W/in 3 ) within discreet flexible pixel elements  10  enabling high component packing density resulting in a smaller overall package of discreet flexible pixel element and higher apparent resolution of electronic display devices; 2) high frequency, constant-current PWM power regulation allows for use of fewer, smaller and less expensive collateral components which generate less heat and eliminate any requirement for external cooling. 
       FIGS. 5-A  and  5 -B are a simplified circuit diagram depicting portions of two series-connected discreet flexible pixel elements  10  of the present invention. Each series-connected CCD  100  embodies internal shift register  140  and output control register  142  which drive three current regulators  144  and corresponding LED drivers. The first series-connected CCD  100   a  of said first series-connected discreet flexible pixel element  10   a  operatively receives visual image data (not shown) from line controller  32  via input connector  14  instant at input data line DATAIN  14   c  into said internal shift register  140   a  at a data transfer rate determined by input clock line CLKIN  14   b  clock frequency by first-in/first-out (FIFO) transfer sequence. When said internal shift register  140   a  of said first series-connected CCD  100   a  is full, CCD  100   a  transfers the visual image data to the next series-connected discreet flexible pixel element  10   b  via output connector  16  instant at output data line DATAOUT  16   c . The next series-connected discreet flexible pixel element  10   b  receives the visual image data transmitted from said first series-connected discreet flexible pixel element  10   a  via input connector  14  instant, where it is received by CCD  100   b  at input data line DATAIN  14   c  instant into said internal shift register  140   b  in the same manner as just described. The process of data transmission of visual image data continues iteratively through to discreet flexible pixel element  10   n  terminus of flexible pixel string  20  (ref.  FIG. 2 ) until display controller  40  has transmitted all requisite visual image data to internal shift registers  140   a - n  of CCDs  100   a - n  of flexible pixel elements  10   a - 10   n , respectively. 
     Display controller  40  thereinafter operatively transmits a latch signal at latch-in signal line LATIN  14   d  via electronic interface  34  and line controller  32  to said first series-connected discreet flexible pixel element  10   a , which transmits it to the next series-connected discreet flexible pixel element  10   b  iteratively through to discreet flexible pixel element  10   n  terminus of flexible pixel string  20  causing visual image data resident in internal shift registers  140   a - n  of each series-connected CCDs  100   a - n , respectively, to transfer into output control registers  142   a - n  in parallel operation. 
     Display controller  40  thereinafter operatively transmits an output-enable signal at output-enable signal line OEIN  14   e  via electronic interface  34  and line controller  32  to said first series-connected discreet flexible pixel element  10   a , which transmits it to the next series-connected discreet flexible pixel element  10   b , iteratively through to discreet flexible pixel element  10   n  terminus of flexible pixel string  20 , thereby to initiate operation of current regulators  144   a - n  which pass driving current through RGB LEDs  60 - 80  of each series-connected discreet flexible pixel element  10   a - 10   n . Current regulators  144   a - n  of CCDs  100   a - n , respectively, of discreet pixel elements  10   a - 10   n , respectively, use the visual image data in output control register  142  to control current level (intensity of illumination) and duration of current flow (time of illumination) through RGB LEDs  60 - 80 , thereby to produce visual display output and lighting effects from series-connected discreet flexible pixel elements  10   a - 10   n.    
     It shall be understood by those skilled in the art that the forgoing exposition of operation of series-connected discreet flexible pixel elements  10  are exemplary and not exclusionary. Further details and specifics of the internal operation of CCD  100  of the preferred embodiment with regard to operating voltage, current range, clock frequency, control signal requirements, shift register size, PWM application method, signal timing, and the like, are described in application documents previously cited and herewith incorporated by reference, and will not be repeated here in the interest of brevity. 
     Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope thereof. 
     PARTS LIST 
     
         
           10  discreet flexible pixel element 
           11  printed circuit board 
           12  case 
           13  light-emitting elements 
           14  input connector 
           14   a  input power line (+VCC IN) 
           14   b  CLKIN (clock in) line 
           14   c  DATAIN (data in) line 
           14   d  LATIN (latch in) line 
           14   e  OEIN (output enable in) line 
           16  output connector 
           16   a  output power line (+VCC OUT) 
           16   b  CLKOUT (clock out) line 
           16   c  DATAOUT (data out) line 
           16   d  LATOUT (latch out) line 
           16   e  OEOUT (output enable out) line 
           18  flexible cable 
           20  flexible pixel string 
           30  flexible string array 
           32  line controller 
           34  electronic interface 
           40  display controller 
           42  operating system 
           44  output image translator 
           46  pixel array configuration table 
           50  display system 
           60  red LEDs 
           70  green LEDs 
           80  blue LEDs 
           100  constant-current driver (U 1 ) 
           110  series resistors (R 2 -R 5 ) 
           120  step-down switching regulator (U 2 ) 
           120   a  location SW 
           120   b  location VIN 
           122  inductor (L 1 ) 
           124  capacitor (C 3 ) 
           126   a  Zener diode (CR 3 ) 
           126   b  Schottky diode (CR 2 ) 
           126   c  Schottky diode (CR 1 ) 
           128  transient voltage suppressor 
           130  feedback resistor network 
           140  shift register 
           142  output control register 
           144  current regulators