Abstract:
A display system is described having a plurality of display units, wherein each of the display units is movable between at least a first position and a second position, and wherein each display unit is provided with at least a first light emitting element. Each display unit may be configured to be rotatable about an axis thereof, such that the first position is defined as a first angular position of rotation about the axis, and the second position is defined as a second angular position of rotation about the axis. A method of operating a display system having a plurality of display units is also described, wherein each of the display units is movable between at least a first position and a second position, and wherein each display unit comprises at least a first light emitting element, the method including: moving the display units from the first position to the second position, thereby exposing a first display surface; controlling emission of light from the first light emitting element of each of the display units; and returning the display units to the first position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     Display systems for entertainment, architectural, and advertising purposes have commonly been constructed from arrays of light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and incandescent lamps mounted onto or within flat panels. The light emitting elements can be selectively turned on and off to create patterns, graphics and video displays for both informational and aesthetic purposes. It is well known to construct these displays as tiles or large panels that are assembled in position for a specific entertainment show or event, or as an architectural or advertising display. Examples of such systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,813,853, U.S. Pat. No. 6,704,989, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,669. Such systems are typically heavy and time-consuming to install, and once in position are not easily altered. In addition, such systems are typically difficult to remove.  
         [0002]     It is often necessary for a given event, theatrical production or architectural design to use such a display but to have the display easily removed. For example, it may be desirable to have the display removed between the scenes of a play or theatrical event or as the needs of the production otherwise dictate. In the case of an architectural installation, it may be desirable for the display to be visible at night, but removed or inconspicuous during the day. A display constructed as a large panel or as a series of large tiles can not easily be removed in this manner. Typically, as noted above, such displays are large and heavy and require significant support machinery, time, and storage space to move and install. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,704,989 discloses a system where individual display sections are lifted out of storage cases using a lifting truss, and are thereafter joined and stacked. Other prior art systems may use a tile-based structure wherein tiles, typically approximately 2 ft by 2 ft square, may be lifted by hand and installed manually. This is a time-consuming and complex process requiring the involvement of skilled personnel. Other prior art systems, such as the MiPIX system from Barco Media &amp; Entertainment of Belgium use very small tiles that can be mounted within a framework. MiPIX tiles are small and easy to handle, but again are extremely time-consuming to install. Also, the resulting structure is heavy, unmanageable, and can not easily be removed.  
         [0003]     It may be a further requirement for events, theatrical productions, advertisements or architectural designs that such display units be capable of being easily oriented in different directions. Again, the large size and weight of currently available units makes this difficult to achieve without complex support structures.  
         [0004]     Another requirement for display systems for events, theatrical productions, advertisements or architectural designs is the need for the display to take up a minimal amount of storage space when stored and not in use. To meet this need, flexible substrate based displays have been created wherein the light emitting elements are incorporated into a fabric curtain as, for example, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,801 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,918. The fabric curtain compresses into a small space for storage. However, it is difficult to produce stable imagery with these curtain-based displays because the fabric or cloth backing both stretches and moves, thus changing the spatial relationship between the light emitting elements.  
         [0005]     Another objective of these display units is the desire to create a controlled transparency of the unit. At some times it is desirable to see the display and the images shown on the display, while at other times it is desirable that the viewer be able to see through the display, so as to see scenery, performers, buildings, projection screens and the like that are located behind the display. One current solution to this problem involves constructing the display in a series of fixed vertical or horizontal straps, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,850, with spaces between the display straps such that an appearance of transparency can be created by controlling the illumination levels of objects behind the display. When the objects behind are illuminated, they are visible through the gaps between the straps. When they are dark, they can not be seen. This method has the disadvantage that the display actually has a fixed transparency that can not be altered and that relies instead upon the human eye interpreting brightness levels as transparency. A further disadvantage of the system is that for the display to appear solid, the area behind has to be dark, thus making it difficult to for stage hands and performers to work behind the system or set up new scenery because they are never truly hidden from view. Further, these systems are large and suffer the same problems with respect to ease of installation and removal as described with respect to the solid units discussed above.  
         [0006]     Attempts have been made to address these deficiencies by providing curtains or drapes that can be lowered or drawn behind the display strips to provide a completely opaque unit. This has the disadvantage that the curtain or drape is obvious to the audience as it is inserted or removed and further that it takes time to traverse the complete display, thus providing a “wipe” where the scene behind is revealed progressively from the display side rather then achieving an overall dissolve in transparency as is most desirable. In a further attempt to address some of these issues, displays have been created wherein the light emitting elements have been incorporated into a fabric curtain, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,801 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,918, so as to provide a structure that is more easily constructed and removed. These displays are typically of low resolution and although they are easier to install and remove, they do not solve the controlled transparency issues. In addition, these displays have difficulty providing stable imagery due to the stretching and movement of cloth backing as described above. Thus, the systems are not suitable for permanent installations or as part of an architectural design or for advertising purposes.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0007]     In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a display system comprises a plurality of display units, wherein each of the plurality of display units is movable between at least a first position and a second position, and wherein each display unit comprises at least a first light emitting element. In some embodiments, each display unit is rotatable about an axis thereof, such that the first position is defined as a first angular position of rotation about the axis, and the second position is defined as a second angular position of rotation about the axis.  
         [0008]     In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a method is described of operating a display system having a plurality of display units, wherein each of the plurality of display units is movable between at least a first position and a second position, and wherein each display unit comprises at least a first light emitting element. The method comprises: moving the display units from the first position to the second position, thereby exposing a first display surface; controlling emission of light from the first light emitting element of each of the display units; and returning the display units to the first position. In some embodiments, moving the display units from the first position to the second position comprises rotation of each of the display units about an axis thereof.  
         [0009]     In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a method of installing a display system, comprises: securing a display panel to a support, the display panel comprising a plurality of display units initially in a storage position; extending the plurality of display units into an operation position; and operating light emitting elements disposed on the display panels. In some embodiments, the method further comprises rotating the display units from a first position to a second position while in the operation position. 
     
    
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary prior art display system;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  shows a display system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3A  shows a detailed view of a portion of a display system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3B  shows a detailed view of a portion of a display system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4A  shows a side view of a display system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention in one position;  
         [0015]      FIG. 4B  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4A  in another position;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4C  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4A  in yet another position;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4D  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4A  in yet another position;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  shows a display system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective detailed view in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective detailed view in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8A  shows a schematic diagram illustrating reflection of light in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8B  shows a schematic diagram illustrating reflection of light in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 9A  shows a perspective view of an elongated member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0024]      FIGS. 9B-9I  show end views of elongated members having various cross sections in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0025]     Various embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements in the various figures will be referred to by like numerals for consistency.  
         [0026]      FIG. 1  shows a typical prior art display system. The display system  1  is made up of an array  3  of tiles  5 , each having a plurality of four light emitting elements  7   a - 7   d . The array  3  is controlled by a control device  9  such as a computer or other lighting display control device known in the art. An image  11  that is desired to be displayed is generated by the control device  9  and transmitted to the array  3  via a cable  13  or other conventional means. This causes the illumination of the respective light emitting elements in the array  3  to cause display of the desired image. The displayed image may be static, sequential frames, or video according to the given application.  
         [0027]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic diagram of a display system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in this embodiment, a display system  15  comprises a plurality of display units  17  arranged in one or more panels. In the embodiment shown, a first panel  19  and a second panel  21  are employed each of which has a plurality of display units  17  arranged in vertically spaced fashion. Each display unit  17  is made up of an elongated member  23  that is rotatable about an axis of rotation  25 . Each display unit  17  defines at least a first display surface  27  and a second display surface  29 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , in panel  19  the display units  17  are arranged such that the first display surfaces  27  thereof are substantially coplanar and face outward toward an intended audience. In panel  21 , the display units  17  have been rotated 90° so that the second display surfaces  29  are substantially coplanar and face outward toward the intended audience. Although in this example first and second display surfaces are disclosed, additional display surfaces may be employed as described below. In addition, although in this embodiment the display units are shown as elongated rectangular members, any type of members arranged to be rotatable about an axis may be used, as in various alternative embodiments described below.  
         [0028]     Each of the first display surface  27  and the second display surface  29  is provided with a plurality of light emitting elements  31 , which may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent lights, or any other known type of light source. As used herein, the term “light emitting element” will be used generically to encompass any type of light emitting element. Further, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , three light emitting elements are shown on each display surface arranged in a linear fashion. However, any number of light emitting elements may be used, and they may be disposed in any desired orientation or pattern. Further, although the light emitting elements will be described herein as being disposed “on” a display surface, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the light emitting elements may be actually be disposed within the display units  17 , either within a recess therein or formed within the member itself, provided that light may be emitted therefrom through the display surface. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a light emitting element may be disposed within a display unit such that light emitted therefrom may pass through more than one display surface of the display unit.  
         [0029]     A control device  33  is provided to control the display system  15 . Instructions from the control device  33  are transmitted to the display system  15  via a cable  35  or any other known means of information transmission. The control device  33 , in addition to controlling illumination of the light emitting elements in the manner described above with reference to prior art  FIG. 1 , also preferably controls the orientation of the display units  17  as described in more detail below.  
         [0030]      FIG. 3A  show an enlarged, partial perspective view of one embodiment in accordance with the schematic representation of  FIG. 2 . In this view, two display units  17  are shown, although in actuality a greater number of display units would typically be employed. Each display unit  17 , as before, is made up of an elongated member  23  defining at least a first display surface  27  and a second display surface  29 . Light emitting elements  31  are placed at desired locations on one or more of these surfaces. As previously mentioned, the display unit  17  may define more than two display surfaces, or only a single display surface. In addition, the number and placement of light emitting elements shown is for illustration purposes only, and can be varied according to the desired application.  
         [0031]      FIG. 3A  shows one embodiment of a mechanism for controlling position and orientation of display unit  17 . In this embodiment, each display unit  17  has formed therein, on each end thereof (only one end is shown) three apertures denoted as  37   a ,  37   b , and  39 . Aperture  39  is preferably disposed centrally within each end of the first display surface of the elongated member  23 . A retraction mechanism for controlling the positions of the display units  17  includes a cable  41  that passes through the aperture  39  of the display units  17 . In addition, control cords  43   a ,  43   b  pass through the apertures  37   a ,  37   b  respectively. At the underside of each display unit  17 , a clamp, knot, or other means  45   a ,  45   b  is provided to prevent movement of the cords  43   a ,  43   b  relative to the respective aperture  37   a ,  37   b . In addition, at the bottom of the lowermost display unit  17 , a clamp, knot, or other means  47  is provided on the cable  41  to prevent movement thereof through the aperture  39 . In a manner described in more details below, cable  41  and cords  43   a ,  43   b  can be actuated so as to control positions and relative orientations of the display units  17  within a panel. An electrical cord  49  may also be passed through the aperture  39  alongside the cable  41  to provide electrical connection to the display units  17 .  
         [0032]     In an alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 3B , a web member  51  is provided connecting the cords  43   a ,  43   b  on the underside of each display unit  17 . In accordance with this embodiment, the cords  43   a ,  43   b  pass along the outer surfaces of the display unit  17 , rather than passing through apertures therein. The cord  41  passes through central apertures  39  in the display units  17  as in the prior embodiment.  
         [0033]     Although two distinct embodiments have been described above for retraction mechanisms to control the position and relative orientation of the display units  17 , any variant thereof, as would be understood by one skilled in the art, would be acceptable to achieve the desired control of the display units  17  within a panel.  
         [0034]      FIGS. 4A-4D  show side views of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A , with the display units  17  in various orientations. Although for the purposes of illustration the embodiment of the retraction mechanism of  FIG. 3   a  is used, the embodiment of  FIG. 3B  would be equally applicable, as would any other suitable mechanisms. Turning specifically to  FIG. 4A , it can be seen that three display units  17  are disposed in vertically spaced relation within a display panel. Although three display units are shown for illustration purposes, any desired number of display units could be used for a specific application. The retraction mechanism is attached to a support  51 , such as a beam, a pre-fabricated support, an architectural member, or any other member or device suitable for supporting the display system. Each of the cable  41  and the cords  43   a ,  43   b  has a respective actuator  53 ,  55 ,  57  that causes the cable or cord to be let out or taken in to cause movement thereof in the direction of arrow  59 . Although the actuators  53 ,  55 ,  57  are not shown in detail, they may be any type of conventional mechanism including without limitation electrically actuated spools operable under control of the control device  33 , or manually actuated devices.  
         [0035]     In the position shown in  FIG. 4A , the cords  43   a ,  43   b  and the cable  41  are all extended at equal length to cause the display units  17  to rest in a flat, horizontal position such that the second display surfaces are substantially coplanar and the first display surfaces  27  are substantially perpendicular to the coplanar position. In this configuration, light emitting elements  31  disposed on the second display surfaces of the display units  17  are visible to an audience and project light generally in the direction shown by an arrow  61 . Light emitting elements  31  disposed on the first display surface would not be directly visible in the direction of an arrow  61 , but nonetheless may be illuminated to produce a desired effect. In addition, the display units  17  may define a third display surface  63  having one or more light emitting elements  31  disposed thereon. In this configuration, a desired lighting effect can be produced by controlling illumination of the light emitting elements  31  on the second display surface  29 , while maintaining a significant transparency in the display system by allowing a viewer to see through the spaces between adjacent display units  17 .  
         [0036]     Turning to  FIG. 4B , in this example cord  43   a  has been tightened so as to move the display units  17  into a substantially vertical position, such that the first display surfaces are substantially coplanar and the second display surfaces are substantially perpendicular to the coplanar position. Depending upon the exact nature of the chosen retraction mechanism, the degree to which the first display surfaces are actually “coplanar” may vary from an actual or perfect coplanar position to a substantially coplanar position wherein the display units  17  remain at a slight angle to the absolute vertical as shown in  FIG. 4B . As used herein, the term “substantially coplanar” shall be construed broadly to include an arrangement such as that shown in  FIG. 4B . In this arrangement, the light emitting elements  31  on the front display surfaces  27  are visible on one side of the display system (in the direction of arrow  61 ), and, if provided, the light emitting elements  31  on the third display surfaces  63  are visible on the other side of the display system (in the direction of arrow  67 ). Either or both sides of the display system can be actuated in this configuration according to a desired implementation.  
         [0037]     Turning now to  FIG. 4C , the display units  17  are shown at a position representing an intermediate state of rotation between the position shown in  FIG. 4A  and the position shown in  FIG. 4B . Clearly, in this configuration, light emitted by light emitting elements  31  on the second display surfaces  29  and light emitted from the light emitting elements  31  on the first display surfaces  27  can be seen in the direction denoted by arrow  61 . Similarly, light emitted by the light emitting elements  31  on the third display surface  63  can be seen in the direction denoted by the arrow  67 . Furthermore, if desired, the display units  17  may define a fourth display surface  69  having one or more additional light emitting elements  31 . In this case, light emitted by these light emitting elements would also be visible in the direction denoted by arrow  67 . The positions shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C  shall be referred collectively herein as “operation positions”.  
         [0038]      FIG. 4D  shows a side view of a display system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention in a storage position. In this position, the display units  17  have been moved into the position shown in  FIG. 4A , and then the cord  41  has been retracted to pull all of the display units  17  into close relation. In this way the display system of the invention can be easily retracted for storage when not in use, between acts in a theatrical production, or at any other time when use of the display system is not desired. It is noted that, even in this storage configuration, the light emitting elements disposed on the second display surfaces  29  and/or the fourth display surfaces  69  may still be illuminated for a desired effect.  
         [0039]      FIG. 5  shows a schematic view of a display system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , a plurality of display units  17  are employed and disposed in panels. In this embodiment, for purposes of illustration, three panels are shown, i.e., panel  19 , panel  21  and panel  71 . In panels  19  and  21 , the display units  17  are shown in a position like that of  FIG. 4B , wherein the first display surfaces are substantially coplanar. In panel  71 , the display units  17  are shown in a position like that of  FIG. 4A , wherein the second display surfaces  29  are substantially coplanar. Of course, each panel can be controlled individually, and any desired orientation of the display units  17  within a panel can be achieved.  
         [0040]     In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the display units  17  are supported by rails  73  that provide both support and rotational control to the display units  17 . The manner in which the support and rotational motion is imparted to the display units  17  may be achieved by any conventional means. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , each display unit  17  is provided with a gear  75  that cooperates with linear actuating members  77   a ,  77   b  disposed within each rail  73 . By manipulating the relative motion of linear actuating members  77   a ,  77   b  in the direction denoted by arrow  79 , relative rotation of the display units  17  may be achieved. In an alternative arrangement, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the gears  75  may be sized so as to intermesh directly, such that rotation of the first one of the display units  17  causes an equal and opposite amount of rotation in each successive display unit  17  along the rail  73 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  show but two mechanical arrangements for achieving the required support and relative rotation for the display units  17 . Any mechanism, including electric motors, cables, pulleys, pneumatic devices, etc., would be acceptable provided that the display units  17  may be controllably rotated along the respective axes  25  thereof.  
         [0041]      FIG. 8A  shows a side view of two display units  17  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The manner of achieving and controlling relative rotation of the display units  17  is not shown in this figure or in  FIG. 8B  discussed below for purposes of clarity. However, it will be understood that any of the above-described means, as well as any other suitable means, would be acceptable. In this embodiment, the display units  17  are disposed in a position intermediate between the positions shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  above. In this embodiment the surface opposite first display surface  27 , denoted here as surface  81 , has been formed as a reflective surface. This surface could also simultaneously be a display surface. In this configuration, light emitted by light emitting element  31  on the second display surface  29  can be seen by the viewer. In addition, light emitted by light emitting element  31  on the first display surface  27  is projected upwards and reflected by reflective surface  81  toward the viewer. Thus, by altering the relative angles between adjacent display units  17 , a desired lighting effect can be obtained. Of course a similar effect could be obtained in the opposite direction by causing light emitted by a light emitting element  31  on surface  81  to be reflected from first display surface  27  of the adjacent display unit  17 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 8B  shows another embodiment of the invention wherein the display units  17  are in a position such that the first display surfaces  27  are substantially coplanar. In this embodiment, a lower portion of at least one of the display units  17  is provided with an internal reflection device  83 . As a result of this structure, light emitted by light emitting element  31  on the second display surface  29  of one display unit  17  is projected upwardly and into the adjacent display unit  17 , and then reflected by internal reflection device  83  in the direction shown by arrow  85 . Thus, a combined lighting effect can be created by using light emitted by the light emitting element  31  on the second display surface  29  as well as the light emitting elements disposed on the third display surface  63 . A similar effect on the opposite side of the display system can be achieved by reversing the orientation of the internal reflecting device  83  toward the side of the first display surfaces  27 . Also, an additional internal reflecting device could be employed at a top portion of the display unit  17 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 9A  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a display unit  17  of the invention. In this embodiment, as described previously, the display unit  17  takes the form of an elongated member  23  having a rectangular cross section and defining at least one display surface having at least one light emitting element disposed thereon. As shown in cross section  FIG. 9B , the elongated member  23  may define up to four display surfaces each having one or more light emitting elements disposed thereon. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 9C , the first display surface  27  and the third display surface  63  may be convex. As shown in  FIG. 9D , the first display surface  27  and the third display surface  63  may be concave. Furthermore, the cross section of elongated member  23  may be square as shown in  FIG. 9E , triangular as shown in FIG.  9 F, hexagonal as shown in  FIG. 9G , circular as shown in  FIG. 9H , oval as shown in  FIG. 91 , or any other shape. In each of these cross sectional configurations, the elongated member  23  may define one or many display surfaces having one or more light emitting elements disposed thereon.  
         [0044]     In operation, a display system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is mounted to an architectural structure, beam, or other mounting device via a retraction mechanism such as that described in the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 4A-4D . By controlling the actuator  55  of the cord  41 , the display units  17  are then extended or retracted as desired for a given application. Actuators  53  and  57  are then employed to adjust cords  43   a ,  43   b  to place the display unit  17  in a desired angular position. Illumination of the light emitting element  31  on one or more display surfaces of one or more of the display units  17  is then achieved under control of the control device  33 . Alternatively, in accordance with the embodiment described above with reference to  FIGS. 5-7 , in operation a display system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention may be installed using a system of rails  73 , whereupon a desired angular position of rotation of each of the display units  17  within one or more panels may be achieved as described above. Illumination of one or more light emitting element on one or more display surface of one or more of the display units  17  may then be achieved under control of the control device  33 .  
         [0045]     Although various detailed and exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, the invention is not so limited. Other shapes, sizes and configurations of the light emitting elements  17  would be understood by one skilled in the art and are within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, although various embodiments of a retraction mechanism have been described for purposes of illustration, other configurations and mechanisms may be employed as would be understood by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, although a rail-mounted configuration has been described in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, other means for support, and other means for achieving the desired angular position of the display units  17 , may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, although the various embodiments described herein for purposes of illustration depict the display units  17  forming flat surfaces, it is clear that other configurations may be employed to produce curved or shaped surfaces as would be apparent to someone skilled in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the invention shall be limited only by the scope of the claims that follow.