Abstract:
A prosthetic device includes a prosthesis wall, at least one display carried by the prosthesis wall in spaced-apart relationship to the at least one display and interfacing with the at least one display, the control module adapted to present at least one image on the at least one display.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/555,012, filed Jun. 4, 2012 and entitled PROSTHETIC DEVICES HAVING ELECTRONIC DISPLAY AND METHODS OF FABRICATION THEREOF, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     FIELD 
     Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to prosthetic devices. More particularly, illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are directed to prosthetic devices having at least one electronic display and methods of fabricating prosthetic devices having at least one electronic display. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Prosthetic devices include prosthetic arms and legs which are worn by persons who have lost or are missing a limb due to accident, disease or congenital deformity. Conventional prosthetic devices are typically fabricated to simulate the appearance and function of natural limbs. For example, a prosthetic arm may include a hand having mechanical fingers and an opposable mechanical thumb that can perform a grasping action. Prosthetic legs may enable a wearer to ambulate in a normal manner. 
     Conventional prosthetic devices are typically designed to simulate the appearance of natural limbs as closely as possible. However, many persons having a prosthetic limb may desire to express themselves by customization of the appearance of their prosthetic limbs. This customization may include the display of various images on the prosthetic limb. 
     Accordingly, prosthetic devices having at least one electronic display by which a wearer of a device can express himself or herself using images on the display, and methods of fabricating prosthetic devices having at least one electronic display, may be desirable for some applications. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosure is generally directed to a prosthetic device. An illustrative embodiment of the prosthetic device includes a prosthesis wall, a display carried by the prosthesis wall and a control module carried by the prosthesis wall in spaced-apart relationship to the display and interfacing with the display, the control module adapted to present at least one image on the display. 
     The disclosure is further generally directed to a method of fabricating a prosthetic device. An illustrative embodiment of the method includes forming a positive model; placing an interior sheet/layer over the positive model; placing a wiring sheet/layer having control module wiring over the interior sheet/layer; placing an exterior sheet/layer over the wiring sheet/layer; distributing resin through the interior sheet/layer, the wiring sheet/layer and the exterior sheet/layer; curing the resin; connecting a display to the control wiring in the wiring sheet/layer; and connecting a control module to the control wiring in the wiring sheet/layer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure will now be made, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an illustrative leg embodiment of the prosthetic devices with electronic display, fitted on the leg (illustrated in section) of a wearer; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view, partially in section, of the illustrative prosthetic device with electronic display illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative prosthetic device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged sectional view of a side wall portion of the illustrative prosthetic device; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged sectional view of a front wall portion of the illustrative prosthetic device, with an exemplary display provided on the front wall portion; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged sectional view of a rear wall portion of the illustrative prosthetic device with an exemplary control module provided on the rear wall portion; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an illustrative arm embodiment of the prosthetic devices with electronic display; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear view of the illustrative arm embodiment of the prosthetic device with electronic display illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a rear view of an exemplary cosmetic prosthesis glove according to an illustrative embodiment of the prosthetic device with electronic display; 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of an exemplary control module and a display connected to the control module according to an illustrative embodiment of the prosthetic devices with electronic display; 
         FIG. 9A  is a block diagram of an alternative exemplary control module and a display wirelessly connected to the control module according to an illustrative embodiment of the prosthetic devices with electronic display; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a method of fabricating a prosthetic device with electronic display; 
         FIG. 10A  is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a method of retrofitting an electronic display and control module to an existing prosthetic device; 
         FIG. 11  a side view of an alternative illustrative leg embodiment of the prosthetic devices with electronic display, fitted on the leg of a wearer (illustrated in section); 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional diagram which illustrates an exemplary electroluminescent display according to an illustrative embodiment of the prosthetic devices with electronic display; 
         FIGS. 13-17  illustrate an exemplary sequential fabrication technique for the electroluminescent display illustrated in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional diagram which illustrates an alternative exemplary electroluminescent display according to an illustrative embodiment of the prosthetic devices with electronic display; 
         FIGS. 19-23  illustrate an exemplary sequential fabrication technique for the electroluminescent display illustrated in  FIG. 18 ; and 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of an alternative illustrative leg embodiment of the prosthetic devices with electronic display, fitted on the leg (illustrated in section) of a wearer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the illustrative embodiments described herein are not exhaustive and embodiments or implementations other than those which are described herein and which fall within the scope of the appended claims are possible. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. As used herein, relative terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “front” and “back” are used to describe exemplary positions of various components relative to each other in exemplary use of the prosthetic devices and are not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-6  of the drawings, an illustrative embodiment of the prosthetic devices having electronic display, hereinafter prosthetic device, is generally indicated by reference numeral  1 . The prosthetic device  1  may be designed to be fitted on the residual limb  30  below the knee, as illustrated, or alternatively, on the residual limb above the knee (not illustrated) of a wearer  32  to replace a portion of or most of the wearer&#39;s natural limb which was lost or is missing due to injury, illness or congenital deformity, for example. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device  1  may include an upper leg portion  2  which receives the residual limb  30  of the wearer  32 . A lower leg portion  24  may include a support pylon  26  which extends from the upper leg portion  2 . In the case of an above the knee prosthesis, the lower leg portion  24  may include a knee component (not illustrated). A foot portion  27  may be provided on the support pylon  26 . It will be recognized and understood that the prosthetic device  1  which is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6  is merely one example of a prosthetic device design which is suitable for implementation of the prosthetic device  1 . 
     As will be hereinafter further described, at least one display  20  is provided on or in at least one of the upper leg portion  2  and the lower leg portion  24  of the prosthetic device  1 . In some embodiments, the display may be provided on the front, side and/or rear portion of the upper leg portion  2 . A control module  10  may be connected to each display  20 , such as via control wiring  8 , and/or via wireless signals  29  ( FIGS. 9A ), for example and without limitation, for selective control of the display  20 , as will be hereinafter described. The control wiring  8  may be embedded in a prosthesis wall  3  of the prosthetic device  1 . In some embodiments, the control module  10  may be attached to the exterior surface of the upper leg portion  2  or the lower leg portion  24 . In other embodiments, the control module  10  may be embedded inside the lamination of the prosthesis wall  3 , the support pylon  26  or a wireless transmitter (not illustrated) which is part of the control module  10 , for example and without limitation. Techniques which are suitable for attaching the control module  10  to the prosthesis wall  3  include but are not limited to hook and loop fasteners, magnets, brackets, adhesives and mechanical fasteners. In other embodiments, the control module  10  may be recessed in a control module recess, cavity or void (not illustrated) provided in the exterior surface or lamination of the upper leg portion  2  or the lower leg portion  24 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3-5 , the upper leg portion  2  (and/or the lower leg portion  24  in some embodiments) may have a generally annular prosthesis wall  3 . The prosthesis wall  3  may include an outer wall sheet/layer  4  and an inner wall sheet/layer  5 . Each of the outer wall sheet/layer  4  and the inner wall sheet/layer  5  of the prosthesis wall  3  may be fabricated using materials and methods which are well-known in the fabrication of prosthetic devices. For example and without limitation, the outer wall sheet/layer  4  and the inner wall sheet/layer  5  may include plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber and/or other material which is fabricated on a mold (not illustrated) from multiple sheet/layers of woven reinforced and non-reinforced materials and a curable plastic resin material, as is known by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, at least one coating layer  9  may be provided on the outer wall layer  4 . The coating layer  9  may include at least one clear coating and/or sealing layer which may coat the outer wall layer  4 , the control module housing  11  of the control module  10  and the display  20 . The outer wall sheet/layer  4 , the inner wall sheet/layer  5  and the coating layer  9  of the prosthesis wall  3  can be applied using any technique which is known by those skilled in the art and is consistent with the material of construction of each layer. These application techniques include but are not limited to silk screening, screen printing, painting and spraying. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , a wiring space  6  may be provided in the prosthesis wall  3 . The wiring space  6  may be formed between the outer wall sheet/layer  4  and the inner wall sheet/layer  5 . In some embodiments, the wiring space  6  may accommodate the control wiring  8  as the control wiring  8  extends from the control module  10  to the display  20 . In some embodiments, a display cavity  7  may be provided in the outer surface of the prosthesis wall  3 . The display cavity  7  may be sized and configured to accommodate the display  20 , as will be hereinafter described. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to position the display  20  in a highly-visible location and the control module  10  in a less visible location on the prosthesis wall  3 . For example and without limitation, in some embodiments, the display  20  and the control module  10  may be provided at the front and rear, respectively, of the prosthesis wall  3 , in substantially opposite or 180-degree relationship to each other on opposite sides of the upper leg portion  2  or the lower leg portion  24 . In other embodiments, the relative positions of the display  20  and the control module  10  may be reversed. Accordingly, the control wiring  8  may extend from the control module  10  to the display  20  through the wiring space  6  on opposite sides of the prosthesis wall  3 . In some embodiments, the display cavity  7  may be omitted and the display  20  may be attached to the exterior surface of the prosthesis wall  3  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the control module  10  may include a control module housing  11 . The control module housing  11  may have any desired shape. In some embodiments, the control module housing  11  may have a concave surface which is generally complementary to the convex curvature of the exterior surface of the prosthesis wall  3 . A microprocessor, CPU or other controller, hereinafter controller  14 , may be provided in the control module housing  11 . Display controls  16  and at least one battery  18  may electrically interface with the controller  14 . The display  20  may be connected to the controller  14  through the control wing  8 . In some embodiments, at least one solar panel (not illustrated) may interface with the controller  14  or with the battery  18  to provide a source of electrical power. 
     The controller  14  may be adapted to present at least one image  21  ( FIG. 1 ) on the display  20 . The image  21  may include a favorite sports team emblem, a business logo, a slogan, a symbol and/or any other image or images which a wearer of the prosthetic device  1  desires to display on the display  20 . The image  21  may include a static image (an unchanging size, shape and/or color) and/or a dynamic image (a changing size, shape and/or color) and may be a single color or various colors. In some embodiments, the controller  14  may be adapted to present multiple images  21  in the form of video, animation and/or other visual effects on the display  20 . In some embodiments, the display  20  may include an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode) or AOLED (Active Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen, for example and without limitation. In other embodiments, the display  20  may include at least one electric light which is formed or shaped into the desired image  21  to be displayed. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, at least one port  17  such as a standard USB port or other type of port interfaces with the controller  14  and is provided on the exterior of the control module housing  11  and may be wireless in some embodiments. The controller  14  may be loaded with software, code or other programming which enables the wearer  32  to upload selected image and/or video data files from an external device (not illustrated) to the controller  14  via the port  17  such as in the conventional manner. The controller  14  may be programmed to present or display images and/or video encoded by the loaded image or video data files on the display  20  by manipulation of the appropriate display controls  16  on the control module  10 . In some embodiments, the control module  10  and the display  20  may be retrofitted to an existing prosthetic device  1  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9A  of the drawings, in some embodiments of the control module  10 , a transmitter  23  may interface with the controller  14 . A receiver  22  may interface with the display  20 . The transmitter  23  communicates with the receiver  22  through wireless signals  29 . Accordingly, the controller  14  is adapted to transmit image and/or video data to the display  20  via the transmitter  23 , wireless signals  29  and receiver  22 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the display controls  16  for the image  21  on the display  20  may include a power switch  16   a  which controls flow of electrical current from the battery  18  ( FIG. 9 ) to the display  20 ; a blink control switch  16   b  which facilitates selective blinking of the image or images  21  on the display  20 ; and/or a dimmer switch  16   c  which facilitates selective dimming and brightening of the image or images  21  on the display  20 . 
     In application of the prosthetic device  1 , the upper leg portion  2  receives the residual limb  30  of the wearer  32 . The wearer  32  can selectively display one or more of the selected images  21  on the display  20  by appropriate manipulation of the display controls  16  ( FIG. 9 ) on the control module  10 . For example and without limitation, the wearer  32  may selectively turn the display  20  on and off by manipulation of the power switch  16   a  ( FIG. 2 ); control blinking of the images  21  on the display  20  by manipulation of the blink control switch  16   b;  and control the brightness or the images  21  by manipulation of the dimmer switch  16   c . Accordingly, as the wearer  32  dons the prosthetic device  1 , the images  21  on the display  20  provide a means of self-expression to observers. Additionally or alternatively, the images  21  on the display  20  may provide a means of displaying information and/or variables measured by the controller  14  and/or sensors (not illustrated) such as temperature sensors, for example and without limitation, which may interface with the controller  14  in some embodiments. 
     It will be recognized and understood that the prosthetic device  1  is equally applicable and adaptable to alternative prosthetic device designs which are known by those skilled in the art. For example and without limitation, in some embodiments the prosthetic device  1  may include a covering portion (not illustrated) which receives the upper leg portion or a remaining portion of the residual limb  30  of the wearer  32  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The covering portion (not illustrated) may include the display  20 , wiring  8  and control module  10  and/or other functional components. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 7 and 8  of the drawings, an illustrative arm embodiment of the prosthetic devices with electronic display is generally indicated by reference numeral  101 . In  FIGS. 7 and 8 , elements which are analogous to the respective elements of the prosthetic device  1  which was heretofore described with respect to  FIGS. 1-6  are designated by the same reference numeral in the  100  series. The prosthetic device  101  may include an arm, or alternatively, forearm portion  102  which is adapted to be fitted on the residual arm or residual forearm (not illustrated) of a wearer to replace a portion or most of the wearer&#39;s natural arm which was lost or is missing due to injury, illness, or congenital deformity, for example. In some embodiments, a wrist portion  134  having a hand  135  may extend from the forearm portion  102 . At least one display  120  may be provided on the exterior surface of the forearm portion  102 , as illustrated, and/or on the forearm portion  134 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a control module  110  may be provided on the exterior surface of the forearm portion  102  and/or the wrist portion  134 . The control module  110  may be electrically connected in the display  120  via control wiring  108 , which may extend through a wiring space (not illustrated) or may otherwise be embedded in the prosthesis wall  103  as was heretofore described with respect to the prosthetic device  1 . Operation of the display  120  of the prosthetic device  101  may be as was heretofore described with respect to the prosthetic device  1  in  FIGS. 1-6 . In some embodiments, the control module  110  and the display  120  may be retrofitted in an existing prosthetic device  101  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 8A  of the drawings, an exemplary cosmetic prosthetic glove according to an illustrative embodiment of the prosthetic device with electronic display, hereinafter glove, is generally indicated by reference numeral  60 . The glove  60  may be adapted to be fitted over a prosthetic device such as the prosthetic device  101  which was heretofore described with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , for example and without limitation, for cosmetic purposes. The glove  60  may include a backhand glove surface  61 , a palm glove surface  62 , glove fingers  63  and a glove thumb  64 . A control module  110  and a display  120  may be provided at selected positions on the glove  60 . In some embodiments, the display  120  may be provided on the backhand glove surface  61  and the control module  110  may be provided on the palm glove surface  62 , as illustrated. In other embodiments, the positions of the control module  110  and the display  120  may be reversed or may both be provided on the backhand glove surface  61  or the palm glove surface  62 . The glove  60  is adapted to be placed on the prosthetic device  101  typically for cosmetic purposes, as is known by those skilled in the art. The control module  110  may be operated to present at least one image  121  on the display  120 , as was heretofore described. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 10 , a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment of an exemplary method of fabricating a prosthetic device with electronic display is generally indicated by reference numeral  1000 . In block  1002 , a positive model may be formed. The positive model may be an arm cast or a leg cast. In block  1004 , a plastic bag may be placed over the positive model and secured. In block  1006 , an interior sheet/layer may be placed over the plastic bag. The interior sheet/layer may include a woven sheet or layer of material such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, for example and without limitation. In block  1008 , a wiring sheet/layer in which control wiring is embedded may be placed over the interior sheet/layer. In block  1010 , an exterior sheet/layer may be placed over the wiring sheet/layer. The exterior sheet/layer may be similar in construction to the interior sheet/layer. In block  1012 , a display opening may be cut in the exterior sheet/layer. In block  1014 , resin may be distributed through the exterior sheet/layer, the wiring sheet/layer and the interior sheet/layer by application of vacuum to the resin. In block  1016 , the resin may be cured using conventional resin curing techniques. 
     In block  1018 , cured resin may be cut and/or otherwise removed from the display opening in the exterior sheet/layer. In block  1020 , a display may be connected to control wiring in the wiring sheet/layer and secured in the display opening. In block  1022 , a control module may be connected to the control wiring in the wiring sheet/layer. The control module may be attached to the prosthetic device using suitable attachment techniques. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the prosthetic devices of the disclosure are amenable to a variety of embodiments. For example and without limitation, referring again to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the control module  10  may be inserted inside the upper leg portion  2  and may be secured therein using magnets, clips, clamps and/or other attachment technique. In other embodiments, the control module  10  may be attached to the exterior surface or the prosthesis wall  3  using a suitable attachment technique. 
     In some embodiments, an inner transparent or translucent layer or sheet of plastic may be thermoformed on a positive model of the leg. One or more electroluminescent wires and/or panels may be placed against the inner layer or sheet and arranged in the form of a squiggle, line, logo or pattern, for example and without limitation. An outer transparent or translucent layer or sheet of plastic or clear protective coating may be thermoformed on the inner layer or sheet with the electroluminescent wires or panels sandwiched between the sheets or layers. The electroluminescent wires or panels may be connected to the control module  10  to facilitate flow of electrical current through the electroluminescent wires or panels to illuminate the wires and the pattern which is formed by the wires or panels. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 10A  of the drawings, a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a method of retrofitting an electronic display and control module to an existing prosthetic device is generally indicated by reference numeral  1000   a.  In block  1002   a,  an existing prosthetic device is provided. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device may be adapted to be fitted on a residual limb corresponding to an upper or lower leg of a wearer. In other embodiments, the prosthetic device may be adapted to be fitted on a residual limb corresponding to an upper or lower arm of a wearer. In block  1004   a,  a display is attached to the prosthetic device. In block  1006   a,  a control module is attached to the prosthetic device. In block  1008   a,  a communication interface is provided between the display and the control module. In some embodiments, the communication interface may include wiring or other electrical communication pathway or contact. In other embodiments, the communication interface may include a wireless interface. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 11 and 12  of the drawings, an alternative illustrative embodiment of the prosthetic devices with electronic display is generally indicated by reference numeral  201 . In the prosthetic device  201 , elements which are analogous to the respective elements of the prosthetic device  1  that was heretofore described with respect to  FIGS. 1-9A  are designated by the same numeral in the  201 - 299  series in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . While the prosthetic device  201  in  FIG. 11 . is presented as a leg embodiment, in other embodiments the prosthetic device  201  may be an arm embodiment as was heretofore described with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
     The prosthetic device  201  may include an electroluminescent lamp (EL) display  220 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the EL display  220  may include an encapsulant layer  240 . The encapsulant layer  240  may include a protective encapsulant such as clear coat, for example and without limitation. In some embodiments, the encapsulant layer  240  may include UV cure ink 5018/A/G or solvent-based 7165 which is available from the DuPont Corp. (www.dupont.com). In some embodiments, the encapsulant layer  240  may be attached to the exterior surface of the prosthesis wall  203  of the prosthetic device  201  using bonding techniques known by those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, the encapsulant layer  240  may be provided within a cavity or void (not illustrated) in the exterior surface of the prosthesis wall  203 . In some embodiments, the encapsulant layer  240  may be laminated within the prosthesis wall  203  of the prosthetic device  201  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. 
     In some embodiments, 5018/A/G screen printable UV cure inks or 7165 solvent ink, both available from DuPont Corp., may be used as the encapsulant layer  240  in order to provide electrical insulation and extra protection of the components of the prosthetic device  201  against humid environments. The UV encapsulants may not adhere well to ITO-sputtered film, so in some embodiments it may be desirable to limit the print area of the 5018/A/G to that of the underlying dielectric layer  242 . 7165 solvent ink adheres well to ITO film but may only be usable in a single print. In more complex embodiments of the EL display  220 , two layers of 5018/A/G may be used as an effective insulator in the encapsulant layer  240  where conductor crossovers are present. It may be desirable to print the first UV encapsulant layer over the entire lamp area to prevent cracking over the dielectric where local crossovers are printed. In some embodiments, a thick, single print of 7165 solvent ink encapsulant may be used as an option. 
     A rear electrode  241  may be provided on the encapsulant layer  240 . The rear electrode  241  may include any electrically-conductive material which is suitable for the purpose. In some embodiments, the rear electrode  241  may include 9145 silver and/or 8144 carbon which is available from the DuPont Corp., for example and without limitation. At least one dielectric layer  242  may be provided on the rear electrode  241 . In some embodiments, at least two prints of dielectric layers  242  (&lt;25 microns total dried thickness) may be provided over the rear electrode  241 . In some embodiments, at least three prints of dielectric layers  242  (&gt;25 microns total dried thickness) may be provided over the rear electrode  241  for optimum yield and reliability. A phosphor layer  243  may be provided on the dielectric layer or layers  242 . The phosphor layer  243  may include an inorganic phosphor such as a zinc sulfide compound, for example and without limitation. The phosphor particles of the phosphor layer  243  may be selected and arranged to define at least one desired pattern, image or symbol on the EL display  220  in application of the prosthetic device  201  which will be hereinafter described. 
     A front electrode  244  is provided in electrical contact with the rear electrode  241  through an AC voltage power source  248  and bus bar  249 . The front electrode  244  may include any electrically-conductive material which is suitable for the purpose. In some embodiments, the front electrode  244  may include translucent conductor 7162 which has ATO (antimony-doped tin oxide) and is available from the DuPont Corp. 
     In EL display designs with small-lit areas, screen-printable translucent conductive ink may be used as the front electrode  244 . The as-printed resistivity of translucent conductors can be around 100 times that of ITO film. Consequently, lit areas should be kept small so that good uniformity of illumination is achieved. EL displays  220  may be fabricated with an area of 10 cm ×5 cm without noticeable darkening towards the center of the displays (powered at 100V/400 Hz). Higher frequency operations may cause darkening towards the center of the displays; thus. use of frequencies below about 800 Hz may be optimum in some embodiments. 
     The bus bar  249  may include a printed electrically-conductive material such as silver, for example and without limitation. It may be desirable to print a silver bus bar close to the lit area around the perimeter of the translucent conductor front electrode  244 . This expedient may improve the light uniformity by lowering the contact resistance and minimizing the voltage drop across the surface of the front electrode  244  instead of using a carbon electrode. A printed silver bus bar  249  along the perimeter of the El display  220  may be used for large areas in order to provided more even illumination of the EL display  220 . 
     A base substrate layer  245  may be provided on the phosphor layer  243 . In some embodiments, the base substrate layer  245  may include polyester film sputtered with ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or coated with an electrically-conductive polymer or other suitable material. 
     Accordingly, the base substrate layer  245  may be obtained with an ITO transparent conductor sputter-coated on one side. Polyester thickness of between 100-175 μm and resistivities ranging from 50 to 300 Ω/sq can be used. Heat-stabilized film may be recommended as drying temperatures of up to 130 degrees C. may be used in some fabrication methods. Non-ITO coated films may be used for high resistivity applications (from about 1000 Ω/sq to about 3000 Ω/sq). In some embodiments, the base substrate layer  245  may include a screen-printed conducting translucent ink on a clear base substrate. In other embodiments, the base substrate layer  245  may include heat-stabilized, print-treated polyester. In still other embodiments, the base substrate layer  245  may include any material or combination of materials which is consistent with the functional requirements of the base substrate layer  245  in the EL display  220 . 
     It will be recognized and understood that the encapsulant layer  240 , the rear electrode  241 , the dielectric layer or layers  242 , the phosphor layer  243 , the front electrode  244  and the base substrate layer  245  can be applied using any technique which is known by those skilled in the art and is consistent with the material of construction of each layer. These application techniques include but are not limited to silk screening, screen printing and spraying, for example and without limitation. 
     The controller  14  ( FIG. 9 ) of the control module  210  may communicate with the bus bar  249  of the through control wiring  208  ( FIG. 11 ) as was heretofore described with respect to  FIG. 9 . Alternatively, the controller  14  may communicate with the bus bar  249  through a transmitter  23 , wireless signals  29  and a receiver  22  as was heretofore described with respect to  FIG. 9A . Accordingly, operation of the control module  210  establishes flow of electrical current between the rear electrode  241  and the front electrode  244  of the EL display  220 . Application of an AC voltage across the rear electrode  241  and the front electrode  244  generates a changing electric field within the phosphor particles of the phosphor layer  243 , causing the phosphor particles to emit light  250  through the base substrate layer  245 . The phosphor particles in the phosphor layer  243  may be selected by color and arranged in position to emit light  250  of different wavelengths and form at least one selected light pattern or image. In some embodiments, an inverter (DC-AC converter) may be used as the power source  248 . The inverter may generate 60˜115V and frequencies in the region of about 50˜1000 Hz. For signage applications, much higher frequencies can be used to increase the brightness of the EL display  220 . 
     Output of the light  250  from the EL display  220  may gradually decay with time as the luminescent efficiency decreases. The presence of any moisture in the phosphor layer  243  may accelerate this decline. The phosphor particles used in the phosphor layer  243  may be micro-encapsulated to hinder the penetration of moisture and thus, prolong the useful life of the EL display  220 . 
     Application of the prosthetic device  201  may be as was heretofore described with respect to the prosthetic device  1  in  FIGS. 1-9A . The control module  210  can be selectively operated to facilitate emission of light  250  from the EL display  220  to form at least one selected single-color or multi-colored image which may be defined by the pattern of phosphor particles in the phosphor layer  243 . 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 13-17  of the drawings, an exemplary sequential fabrication technique for the EL display  220  is illustrated. In  FIG. 13 , a front electrode  244  may be provided over a base substrate layer  245  ( FIG. 12 ). In  FIG. 14 , a phosphor layer  243  may be provided over the front electrode  244 . In  FIG. 15 , at least one dielectric layer  242  may be provided over the phosphor layer  243 . In  FIG. 16 , a rear electrode  241  may be provided over the dielectric layer or layers  242 . A bus bar  249  may connect the rear electrode  241  to the front electrode  244 . In  FIG. 17 , an encapsulant layer  240  may be provided over the rear electrode  241 . A power source  248  ( FIG. 12 ) may be electrically connected to the bus bar  249 . The power source  248  of the EL display  220  may interface with the control module  210  ( FIG. 11 ) as was heretofore described with respect to  FIG. 9  or  FIG. 9A . 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 18 and 24  of the drawings, an alternative illustrative embodiment of the prosthetic devices with electronic display is generally indicated by reference numeral  301  in  FIG. 24 . In the prosthetic device  301 , elements which are analogous to the respective elements of the prosthetic device  201  that was heretofore described with respect to  FIG. 11  are designated by the same numeral in the  301 - 399  series in  FIGS. 18 and 24 . While the prosthetic device  301  in  FIG. 18  is presented as a leg embodiment, in other embodiments the prosthetic device  301  may be an arm embodiment as was heretofore described with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
     The prosthetic device  301  may include an electroluminescent lamp (EL) display  320 . As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the EL display  320  may include an encapsulant layer  340 . In some embodiments, the encapsulant layer  340  may be attached to the exterior surface of the prosthesis wall  303  of the prosthetic device  301  using bonding techniques known by those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, the encapsulant layer  340  may be provided within a cavity or void (not illustrated) in the exterior surface of the prosthesis wall  303 . In some embodiments, the encapsulant layer  340  may be laminated within the prosthesis wall  303  of the prosthetic device  301  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. 
     A rear electrode  341  may be provided on the encapsulant layer  340 . At least one dielectric layer  342  may be provided on the rear electrode  341 . A phosphor layer  343  may be provided on the dielectric layer or layers  342 . A front electrode  344  is provided in electrical contact with the rear electrode  341  through an AC voltage power source  348  and bus bar  349 . A base substrate layer  345  may be provided on the phosphor layer  343 . The encapsulant layer  340 , the rear electrode  341 , the dielectric layer or layers  342 , the phosphor layer  343 , the front electrode  344  and the base substrate layer  345  may have the same materials of construction as those respective components in the EL display  220  heretofore described with respect to  FIG. 12 . 
     The controller  14  ( FIG. 9 ) of the control module may communicate with the bus bar  349  of the through control wiring  308  ( FIG. 24 ) as was heretofore described with respect to  FIG. 9 . Alternatively, the controller  14  may communicate with the bus bar  349  through a transmitter  23 , wireless signals  29  and a receiver  22  as was heretofore described with respect to  FIG. 9A . 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 19-23  of the drawings, an exemplary sequential fabrication technique for the EL display  320  is illustrated. In  FIG. 19 , an encapsulant layer  340  is provided. In some embodiments, the encapsulant layer  340  may be part of the prosthesis wall  303  of a prosthetic device. In other embodiments, the encapsulant layer  340  may be attached to the exterior surface of the prosthesis wall  303  or may be provided in a cavity or void (not illustrated) in the exterior surface of the prosthesis wall  303 . The encapsulant layer  340  may be applied to the prosthesis wall  303  as a translucent conductive ink, although alternative substrate types and materials may be used. In  FIG. 20 , a rear electrode  341  and bus bar  349  may be provided on the encapsulant layer  340 . In  FIG. 21 , at least one dielectric layer  342  may be provided on the rear electrode  341 . In  FIG. 22 , a phosphor layer  343  may be provided on the dielectric layer or layers  342 . In  FIG. 23 , a base substrate layer  345  may be provided over the phosphor layer  343 . 
     Application of the prosthetic device  301  may be as was heretofore described with respect to the prosthetic device  301  in  FIGS. 1-9A . The control module  310  can be selectively operated to facilitate emission of light  350  from the EL display  320  to form a selected single-color or multi-colored image which is defined by the pattern of phosphor particles in the phosphor layer  343 . 
     While the embodiments of the disclosure have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.