Patent Publication Number: US-2006011929-A1

Title: Rotating display device

Description:
This application claims the benefit of provisional application 60/584,014 filed Jun. 29, 2004, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to a device and method for displaying images. Particularly, the present invention is directed to a device for displaying an image of an observer in real time.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      A variety of methods and systems are known for displaying images for an observer. Certain devices include televisions, display panels, pixelated displays and the like.  
      U.S. Design Pat. No. 442,497 describes a device that, when rotated at a particular velocity, displays a message to an observer in a narrow annular strip defined by the end edge of the device when it is rotated. However, this device can only display messages at one discrete angular velocity, and can only display a message on a very small surface area as observed by an observer.  
      While such conventional methods and systems generally have been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose, it is desirable to have a display device that is capable of displaying an image on a large plane that can be viewed easily by an observer. It is also desirable to have a device that is inexpensive and can be used in a variety of areas and applications. There thus remains a continued need for an efficient and economic method and system for displaying images to an observer.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the invention. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.  
      To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the invention includes a device for displaying images. The device includes a hub that is configured to rotate about a first axis and a motor configured to rotate the hub about the first axis. A plurality of light detecting devices attached to the hub and at least one lens configured to direct light toward the light detecting devices are provided. Furthermore, the device includes at least one radial member oriented along a radial axis, the radial member having a first end attached to the hub and a second end. The radial member includes a plurality of light-emitting devices disposed therein, the light emitting devices being oriented along the radial axis. The device also includes a power source operably coupled to the motor, power source and light-emitting devices, wherein the light emitting devices emit light in response to light received by the light detecting devices.  
      In further accordance with the invention, a device as described above is provided, wherein each of the light detecting devices is electrically connected to one or more of the light-emitting devices. At least one transistor can be placed in a circuit with each of the light detecting devices and light emitting devices. Moreover, each of the light detecting devices can be configured to emit light at one or more preselected wavelengths. The light emitting devices can be configured to emit light in a color selected from the group consisting of red, green and blue. Preferably, the light emitting devices are configured to emit light in red, green and blue.  
      In accordance with still a further aspect of the invention, the light emitting devices can be provided in the form of liquid crystal display devices. Additionally or alternatively, the light emitting devices can include one or more thin-film transistor display devices. Moreover, the light emitting devices can be comprised of a flexible polymeric display device. Furthermore, the light emitting devices can include organic light emitting diodes.  
      In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the device can include a plurality of lenses configured to direct light toward the light detecting devices. The plurality of lenses can be arranged to create a collimated beam of light that is directed toward the light detecting devices.  
      In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the device can further include at least one fiber optic filament, the filament having a first end in optical communication with light directed by the at least one lens and a second end in optical communication with the light detecting devices. Furthermore, the device can include a plurality of fiber optic filaments, wherein a lens is in optical communication with the plurality of fiber optic filaments. Moreover, the device can include a plurality of lenses. At least one of the plurality of lenses can be in optical communication with the second end of a fiber optic element.  
      In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the device can include a processor and a digital memory device capable of storing data. The device can be configured to display an image representative of an observer. Moreover, the device can be configured to display an image of an observer in superposition with a second image, the second image being stored in the digital memory device and displayed on the light emitting devices by the processor.  
      In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a system is provided. The system can include a device as described above that is integrated with a rotating device. The rotating device can be a fan. Moreover, the fan can be a ceiling fan.  
      The invention also includes a method for displaying images. The method includes providing a device as described above, operating the motor to rotate the hub about the first axis, directing light toward the light detecting devices using the at least one lens, generating an electrical signal by detecting at least a portion of the directed light using the light detecting devices, directing the electrical signal through one or more electrically conductive elements to the light-emitting devices, and emitting light from the light emitting devices.  
      It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed.  
      The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the invention. Together with the description, the drawing serves to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a partial cross sectional view of a display device in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a top cross sectional view of a display device in accordance with the invention in combination with an observer.  
       FIG. 3  is a cut away partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a display device in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 4  is a view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of a display device in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a display device in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 6  is a view of a portion of a display device in accordance with the invention.  
      FIGS.  7 ( a )- 7 ( b ) are cross-sectional views of a portion of an alternative embodiment of a display device in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 8  is a view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of a display device in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 9  is a view of a portion of another alternative embodiment of a display device in accordance with the invention.  
       FIG. 10  is a view of a system including a display device in accordance with the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The method and corresponding steps of the invention will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.  
      The device, method and system presented herein may be used for displaying graphic representations. The present invention is particularly suited for displaying an image that is representative of an observer. The device is suitable for use, for example, as a children&#39;s toy or for use as an art, design or advertising medium. For example, at a trade show a client could use a device in accordance with the invention that detects and reflects an enlarged image of an observer superimposed over the client&#39;s corporate logo.  
      For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an exemplary embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention is shown in  FIG. 1  and is designated generally by reference character  20 . Additional embodiments of the invention or portions thereof are shown in  FIGS. 2-10  for purpose of illustration and not limitation. As depicted, the device includes a hub  30  that is configured to rotate about a first axis and a motor  36  configured to rotate the hub  30  about the first axis. A plurality of light detecting devices  40  attached to the hub  30  and at least one lens  50  configured to direct light toward the light detecting devices are provided. Furthermore, the device includes at least one radial member  60  oriented along a radial axis. The radial member  60  includes a plurality of light-emitting devices  70  disposed therein, the light emitting devices being oriented along the radial axis. The device also includes a power source  80  operably coupled to the light detecting devices  40  and light-emitting devices  70 , wherein the light emitting devices  70  emit light in response to light received by the light detecting devices  40 .  
      In use, the lens  50  views an object, such as an observer  51 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 . The lens  50  focuses the light reflected by the observer, and directs it to a plurality of light detecting devices  40 ( a )- 40 ( n ) that sense the light. These light sensitive elements are each associated with a light emitting device  70  attached to a radial member  60 . As the assembly containing these items is rotated more and more quickly, a composite image of the observer can, in effect, be detected with each revolution of device  20  and be displayed back to the observer  51  in the form of a rasterized image on a circular viewing plane  22  by the light emitting devices  70  as they sweep through a complete revolution in a circular plane.  
      In accordance with the invention, the device includes a hub that is configured to rotate about a first axis and a motor configured to rotate the hub about the first axis.  
      For purposes of illustration and not limitation, as embodied herein and as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the hub  30  includes a center  32  and an outer periphery  34 . Hub  30  is mounted to a drive shaft  38  of a motor  36  that permits hub  38  to rotate about an axis of rotation “X” when motor  36  is actuated. Hub  30  may be permanently attached to motor  36 , or may be removably connected, such as by a set screw or other removable connection. Hub  30  is preferably molded from a plastic material, but can also be made from other materials such as metal or fiber-reinforced resin.  
      In further accordance with the invention, a plurality of light detecting devices attached to the hub are provided.  
      For purposes of illustration and not limitation, as embodied herein and as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the light detecting devices  40  are arranged on the hub  30  along a radial axis “R.” 
      Light detecting devices  40  can be conventional photo detector elements, as are known in the art, phototransistors or can also be provided in the form of photodiodes. Light detecting devices  40  can be arranged in radial strips outwardly from the center of hub  30 , or in other ways. A single row  42  of light detecting devices  40  may be provided, or many such strips  42 ( a )- 42 ( n ) can be provided as depicted in  FIG. 3 . Moreover, if desired, a two-dimensional matrix of light detecting devices can be provided in either Cartesian coordinates ( FIG. 4 ) or radial coordinates as depicted in  FIG. 3 .  
      Light detecting devices  40  can be photodiodes, or can be other types of devices (e.g., phototransistors or the like), or other types of light sensitive elements, as are known in the art. Moreover, light detecting devices  40  can be sensitive to a broad range of the spectrum or specific wavelengths. For example, light detecting devices  40  can be sensitive to light outside of visible light in addition to visible light. Thus, it is possible for light detecting devices  40  to be sensitive to infrared light. This can permit for an image of an observer in a dark room to be detected and redisplayed, even though no visible light is reflected from the observer, since the observer gives off body heat in the infrared portion of the spectrum. Moreover, light detecting devices can be provided that detect specific colors of visible light (red, green, blue, etc.) or even other portions of the spectrum (e.g., ultraviolet).  
      In further accordance with the invention, the device includes a lens configured to direct light toward the light detecting devices. Optionally, a housing can also be provided for holding the lens.  
      For purposes of illustration and not limitation, as embodied herein and as depicted in  FIG. 2 , a lens  50  is provided. Lens  50  is configured to direct light reflected by an observer to the light detecting devices  40 . This can be accomplished with a single lens  50  that has curvature sufficient to focus light on a focal plane  52  located on the surface  31  of hub  30  that is between the lens and its focal point  53 . Depending on the lens(es) used, an image can be inverted by lens  50 , which can be corrected for by correlating a row  42  of light detecting elements  40  with a row  72  of light emitting devices  70  that are 180 degrees opposed to one another. Lens  50  is preferably mounted in a cylindrical housing  54  having a flattened first end  55  with an opening  56  in which lens  50  is mounted and a cylindrical wall  57 . A second end  58  of housing  54  is affixed to hub  30 . Collectively, hub  30 , wall  57  and first end  56  define an empty chamber  59 , and serve to prevent any light from entering chamber  59  except that entering through lens  50 . Housing  54  can be formed separately from hub and attached thereto. Alternatively, wall  57  can be formed integrally with hub  30  and first end  56  can be fitted onto wall  57 . Moreover, first end  56  can be integrally formed with lens  50 , or first end  56  can be made up entirely of lens  50 , with lens  50  fitting into the end of cylindrical wall  57 .  
      In further accordance with the invention, the device includes at least one radial member oriented along a radial axis, the radial member having a first end attached to the hub and a second end.  
      For purposes of illustration and not limitation, as embodied herein and as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the device  20  includes a radial member  60  having a first end  62  attached to the hub  30 , a second end  64  and an elongate body  66 .  
      Hub  30  can be coupled to radial member  60  in a number of ways. Hub  30  can be integrally formed with radial member  60 , such as by plastic injection molding. Suitable materials include various plastics and fiberglass reinforced resins or other composite materials. The radial member  60  can also be formed separately from the hub  30 , and be attached thereto by a threaded or snap fit connection, or by adhesive or other bond or weld. Moreover, if housing  54  is provided, one or more radial members  60  can be attached thereto or formed integrally therewith.  
      In further accordance with the invention, the radial member includes a plurality of light-emitting devices disposed therein, the light emitting devices being oriented along the radial axis.  
      For purposes of illustration and not limitation, as embodied herein and as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the light emitting devices  70  are arranged in rows  72  oriented radially on or within elongate body  66  of radial member  60 . Light-emitting devices  70  are operably coupled to a light detecting devices  40  and a power source  80  discussed in detail below. Light-emitting devices  70  can be individually mounted in pre-formed recesses in radial member  60 , or can be mounted or formed on a flexible circuit board or substrate (not shown), wherein the board or substrate is provided with conductive elements thereon to electrically connect light-emitting devices  70  directly or indirectly with light detecting devices and power source  80  and a processor  90  and/or memory if provided, discussed below. All that is required is that light-emitting devices be able to define discrete areas from which light is emitted.  
      Light-emitting devices  70  are depicted in  FIG. 2  as light-emitting diodes “LED&#39;s,” aligned in a radial direction of the radial member  60 . However, other various devices and numbers thereof may be used as light-emitting devices  70 . For example, light emitting devices  70  may simply be small incandescent light bulbs having a conventional filament. Where a higher amount of light output is necessary other types of lighting elements (e.g., halogen) lights may be used where appropriate for the application. Light emitting devices may also be formed in a manner similar to an active matrix display panel using thin-film transistors (“TFTs”). In accordance with this variation, a multi-pixelated elongate display panel may be provided including dozens or hundreds of TFTs, as may be appropriate depending on the application. This may be connected with processor in a conventional manner as is known in the art. Organic light-emitting diodes may also be employed. Moreover, flexible polymer screens can also be employed similar to the “Polymer Vision”™ display technology available from Philips corporation, which uses thin-film transistors (“TFTs”) mounted on a polymeric material instead of glass, and uses “eInk”™ a system using half black/half white capsules that uses an electrical charge to change the capsule&#39;s orientation. Other polymeric films capable of acting as a display medium are also within the scope of the invention.  
      As with the rows  42 ( a )- 42 ( n ) of light detecting devices  40 , one or more radial members  60 ( a )- 60 ( n ) can be provided as depicted in  FIG. 5 . Preferably, the number of rows  42  of light detecting devices  40  are equal in number to the number of radial members  60 . This permits each light detecting device  40  in each row  42  to be connected with one or more light emitting devices  70  in rows  72 . Thus, light detected by light detecting devices  40  is, in effect, redisplayed through light emitting devices  70 . As discussed above, when a single lens  50  is provided the image on focal plane  52  is inverted. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a given row  42  of light detecting devices  40  is offset 180 degrees from a row  72  of light emitting devices  72 . As device  20  rotates, the light detecting devices  40  sweep through a circular path  21  defining a circular plane  22  and cause corresponding light emitting devices  70  in radial members  60  to light. If device  20  is rotating quickly enough, this results in light emitting devices  70  producing a rasterized image of the observer that is “seen” by lens  50 . Thus, the disclosed invention can be thought of as a “mirror.” 
      In further accordance with the invention, the device also includes a power source operably coupled to the motor, power source and light-emitting devices, wherein the light emitting devices emit light in response to light received by the light detecting devices.  
      For purposes of illustration and not limitation and as depicted in  FIG. 1 , power source  80  can be provided in the form of a direct current (“DC”) electrical source. While any suitable voltage can be used, a device in accordance with the invention has been used with a DC source at 5 volts. An exemplary photodiode-transitor-resistor circuit is depicted in  FIG. 6 . The 5V DC power is provided to each of the circuit components (light detecting device  40  (e.g., photodiode), transistor, light emitting device (e.g., light emitting diode) and resistors by using the shaft  38  of the motor  36  as a negative lead, or ground by connecting an electric lead to the motor casing  37 . The positive 5V lead is provided through a bearing  39  that is insulated from the motor shaft  38 . This permits a circuit to be completed through each of the circuit components.  
      A variety of power sources can be used for power source  80 . For example, a battery can be used as described herein, or the device can be configured to run off of alternating current as desired. Power source  80  can alternatively be located inside housing  54 , or radial member  60 . Where device  20  is a part of a larger system, such as a fan, as discussed below, the power source  80  can be located elsewhere within the system, and electrically connected to device either directly or via radio frequency/inductively coupled power transmission.  
      In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the device can further include at least one fiber optic filament, the filament having a first end in optical communication with light directed by the at least one lens and a second end in optical communication with the light detecting devices.  
      For purposes of illustration and not limitation, as embodied herein and as depicted in  FIG. 7 ( a ), a device  20  including a fiber optic filament  84  is provided. Such a fiber optic filament can be used in device  20  if it is desired or necessary to not align lens  50  with focal plane  52  through direct mechanical alignment. Using one or more fiber optic filaments that are configured to transmit light by aligning a first end  86  of filament  84  with focal point  53  of lens  50  can be used to transmit the light to where it is needed.  
      Moreover, the device  20  can include a plurality of lenses  50 ( a )- 50 ( n ). Lens  50 ( b ) can be in optical communication with a second end  88  of a fiber optic element to permit the light to be diffused onto an array of light sensitive devices  40 , as depicted in  FIG. 7 ( a ). Moreover, if it is desired to create a collimated beam of light, a first lens  50 ( a ) can gather the light, and a second lens  50 ( b ) can be used to collimate, or straighten the received light into a column as depicted in  FIG. 7 ( b ) so that the focal distance between the lenses and light sensitive devices is not critical.  
      In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the device can include a processor and a digital memory device capable of storing data.  
      For purposes of illustration and not limitation, processor  90  is schematically depicted in  FIG. 1  connected to digital memory device  92 . Processor  90  can be any microprocessor that can be programmed to display messages or graphic representation in accordance with the invention. By using a processor  90  and digital memory device  92 , information in addition to that captured by lens  50  can be displayed by light emitting devices  70 . For example, device  20  can be configured to display an image of an observer in superposition with a second image, the second image being stored in the digital memory device  92  and displayed using the light emitting devices  70  by the processor  90 . Processor  90  is also provided with a timer  94  in order to enable it to activate the light-emitting devices  70  at predetermined time intervals to display a superimposed message and/or graphic representation (e.g. a logo) to an observer.  
      Processor  90  can be programmed to illuminate light emitting devices  70  in a number of ways. As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , light emitting devices  70  are spaced radially from one another, such that a light emitting device  70  spaced further from the center of rotation of device  20  than another light emitting device will be traveling at a slightly faster tangential velocity. Under certain circumstances, such as where light emitting devices  70  have a large distance between them in a radial direction, this tangential velocity difference can affect the quality of the image displayed by the user by causing the “top” of an image to “spread out.” Thus, it may be desirable under certain circumstances to illuminate more inwardly located light emitting devices  70  for a shorter time than ones located radially outward away from the center of rotation. As with power source  80 , processor  90  and digital memory device  92  can be located in housing  54  or radial member  60 .  
      In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the device can be provided with a position sensor to sense the position that the device is moving at when being used.  
      For purposes of illustration and not limitation, as depicted in  FIG. 8 , position sensor  96  is depicted herein as a rotational potentiometer  98  mounted to a stationary portion of motor  36  and hub  30  to measure relative rotational displacement between the two. This permits determination of the angular position of housing  54  with respect to motor  36 . In accordance with this aspect of this invention, processor  90  and timer  94  are configured to measure the rotational speed of the device  20  while in use by continuously measuring the potential difference across the potentiometer to determine the speed of angular displacement, or rotational speed, of device  20 . In this manner it is possible for the sequencing of the light-emitting devices to change as the rotational speed of the device changes. This can facilitate displaying a superimposed message as described above to an observer.  
      A variety of other devices can be provided to measure the angular velocity of device  20  when it is rotated. Instead of potentiometer  98 , a magnet and magnet detector (not shown) can be used. Similarly, a reflective surface  102  can be provided on hub  30  and an infrared (“IR”)-LED module  104  can be provided on a stationary portion such as housing  37  of motor  36 , respectively, to measure the frequency of rotation. As depicted in  FIG. 9 , IR signal is launched from transmit portion  106  of module  104 , and is reflected by reflective surface  102  when reflective surface  102  passes through the path  108  of the IR transmit beam. Reflected beam  110  then passes to receive portion  112  of module  104 . In response to receiving signal  112 , module  104  provides an electrical signal to processor  90  to allow processor  90  to calculate the rotational velocity of housing  54 . As with potentiometer  98 , the magnet detector or IR-LED module can be interfaced with processor  90  to properly time the display of superimposed images. Moreover, the AC electrical signal of the motor  36  can be measured to measure the rotational speed of device  20 . This can be accomplished if processor  90  is configured to measure the sinusoidal variation in voltage of the motor  36  over time. One full rotation of device  20  will result in a complete cycle (e.g., a voltage trace over time resembling a sine wave of period 2JI). Thus, processor  90  can accomplish this time-varying voltage measurement via correlation with the output of timer  94  (or can be provided with its own timer) to measure the rotational speed of device  20  while in use.  
      In further accordance with the invention, a device can be provided as described above further including an acoustic emitter. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a speaker (not shown) is provided to emit one or more sounds. A speaker may be provided to emit an indicator sound (e.g., a “beep”) during use of device  20 . Sounds may also be emitted by device  20  as a supplement to the visual display that can be produced with device  20 . Any sounds can be programmed to be emitted by into device  20 . For example, at trade shows theme music can be emitted by device  20 . These sounds can be stored permanently on digital memory device  92  or can be programmed into device  20  via cable or wireless connection, even while device  20  is being used.  
      In further accordance with the invention, a system is provided including a device for displaying images as disclosed herein and an additional component.  
      For example, device  20  can be configured to be permanently attached to computer (not shown). Applications for such a system can include, for example, a permanent display in a store window or at a trade show, and the like.  
      Device  20  can also be integrated into a fan  140 , as depicted in  FIG. 10  with lens  50  at the center thereof. When the fan  140  is used, light-emitting devices  70  disposed radially in rows  72  along one or more fan blades  142  are activated to display a “reflection” to a user as described above. The fan  140  can be configured to display superimposed messages as described above. Moreover, fan  140  can be programmed to display different messages and/or emit different sounds using a remote control (not shown). In accordance with this aspect of the invention, fan  140  can be provided with an infrared (“IR”) receiver. While a table top fan is depicted, other types of fans, such as ceiling fans can be integrated with device  20 .  
      In further accordance with the invention, a method is provided for displaying images using a device as described herein. The method includes providing a device as described above, operating the motor to rotate the hub about the first axis, directing light toward the light detecting devices using the at least one lens, generating an electrical signal by detecting at least a portion of the directed light using the light detecting devices, directing the electrical signal through one or more electrically conductive elements to the light-emitting devices, and emitting light from the light emitting devices. Any of the devices embodied herein can be used to practice this method.  
      In further accordance of the method of the invention, the device can be configured to emit light at more than one wavelength, thus permitting the emission of light in one or more colors. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, as embodied herein and as shown in  FIG. 5 , three rows of light emitting devices  70  can be provided in each radial member  60 , wherein light emitting devices  70  in a first row  72 ( a ) emits green light, light emitting devices  70  in a second row  72 ( b ) emits blue light, and light emitting devices  70  in a third row  72 ( c ) emits red light. The combination of these three colors can be used to provide a full color rasterized image to an observer. In further accordance with this aspect of the invention, rows  42  of light detecting devices  40  will necessarily comprise three rows of light detecting elements sensitive to red, green, and blue light, respectively, thus permitting detection of a color image that can be redisplayed through red, green, and blue light emitting devices  70 , respectively.  
      An example of a device made in accordance with the teachings herein is described in the Example below.  
     EXAMPLE I  
      An exemplary embodiment of device  20  is depicted in  FIG. 1 . Device  20  includes eighty circuits similar to the one depicted in  FIG. 6 . Thus, device  20  includes 80 photodiodes, 80 light emitting diodes, and 160 resistors. 5V electrical power is provided to device  20  by routing the power through the motor shaft  38  and motor housing  37 /bearing  39  as described above. A single lens  50  is provided to focus an image to be redisplayed, or “reflected” to the observer. Thus, row  42  of light detecting devices  40  is offset 180 degrees from a row  72  of light emitting devices  72 . As device  20  rotates, the light detecting devices  40  sweep through a circular plane and cause corresponding light emitting devices  70  in radial members  60  to light. If device  20  is rotating quickly enough, this results in light emitting devices  70  producing a rasterized image of the observer.  
      It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the method and system of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.