Patent Publication Number: US-2010107461-A1

Title: Scrolling display device and method

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a scrolling display device and a method for displaying images. More particularly, the present invention relates to a scrolling display device and method that is particularly suited for displaying relatively large images such as in a quick-service restaurant. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of menu boards and scrolling devices are known in the art for displaying advertising messages and the like. 
     However, there is a need for a device and method that is capable of displaying a selected one or more images from a plurality of images or media frames. In addition, a need exists for such a device and method that is relatively low cost and has a thin profile. A need further exists for such a display device that simulates the image appearance of a flat panel LED or plasma monitor or television. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a scrolling display device is provided. The scrolling display device includes an LED illuminator panel typically having a smooth web-supporting surface. The scrolling display device of the invention further includes a web drive mechanism associated with the LED illuminator panel for moving a flexible image-containing web adjacent and at least in close proximity to the surface of the LED illuminator panel to backlight and permit display of the web portion that is adjacent the LED illuminator panel. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the LED illuminator panel is at least substantially planar. In another embodiment, the LED illuminator panel can be curved to a desired degree, and may have a surface that is a section of a cylinder. 
     In one embodiment, the LED illuminator panel is a flat panel LED that emits white light. 
     In accordance with the invention, the LED illuminator panel defines a display window for the scrolling display device. The LED illuminator panel is relatively rigid so that it is self-supporting and also provides a supporting smooth surface for the flexible web. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the web drive mechanism that is associated with the LED illuminator panel is configured to selectively scroll the web back and forth over the LED illuminator panel. Alternatively, the drive mechanism can be configured to selectively scroll a continuous web over the LED illuminator panel. In one embodiment, the web drive mechanism is comprised of a pair of selectively driven spools located on each of opposed sides of the LED illuminator panel for selectively scrolling the web back and forth over the LED illuminator panel by winding the web on one of the spools while unwinding the web on the other of the spools. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the scrolling display device includes a control system for selectively driving a chosen one of the spools to display a selected portion of the web on the LED illuminator. 
     The flexible web typically has a plurality of discrete frame images disposed on the web. The images may be of a size and configuration to permit display of at least an entire one of the frame images on the LED illuminator panel. The frame images may form an integral part of the web. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, at least portions of the frame images are at least semi-transparent. In addition, the resolution of the frame images contained on the web may be of a relatively high resolution. For example, the resolution of the images may be at least 200, 400, 600, 1,200 or more dots per inch (dpi) or equivalent. The images may also be high resolution photograph transparencies. The images may be in color or black and white, such as photographic slides, for example. The displayed frame image of the web illuminated by the LED illuminator panel can simulate a flat panel LED image, such as that displayed by an LED or plasma monitor or television. Yet, the high resolution display can be economically achieved as only a relatively inexpensive LED illuminator panel and a relatively inexpensive black and white or color slide image is needed. 
     Typically, the web will be configured to at least substantially span the LED illuminator panel. A web guide member may be provided that is associated with the LED illuminator panel and extends longitudinally along the direction of web travel over the LED illuminator panel to help maintain the web in at least close proximity to the LED illuminator panel. Preferably, the web is in substantial contact with the LED illuminator panel and the web guide member helps achieve this. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of displaying information is provided. The method includes providing a scrolling display device composed of an LED illuminator panel having a substantially smooth web supporting surface, a web drive mechanism associated with the LED illuminator panel for moving a flexible image-containing web adjacent and at least in close proximity to the surface of the LED illuminator panel to backlight and permit display of the web portion that is adjacent the LED illuminator panel. The method further includes loading a flexible web having a plurality of frame images thereon of a size to permit display of the frame image on the scrolling display device of at least an entire one of the frame images, positioning a selected frame image adjacent and in at least close proximity to the surface of the LED illuminator panel and activating the LED illuminator panel to emit LED light to illuminate the selected frame image. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the method of the invention, the method further includes providing a high resolution frame image of at least 600 dpi on the web, the display frame image simulating a high resolution image displayed directly by a flat panel LED, such as an LED monitor or television. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a scrolling display device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the scrolling display device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a front elevation view of the display device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a front elevation view of the scrolling display device of  FIG. 1  illustrating a warning feature in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the scrolling display device of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment scrolling display device in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the Figures generally and in particular to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a scrolling display device  10  in accordance with the present invention. Scrolling display device  10  provides a relatively large display frame  12  that is backlighted. Display frame  12  can be relatively large such as on the order of about 8 square feet and as illustrated in the Figures, display frame  12  has dimensions of approximately 24 inches×50 inches and thus is particularly suitable for displaying images having aspect ratios of about 16:9 or greater such as 2.1:1 or greater, for example. Thus, landscape or panoramic views can be readily displayed in accordance with the present invention. Of course, any desired size, dimensions and aspect ratio can be utilized. 
       FIG. 2  is a more extreme perspective view of scrolling display device  10  and illustrates the relative thinness thereof. Thus, scrolling display device  10  is particularly well suited to be fastened to a wall surface without any provision for allowing for significant depth. Thus, scrolling display device  10  may be constructed to have approximately 8 square feet of viewing area for display frame  12  and the thickness of scrolling display device  10  can be about 2 inches. 
     As a result of the large area of the display frame  12 , a substantial amount of information can be provided in a single frame, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3A . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3A , nine different beverages are listed in three different sizes with the price for each being included as well as other choices for the beverages including whole or non-fat milk, and various flavored syrups. In addition, there is ample space for depiction of the actual product in a format that is attractive to the consumer. 
     Thus, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3A , display frame  12  can display a relatively large single image frame  14  having desired indicia composed of product listings  16 , prices  18 , sizes  20 , extra ingredients or ingredient choices  22  and product images  24 . Single image frame  14  is disposed on a flexible web  26  and may form an integral part of flexible web  26 . Alternatively, single image frame  14  may be applied as an image that is affixed to a flexible web substrate as a unitary single image frame or as discrete portions. For example, for any image, the pricing or other portion could be separately applied and removed to change product pricing or other information as desired. This would avoid the necessity of replacing flexible web  26 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, single image frame  14  may be composed of any desired indicia and may be composed solely of one or more of the following: numbers, letters, symbols, words, drawings, images, photographs, artwork or other indicia as desired. 
     Typically, the number of single frame images contained on flexible web  26  will be at least two or more. In this manner, scrolling display device  10  can display any of the images contained on or that are a part of flexible web  26  as will be hereinafter described in detail. 
     In addition, flexible web  26  can incorporate a visual warning indicia  28 , in this case a stop sign symbol, indicating to the operator that the end of flexible web  26  is being approached and that no further movement of flexible web  26  in the direction of arrow A should be made. 
     In one example of a suitable use of scrolling display device  10 , flexible web  26  has three single image frames, in addition to visual warning indicia  28 . Each frame may be targeted to a particular time of day or to a particular product type. For example, if the frames are intended for time of day, one frame may be utilized for products typically sold for breakfast or in the morning, another frame may be targeted to products that are typically sold in the afternoon or at lunch and the third frame may be targeted for products typically sold at dinner or in the evening and in addition another frame can be provided for products typically sold later in the evening, after dinner. Of course, scrolling display device  10  is suitable for displaying any type of image as may be desired. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is illustrated an exploded perspective view of scrolling display device  10 . Scrolling display device  10  as illustrated includes the following major components: a frame  30 , an LED illuminator panel  32 , flexible web  26 , selectively driven spools  34  and  36 , electric motors  38  and  40  for driving selectively driven spools  34  and  36 , respectively, a face frame  42  that is mounted to frame  30 , nose guides  44  and  46 , upper and lower web guides  48  and  50 , a controller  52 , and various other minor components as will be hereinafter described. 
     Frame  30  is dimensioned to contain LED illuminator panel  32  and the other components of scrolling display device  10  over which is placed face frame  42  which together with frame  30  forms an enclosure housing all of the internal components of scrolling display device  10 . 
     LED illuminator panel  32  defines display frame  12  in its active illuminated area that corresponds to display frame  12 . LED illuminator panel  32  includes a non-illuminated border  54  that allows for mounting of LED illuminator panel  32  to frame  30 . 
     A typical LED illuminator panel for use in accordance with the invention has a substantially smooth web supporting surface which in this case is the surface of display frame  12  over which web  26  traverses. LED illuminator panel  32 , in addition to providing a supporting substrate for flexible web  26  also provides low energy efficient backlighting to display the images contained in flexible web  26 . As an example, a typical LED illuminator panel having about 8 square feet of lighted area will consume only about 58 watts of electrical energy while providing about 300 foot-candles of light output. In contrast, fluorescent lights would require use of about 290 watts of electrical energy for a similar light output. 
     Motors  38  and  40  are mounted to frame  30  and transmit rotational energy through gear reducers  56  and  58 , respectively, to drive spools  34  and  36 . Motors  38  and  40  are controlled by controller  52  which may be a rocker switch. The rocker switch may include three positions, a neutral position where motors  38  and  40  are deactivated, a first position in which web  26  is moved laterally across display frame  12  of LED illuminator panel  32  in the direction of arrow A and a third position in which motors  38  and  40  cause display web  26  to travel in the opposite direction across display frame  12  of LED illuminator panel  32 . When display web  26  reaches a desired position on display frame  12 , the rocker switch is released and returns to its off position thereby stopping flexible web  26  at the desired display position, such as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . For example, continued operation of scrolling display device  10  so that flexible web  26  travels in the direction of arrow A past the left-hand border of the single image frame  14  displayed in  FIG. 3A  would result in visual warning indicator  28  being displayed as shown in  FIG. 3B . Controller  52  could be operated to cause flexible web  26  to travel in the direction opposite to  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  to cause single image frame  14  to return to the position shown in  FIG. 3A . Further movement of flexible web  26  in the direction opposite to  FIG. 3A  would cause flexible web  26  to display the next image immediately to the right of single image frame  14  of  FIG. 3A  and further movement would cause the next image located further to the right of single image frame  14  to be displayed. Another visual warning indicia (not shown), similar to visual warning indicia  28  could be provided at the opposite end of flexible web  26  to similarly warn the operator of flexible web travel reaching the opposite end of flexible web  26 . 
     Nose guides  44  and  46  provide a rounded surface and are located adjacent respective left and right ends of LED illuminator panel  32  to provide a smooth, rounded or radiused surface  44 ′ and  46 ′, respectively, to facilitate the traversal of flexible web  26  from spool  34  to spool  36  and similarly in the opposite direction when scrolling display device  10  is so operated. 
     Upper and lower web guides  48  and  50  guide flexible web  26  to maintain it in a position adjacent and at least in close proximity to the surface of display frame  12  of LED illuminator panel  32 . Upper and lower web guides  48  and  50  as illustrated are L-shaped so that when mounted adjacent and in front of the top and bottom edges of LED illuminator panel  32  they provide a channel through which the edges of flexible web  26  can traverse during movement of web  26  along the surface of display frame  12  and between spools  34  and  36 . 
     Spools  34  and  36  can be conveniently constructed of plastic or any other desired material and thus are relatively inexpensive. In addition, an advertising campaign or current prices as part of a menu promotion may be contained on flexible web  26  and wound onto a single one of spools  34  and  36  and delivered to various restaurants or other locations as needed for subsequent display, such as in a mailing tube, for example. Thus, advertising campaigns can be easily and readily economically changed for a large network of retail establishments, for example. 
     Spools  34  and  36  can be easily mounted to scrolling display device  10  via a spring-loaded assembly  60  which includes a spring  62 , a pin  64  and a spring housing  66 . Respective spring  62  exerts an upward force against spring housing  66  which, in turn, urges respective spools  34  and  36  upwardly towards gear reduction mechanisms  56  and  58 . This allows easy removal and insertion of spools  34  and  36  into an operating position in scrolling display device  10  by depressing spring housing  66  which, in turn, compresses spring  62 . The spools  34  and  36  interface with gear reducers  56  and  58  as desired, and may be a slot (not shown) in gear reducers  56  and  58  and a complementary tab at the end of spools  34  and  36  that fits into the slot or vice-versa. A similar arrangement can be utilized between spring housing  66  and the other end of spools  34  and  36 , or even a hole and complementary pin arrangement could be used, as this end of spools  34  and  36  is not driven. Suitable mounting plates  68  and  70  are provided for securing gear reducers  56  and  58  and motors  38  and  40  to frame  30 . Other suitable miscellaneous components are also depicted in  FIG. 4  including a power supply  72  for LED illuminator panel  32  and a DC power supply  74  for electric motors  38  and  40 . Power supplies  72  and  74  can be conveniently mounted in compartment  76  of frame  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is illustrated an alternate embodiment scrolling display device  80  in accordance with the invention. Scrolling display device  80  is similar to scrolling display device  10  previously described, with the exception that scrolling display device  80  is operated manually and thus does not include motors  38  and  40  and gear reduction devices  56  and  58 . All other reference numerals in scrolling display device  80  refer to like elements as described with respect to scrolling display device  10 . Spools  34  and  36  can be driven by manually operating hand cranks  82  and  84 , respectively. Hand cranks  82  and  84  are connected to spools  34  and  36 , respectively, so that rotation of either of hand cranks  82  and  84  cause rotation of spools  34  and  36  to move flexible web  26  in a desired direction. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes, modifications and rearrangements and such changes, modifications and rearrangements are intended to be covered by the following claims.