Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/004,436 filed Nov. 27, 2007, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to messaging devices and, more particularly, to a message display balloon containing an electronic control system for displaying dynamic messages. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    The idea of using electronics to enhance the display function of a balloon is not new. U.S. Pat. No. 2,383,390 to Jacobs used an electric light to illuminate a graphic of a flag inside of a balloon. This invention was created in anticipation of the celebration of troops returning home at the end of WWII. The message display balloon of the present invention has an advantage over Jacobs, balloon in that the graphic inside of the balloon is under software control. This gives the message or graphic the advantage of not only being dynamic, but it can also be personalized for a specific person or occasion. 
         [0006]    Other related prior art includes U.S Pat. No. 6,856,303 to Kowalewski and U.S Pat. No. 6,037,876 to Crouch, which are two examples of many inventions that use the persistence of vision effect to create messages and graphics in space. In Kowalewski, the persistence of vision effect is used to create a display medium to display data such as the time and date. Similarly, Crouch uses a ceiling fan as the spinning member to mount an array of lights to generate messages and graphics in space. 
         [0007]    The combination of a dynamic messaging system with a balloon can improve the flexibility and entertainment value of the displayed messages. More particularly, messages can be pre-programmed for various special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries, and stored for later use. Multiple messages can also be combined to create more complex communications in applications ranging from product promotions to political campaigns. In addition, the balloon that contains the dynamic messaging system can be used to elevate and attract attention to the message, thereby increasing the impact of the message content. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, there is a need for a message display system in which a dynamic massage generation system is encapsulated within a conventional balloon. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is directed to a message display balloon, in which a dynamic message generation and display system that is encapsulated within a conventional balloon and is light enough to allow that balloon to float when filled with helium. 
         [0010]    In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a message display balloon includes a dynamic message generation system that uses a light-emitting diode (LED) array. A message is generated inside the balloon using a stored computer software program to turn on and off the individual LEDS as the LED array is rotated within the balloon. The persistence of vision effect of the human eye results in the blending of these rapid changes in illumination into a single perceived message image. More particularly, when the LED array travels along a circular path within the balloon, the LEDS are pulsed on and then off periodically, the persistence of vision effect causes multiple lighted columns to be seen by the human and the dynamic message effectively “painted” in space. 
         [0011]    A key advantage of using the led array to generate a display medium in space is its low weight design that will allow the balloon lifting this display apparatus to remain buoyant. In addition, the LED array is very low cost, as are the components needed to power and drive the individual LEDs. Of course, the messages generated by this first embodiment, while dynamic, are limited to single color (monochrome) alphanumeric text. 
         [0012]    Thus, in a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the LED array contains seven separate LED components each with the ability to display the primary colors red, green, and blue. These three colors can be combined to create many combinations of colors, and therefore provide the ability to generate more complex text and graphics. The method for providing power to the LED array and its associated electronic components is also simpler and improves the measurement accuracy of its rotation within the balloon. 
         [0013]    In a third embodiment of the present invention, the LED array is replaced by two ultraviolet (UV) laser LED arrays that are attached to opposite ends of the rotating arm within the balloon. One of the UV LED arrays contains three laser diodes and the other contains four laser diodes. The inner surface of the balloon is coated with a fluorescent powder that reacts to the UV light generated by the laser diodes. This allows the dynamic message to be “painted” directly onto the inner surface of the balloon, thereby improving the contrast and brightness of the displayed message. 
         [0014]    Therefore an object of the present invention is to improve the level attention given to a dynamic message or display by suspending it within a floating balloon. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic messaging system that displays monochrome graphics and messages. 
         [0016]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a dynamic messaging system that displays color graphics and messages. 
         [0017]    Yet another object is to provide a dynamic messaging system that is easy to assemble and deploy. 
         [0018]    An additional object is to provide a dynamic messaging system that uses simple and low-cost components. 
         [0019]    Further features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated by a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The present invention may be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements and in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1A  is a hybrid cutaway and perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a message display balloon  100  constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 1B  is a front view of message display balloon  100  in operation shown from a distance; 
           [0023]      FIG. 1C  is an isometric cutaway view of concentric tubes  121 , logic power wires  116 , and a cutaway of support clip  117 , balloon support  118 , and balloon  101  (shown as dashed line)of the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 1D  is an isometric view of the persistence of vision effect for the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 1E  is an isometric view of a message painted in space for the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 1F  is a diagram showing how memory is mapped inside the microcontroller of the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 1G  is a diagram showing the electronic hardware configuration including the hardware internal to the microcontroller of the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 1H  is a flow chart of the main software loop  600  for the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 1I  is a flow chart of the completed revolution interrupt service routine  700  for the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 1J  is a flow chart of the pixel column data interrupt service routine  800  for the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 1K  is a flow chart of the USB interrupt service routine  900  for the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0032]      FIG. 1L  is a simple front view showing the first preferred embodiment connected to a personal computer before a balloon is installed; 
           [0033]      FIG. 1M  is a simple front view showing the first step for installing a balloon in the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0034]      FIG. 1N  is a simple front view showing the second step for installing a balloon in the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0035]      FIG. 1O  is a simple front view showing the third step for installing the balloon in the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0036]      FIG. 1P  is a simple front view showing the fourth step for installing the balloon in the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0037]      FIG. 2A  is a combination cut-away and perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a message display balloon  200  constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 2B  is a front view of the second preferred embodiment in operation; 
           [0039]      FIG. 3A  is a combination of cut-away and perspective views of a third preferred embodiment of a message display balloon  300  constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 3B  is a front view of the even row and odd row LED arrays of the third preferred embodiment positioned side-by-side; 
           [0041]      FIG. 3C  is a front view of the third preferred embodiment in operation; 
           [0042]      FIG. 3D  is an isometric view showing the method for displaying the message in the third preferred embodiment with the odd LED array in front; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 3E  is an isometric view showing the method for displaying the message in the third preferred embodiment with the even LED array in front. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0044]    The following exemplary discussion focuses on a message display balloon containing an electronic display and control system for displaying dynamic messages within a floating balloon. 
         [0045]      FIG. 1A  shows a hybrid cut-away and perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a message display balloon  100  constructed in accordance with the present invention. Message display balloon  100  is comprised of a balloon  101 , which is inflated with pressurized helium  102 . Balloon  101  is connected to a base assembly  124  through a pair of concentric tubes  121  further comprised of an inner concentric tube  115  and an outer concentric tube  114 . Balloon  101  encapsulates a display assembly  103 . Display assembly  103  consists of a light-emitting diode (LED) array  104 , a rotating arm  107 , and other electronic components described in more detail below. 
         [0046]    LED array  104  is comprised of seven LEDs  105  that are connected to a solid printed circuit board  106 . Rotating arm  107  is constructed of flexible circuit board material, which allows it to be inserted into balloon  101  by bending to extreme angles without breaking. LED array  104  is soldered to rotating arm  107 , and is oriented perpendicular to the latter&#39;s plane of rotation. At the end opposite of LED array  104  is a universal serial bus (USB) data connection point  109 . USB data connection point  109  is constructed of exposed conductive circuit board traces that allow for a card-end type connector (not shown) to be clipped on to the end of rotating arm  107 . On this same end of rotating arm  107  is a microcontroller  108 , which is securely connected to the top of rotating arm  107 . In close proximity to microcontroller  108  are a set of passive electronic components  110 , including various resistors and capacitors that aid in the function of microcontroller  108  and LED array  104 . 
         [0047]    Positioned on the bottom of rotating arm  107  is an infrared reflective opto-sensor  111 , the latter of which is a common off-the-shelf component known to those skilled in the art. Opto-sensor  111  is designed to detect when a reflective tab  112  is in close proximity, by emitting an infrared light and detecting the reflection. The light-emitting portion of opto-sensor  111  points downward towards reflective tab  112 , in close enough proximity to allow the reflected light to be detected. 
         [0048]    All of the components that make up display assembly  103  are chosen to be of a predetermined dimension and material in order to keep the weight down and allow positive buoyancy for balloon  101 . Further more the components of display assembly  103  are placed in predetermined locations so that when spun about an axis of rotation  113  the sum of component centrifugal forces remain balanced. 
         [0049]    Display assembly  103  is mounted on top of inner concentric tube  115 . Inner concentric tube  115  is directly connected to a rotating battery case  123  which, in turn, is directly connected to an electric motor shaft  126  inside of a base assembly  124 . The combination of display assembly  103 , inner concentric tube  115 , and rotating battery case  123  is all free to spin about axis of rotation  113 . Inside of rotating battery case  123  are a set of logic batteries  122 , the latter connected to a pair of logic power wires  116  that passes through inner concentric tube  115  and are connected, and provide electrical power, to microcontroller  108  and electronic components  110 . 
         [0050]    Continuing with ( FIGS. 1A and 1C ), outer concentric tube  114  guides and supports inner concentric tube  115 , while the latter is rotating. Outer concentric tube  114  is attached to balloon  101  and base assembly  124  and is not free to rotate. It should be noted that concentric tubes  121  are made of a material with low friction coefficient such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), allowing inner concentric tube  115  to easily rotate within outer concentric tube  114 . 
         [0051]    At the point where balloon  101  meets outer concentric tube  114  are two components, a support clip  117  and a balloon support  118 , that supports and seals balloon  101 . Support clip  117  (shown in detail in  FIG. 1C ) is further comprised of a beveled ring  137  with a lip  138  at its narrow end. Clip  117  is positioned around, and fastened to, outer concentric tube  114 . A balloon opening  119  passes over the outside of the support clip  117  (The cutaway profile of Balloon  101  is shown in  FIG. 1C  as a bold dashed line). Balloon support  118  is a cone-shaped structure with an opening at both ends. Balloon support  118  passes over the outside of balloon opening  119  and is slid up until the narrow end of balloon support  118  pushes past lip  138  of support clip  117 , thereby sealing balloon  101 . 
         [0052]    As with display assembly  103 , concentric tubes  121 , logic power wires  116 , support clip  117 , and balloon support  118  are all of a predetermined weight that will not overcome the positive buoyancy of balloon  101  when filled with helium  102 . Concentric tubes  121  are of an arbitrary length  120  but are restricted such that they still allow balloon  101  to float. 
         [0053]    Outer concentric tube  114  is fastened to a base outer wall  135  at a location  125 . Note that base assembly  124  is divided by a pressure dividing wall  129  into a pressurized chamber  128  and an un-pressurized chamber  134 . Pressurized chamber  128  contains an electric motor  127  and is a continuation of the helium volume inside balloon  102  because they are connected by outer concentric tube  114 . Electric motor  127  is held in place relative to base assembly  124  by a motor support clip  180 . A set of motor wires  130  are attached to electric motor  127  and then pass through sealed wired penetrations  131  in pressure dividing wall  129 . Inside of un-pressurized chamber  134  is a set of motor batteries  133  and a switch  132  for turning electric motor  127  on and off. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1B-1F , the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.  FIG. 1B  is a front view of the first preferred embodiment of the message display balloon  100  in operation, and where base  124 , concentric tubes  121 , and balloon  101  are shown similar to a conventional balloon setup. Balloon  101  is free floating, and is tethered to the weight of base  124  by concentric tubes  121 . Inside of balloon  101  a dynamic message  136  is displayed, the latter of which can be changed or personalized for any occasion. 
         [0055]    Message  136  inside is generated using LED Array  104  and the persistence of vision effect  140 , an example of which is shown in  FIGS. 1D and 1E . Persistence of vision effect  140  is based on limitations in the speed of the human eye to process changes in light, which results in the blending of rapid changes into a single perceived image. The single array  104  of this embodiment coupled with persistence of vision effect  140  provides a light weight display medium that allows balloon  101  to remain buoyant while displaying message  136 . 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 1D , when LED Array  104  travels along a circular path  139 , and all the LEDs are pulsed on and then off periodically, the persistence of vision effect  140  causes multiple lighted columns to be seen by the human eye. As shown in  FIG. 1E , when specific LEDs in LED array  104  are turned on or off at specific points along circular path  139 , a message or graphic  136  is effectively “painted” in space. 
         [0057]    Referring briefly back to  FIG. 1A , note all of the components inside balloon  101  and base assembly  124  are externally visible. Display assembly  103  is mounted to inner concentric tube  115 , which is, in turn, mounted to rotating battery case  123  adjacent to electric motor output shaft  126  located inside base  124 . When motor switch  132  is turned on, power from motor batteries  133  travels through motor wires  130 , thereby activating electric motor  127 . 
         [0058]    The rotation of electric motor output shaft  126  causes rotating battery case  123 , inner concentric tube  115  and display assembly  103  to likewise rotate. Electric motor  127  will rotate at the maximum rotational velocity that electric motor batteries  133  are capable of driving. A software program  600  executed by microcontroller  108  (explained later in detail) generates the timing signals needed to produce displayed message  136 . This means that the exact rotational speed of display assembly  103  is not critical, as long as it is fast enough for persistence of vision  140  to take effect. 
         [0059]    Looking briefly at the mechanical design of message display balloon  100 , we focus on the concentric tubes  121 , which are shown in detail in ( FIGS. 1A and 1C ). The reason for choosing concentric tubes  121  is the benefit of moving the weight of the heaviest components to base  124 . In particular, electric motor  127  and logic batteries  122  are two components that have considerable weight and are moved to base  124  in the first preferred embodiment. With the weight of these components in base  124 , balloon  101  will be able to float. Moreover, since batteries  122  that power display assembly  103  are in base  124 , it becomes necessary to run logic power wires  116  up the inside of the inner concentric tube  115 . 
         [0060]    Because of oscillations that develop while message display balloon  100  is in operation, it is necessary to have a support  118  that will hold balloon  101  in a steady position relative to display assembly  103  that is spinning inside. Without support  118 , balloon  101  would wobble out of control and eventually display assembly  103  would hit the inside surface of balloon  101 . Balloon support  118  also seals off balloon opening  119  when it is clipped into support clip  117 . 
         [0061]    As mentioned earlier, the timing of LED array  104  is controlled by software program  600  executed by microcontroller  108 , using the time period of rotating arm  107 . This time period is clocked using infrared reflective opto-sensor  111 , and reflecting tab  112 . Opto-sensor  111  is mounted to the bottom of rotating arm  107  and spins with the rest of display assembly  103 . Reflecting tab  112  is connected to outer concentric tube  114 , which is, in turn, connected to balloon  101  and base  124 , the latter two of which are not free to spin. With each revolution of rotating arm  107 , infrared reflective opto-sensor  111  passes over reflecting tab  112 , causing opto-sensor  111  to send a signal to microcontroller  108  indicating that a revolution has been completed by display assembly  103 . Microcontroller  108  tracks the time duration of each revolution and uses this duration for message timing as will be explained below. 
         [0062]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1H through 1K , the flow charts for a software program  600  executed by microcontroller  108  software is now discussed. Software program  600  and its supporting interrupts have five key functions, including: processing message  136 ; shifting message  136  through a display memory  141 ; updating the data on LED array  104 ; tracking the period of each revolution of display assembly  103 ; and downloading customized messages via USB port  109 . 
         [0063]    Before explaining the operation of software program  600 , memory architecture used by software program  600  will first be explained using ( FIG. 1F ) and ( FIG. 1G ). 
         [0064]      FIG. 1F  is a graphical representation of a portion of microcontroller&#39;s  108  internal memory  152 . Contained within internal memory  152  are two portions, including a character buffer  142  and display memory  141 . Display memory  141  is the memory portion that will be directly copied when LED array  104  sweeps along its path  139  ( FIG. 1E ) and paints a message  136  in space. In the first preferred embodiment, display memory  141  is 8 bits tall and 128 bits wide. Location  144  of  FIG. 1F  denotes the memory that is not shown in this figure. A first pixel column  143  of display memory  141  is shown in  FIG. 1F . Note that because there are only seven LEDs in LED array  104 , only the first 7 bit rows of all of display memory  141  are being used. A character buffer  142  is an 8 bit tall and 6 bit wide memory that acts as a staging area for display memory  141 . A character map  145  is loaded into character buffer  142  and will be shifted into display memory  141  as will be explained below. Note that the dark spaces in each character pixel map  145  denote a logical 1 in memory which correlates to an LED being turned on. Similarly, the white spaces denote a logical 0, which correlates to the LEDs in LED array  104  being turned off. 
         [0065]    In this embodiment, software function  600  is responsible for loading character map  145  into character buffer  142 , shifting character map  145  into display memory  141 , and then managing how that data is copied to LED array  104 . Each time a shift takes place, each pixel data column will move into the pixel column to the left. The column that is shifted out of the left of character buffer  142  will be shifted into pixel column one  143  of display memory  141 . The pixel column that is pushed out of the left of display memory  141  is not saved. Shifting the data to the left one column periodically will cause the pixels in the display to scroll, and thus scrolling messages  136  are generated. 
         [0066]    Continuing now with  FIG. 1H , the flow chart of a main software loop  600  for the first preferred embodiment is discussed. Starting with step  154 , microcontroller  108  is powered up for the first time and is in its power up state. Processing continues with step  155 , in which the functions and state of microcontroller  108  are initialized. In the first preferred embodiment, the key hardware functions that are initialized include a hardware timer  1   150 , timer  2   151 , and an external interrupt  147 . External interrupt  147  is the input coming from reflective opto-sensor  111  that will tell the software a revolution of display assembly  103  has completed. Hardware timer  1   150  will be responsible for tracking the duration of a revolution as was explained earlier, and timer  2   151 , will track the duration of pixel columns as will be explained later. 
         [0067]    Processing continues with step  156  which checks to see if six pixel column shifts have occurred. On the first pass the yes path will be taken, and then processing continues with step  157 . In step  157  the software will move to the first character of message  136  and load the corresponding character pixel map  145  into character buffer  142  ( FIG. 1F ). Processing continues with step  158  where all of the pixel columns in memory will be moved to the left to scroll message  136  as was explained above. Once the pixel data is shifted in memory, processing continues with  159  where a 30 ms delay is executed. The delay is necessary to slow the speed of the scrolling message to a rate that is readable. 
         [0068]    Processing returns to step  156  where a check is performed to see if six pixel shifts have occurred. If less than six pixel shifts have occurred, processing continues with step  158 . Six shifts are necessary to move the contents of character buffer  142  into display memory  141 . Note that the character pixel maps  145  are five pixels wide and that a pixel column is left blank to allow for spaces between character maps  145 . After six iterations of shift step  158 , processing returns to step  157  in which a new character is loaded into character buffer  142 . Message  136  continues to scroll through display memory  141  over and over in an unending loop. 
         [0069]    Referring now to  FIG. 1I , a completed revolution interrupt service routine  700  that measures the revolution period of display assembly  103  ( FIG. 1A ), is discussed. Processing starts with step  160 , which is executed each time reflective opto-sensor  111  activates external interrupt  147  of microcontroller  108 . Processing continues with step  161 , which saves the display assembly  103  revolution time value that is currently on hardware timer  1   150  of microcontroller. Processing then continues with step  162 , in which hardware timer  1   150  is reset so that it can begin tracking the time for the next revolution. Processing continues with step  163 , in which a pixel column pointer  146  ( FIG. 1F ) is reset to the first column, the importance of which will be explained below. 
         [0070]    Processing then continues with step  164 , which performs the critical task of calculating the length of time that led array  104  will display each column of pixel data from display memory  141  so that all 128 columns are displayed once during one revolution of display assembly  103 . This length of time calculation is the duration of the previous revolution saved in step  161  divided by 128. The result of this calculation, which is called the column display time, will be used later in a pixel column data interrupt  800  shown in  FIG. 1J . Processing continues with step  165 , where interrupt service routine  700  ends and returns control to software program  600 . 
         [0071]    Continuing now with  FIG. 1J , the pixel column interrupt service routine  800  is shown. This block of code is responsible for copying pixel data from the display memory  141  to the LED array  104  at specifically timed periods in order to paint the image in the display memory  141  along the revolution path  139  ( FIG. 1E ). Processing begins with step  166 , which is called when hardware timer  2 - 151  of microcontroller  108  times out and activates the internal interrupt. Processing continues with step  167 , in which the column display time (calculated in step  164 ) is loaded onto timer  2   151 , thus resetting the timer. The hardware timer reset will then begin the count down that will trigger another interrupt after the column display time has elapsed. Note that the hardware timers  150  and  151  are able to count down in the background wile the processor  148  continues to run software. 
         [0072]    Processing continues with step  168 , which will load LED array  104  with data from display memory  141  at the location pixel column pointer  146  is pointed to. This data is loaded to microcontroller output port  149  which will light LED array  104  accordingly. Continuing to step  169 , in which pixel column pointer  146  is incremented so that the adjacent column will be loaded the next time this interrupt is called. 
         [0073]    As was mentioned earlier, pixel column pointer  146  is reset to point to first column  143  each time the completed revolution interrupt routine  700  of  FIG. 1I  is called. This is important because it keeps column one  143  pinned to the physical location of reflective tab  112  ( FIG. 1A ). Otherwise the displayed column one  143  position would begin to float sporadically relative to reflective tab  112 . Processing continues with step  170 , where pixel column data interrupt  800  completes and returns processor  148  control to the main software loop  600 . Pixel column data interrupt service routine  800  is called for each column of the message in display memory  141 . This means that on each revolution of display assembly  103 , interrupt service routine  800  outlined in  FIG. 1J  will update the data in LED array  104  128 times. 
         [0074]    A USB interrupt service routine  900  shown in  FIG. 1K , which is intended to service a USB host in order to download personalized messages  136  from a personal computer  174  ( FIG. 1L ), is now discussed. Processing begins at step  171 , which is called when microcontroller USB external interrupt  153  detects that a USB cable  176  and a USB host  174  ( FIG. 1L ) is connected to USB data connection point  109 . Upon detection processing continues with step  172 , in which microcontroller  108  responds to the specific request of the USB host  174  ( FIG. 1L ). The host will tell microcontroller  108  to save message  136  in a flash memory location  152 . When the USB host is done transferring the message  136  it releases control of microcontroller  108  and processing continues at step  173  where USB interrupt service routine  900  ends and control is returned to the main loop  600 . 
         [0075]    To setup first preferred embodiment of message display balloon  100 , a user will first have to program message  136  into message display assembly  103 . Referring to  FIG. 1L , the user will connect USB cable  176  to the USB data connection point  109  on display assembly  103 . The other end of USB cable  176  will be connected to a computer USB host  174 . Then with the help of software with a graphical user interface  175  the user will be able to create a personalized message  136  and upload that message to the microcontroller  108  flash memory. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 1M through 1P  show the steps that are needed to properly install balloon  101  onto balloon support  118 . Starting with  FIG. 1M , balloon  101  and the rest of the device are initially separated. Note that rotating arm  107 , being made of flexible material, is bent down so that display assembly  103  may pass through balloon opening  119 . As shown in  FIG. 1N , the user will gently slide balloon  101  over display assembly  103  and down past support clip  117 . Note in  FIG. 1N  that balloon support  118  is slid down outer concentric tube  114  allowing for room to slide balloon opening  119  into place. 
         [0077]    Continuing with  FIG. 1O , it can be seen that balloon support  118  has been slid up outer concentric tube  114 , and the balloon opening  119  has been fed through balloon support  118 . Note also in  FIG. 1O  that balloon support  118  is not yet clipped into support clip  117 . A helium delivery hose  177  being fed by a helium tank  178  is used to fill balloon  101  with helium. Note that in  FIG. 1O , display assembly  103  is still deformed out of shape, even after balloon  101  has been filled with helium  102 . 
         [0078]    Moving on to  FIG. 1P , after balloon  101  has been filled, it can be seen that balloon support  118  has been slid the rest of the way up balloon opening  119  until it clipped to support clip  117 , thus sealing balloon opening  119  shut. Motor switch  132  may now be switched on, so that electric motor  127  begins to spin, and spinning display assembly  179  has been forced out of its previous deformation by centripetal force. 
         [0079]    With display assembly  179  spinning, software program  600  on microcontroller  108  ( FIG. 1A ) will start displaying pre-programmed message  136 , as can be seen in  FIG. 1B . Message  136  in this embodiment will scroll from right to left and, existing on a cylindrical medium in space, will originate from, and end before, first pixel column  143  explained earlier. Message  136  will continue to scroll over and over until motor switch  132  ( FIG. 1A ) is turned off. With all of the functionality explained in this embodiment of the message display balloon  100 , a user will be able to create a personalized message and, for example, give this device to a significant other, or use it for a special occasion. 
         [0080]    It should be noted that even though a scrolling message was specifically disclosed in this first preferred embodiment the software of microcontroller&#39;s  108  software could be modified to support any graphic that can be displayed by the persistence of vision  140  display medium. 
         [0081]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a second preferred embodiment of a message display balloon  200  is disclosed. Message display balloon  200  is comprised of a balloon  201  filled with helium  202  and a message display assembly  203  contained within balloon  201 . Display assembly  203  is further comprised of a rotating arm  205  that is supported by an electric motor  216  which is, in turn, supported by an assembly support tube  217 . 
         [0082]    Rotating arm  205  is a flexible printed circuit and is able to bend to extreme angles without breaking. Mounted at one end of rotating arm  205  is an RGB (Red Green Blue) LED array  204 . In the second embodiment of message display balloon  200 , RGB LED array  204  has seven separate LED components each with the ability to display the colors Red, Green, and Blue. A microcontroller  206  is connected to rotating arm  205  at the end opposing RGB LED array  204 . In close proximity to microcontroller  206  is a USB data connection point  207 , and discrete electronic components  208 . 
         [0083]    Rotating arm  205  is mounted to an electric motor shaft  212  and is free to spin. Also connected to rotating arm  205 , and encircling electric motor shaft  212 , is a contact ring  210 . A contact ring brush  211  touches contact ring  210 , and is free to slide along the surface of contact ring  210  while conducting electricity as rotating arm  205  spins. A clocking contact  209  is mounted in close proximity to contact ring  210 , and is on the same side of rotating arm  205  as microcontroller  206 . Clocking contact  209  is a horseshoe shaped bare wire that extends down and away from rotating arm  205 , thereby forming an electrical path for contact ring brush  211 . As rotating arm  205  revolves there is a point where contact ring brush  211  will contact both contact ring  210  and clocking contact  209 . A shaft brush  213  is touching electric motor shaft  212  and is free to slide on motor shaft  212  while electric motor  216  is spinning. 
         [0084]    Mounted to electric motor  216  is a brush support  215 , which holds contact ring brush  211  and shaft brush  213  in place. Electric motor  216  is mounted to assembly support tube  217 , and both assembly support tube  217  and electric motor  216  are not free to spin. Inside of assembly support tube  217  are a set of power wires  224 . Power wires  224  are soldered at one end to contact ring brush  211 , and shaft brush  213 , and run down through a support tube wire penetration  218  to a sealed wire penetration  221  at the bottom of the support tube  217 . Power wires  224  then extend to a base  228  which will be explained below. Power wires  224  are also soldered to the positive  214   a  and negative  214   b  of electric motor  216 . 
         [0085]    A support clip  220  is glued to the bottom of assembly support tube  217 . A balloon opening  222  passes over the outside of support clip  220 , and through a hole in the bottom of a balloon support  219 . Balloon support  219  seals off balloon opening  222  when clipped on to support clip  220 . Support clip  220  holds display assembly  203  in a position centered relative to balloon  202 . The distance between balloon  202  and base  228  is an arbitrary length and this is depicted in  FIG. 2A  at  223 . Base  228  consists of a case  227  that contains a set of batteries  226  and a switch  225 . 
         [0086]    Display assembly  203 , electric motor  216 , support tube  217 , support clip  220  and balloon support  219  are all of a predetermined weight and dimension such that they will allow balloon  201  to maintain positive buoyancy while filled with helium  202 . 
         [0087]    Referring now to  FIG. 2B , the operation of the second preferred embodiment of message display balloon  200 , which displays a multicolored alphanumeric display or a graphic  229 , is shown. In this figure balloon  201  is floating with a message  229  visible to the human eye inside. Balloon  201  is restrained from floating away by motor power wires  224  tethering the weight of base  228 . The method for generating message  229  inside of balloon  201  is very similar to the method that was used in the first preferred embodiment. Because of this only the key differences between the first and second embodiment will be discussed in this section. 
         [0088]    Returning to  FIG. 2A , all of the components of the second embodiment of the message display balloon  200  are shown. RGB LED  204  mounted to the end of rotating arm  205  gives the second embodiment the ability to display message  229 . RGB LED array  204  serves the same function that the array in the first embodiment, but in the second embodiment each LED is able to display red, green, and blue. These three colors can be combined to create many combinations of colors, and therefore provides more options for generating text and graphics. 
         [0089]    The distribution of power is another key difference that is seen in the second preferred embodiment. Here, there is one set of batteries  226  located in base  228  that provides power to both electric motor  216  and discrete electronic components  208 . Because electric motor  216  is located inside of balloon  201  in this embodiment, power wires  224  become the only component that is tethering balloon  201  to base  228 . Power wires  224  pass up through a sealed wire penetration  221 , which provide a helium  202  tight barrier thus keeping balloon  201  inflated. Electric motor  216  is directly connected to power wires  224  at its positive  214   a  and negative  214   b  terminals. Power wires  224  then continue upward and are soldered to contact ring brush  211  and shaft brush  213 . 
         [0090]    These two brushes  211  and  213  are the physically touching contacts that will provide power to all of the electronic components on display assembly  203  while it is spinning. Contact ring brush  211  will slide along the surface of contact ring  210  through the entire 360° revolution of rotating arm  205 . In the same way, shaft brush  213  will slide along the surface of electric motor shaft  212  through the entire 360° revolution of rotating arm  205 . Electric motor shaft  212  has an electrically conductive connection to discrete electronic components  208  on rotating arm  205 , and is assumed to be electrically isolated from the rest of electric motor  216 . This isolation is important; otherwise short circuit current could exist between electric motor shaft  212  and negative motor terminal  214   b.    
         [0091]    The method for providing power to discrete electronic components  208  on the rotating arm  205  that is depicted in the second preferred embodiment allows for the rotation clocking to be implemented in a different way. Because contact ring brush  211  is stationary relative to rotating arm  205 , the former can be used as a source of reference for clocking. This is done by adding a clocking contact  209  that will touch contact ring brush  211  once per revolution. With this design, microcontroller  206  will be able to detect the time it takes for a single revolution of rotating arm  205 , and display timing calculations will be made accordingly. 
         [0092]    Operation of the second preferred embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment that was explained earlier. Display assembly  203  can be programmed to show customized messages or graphics, and then the balloon can be inflated and sealed. When the setup for this embodiment is complete, switch  225  can be turned on and message  229  will be displayed inside of floating balloon  229 . 
         [0093]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C show a third preferred embodiment  300  of the present invention, comprised of a balloon  301  filled with helium  303 . The inner surface of balloon  301  is coated with a florescent powder  302 . Inside of balloon  301  is a display assembly  314  that includes all of the electronic components that are attached to a rotating arm  305 . Rotating arm  305  is a flexible circuit board that has wire traces routing power and signals on the rotating arm  305 , which will be explained below. 
         [0094]    Each end of rotating arm  305  has a laser UV LED array  304   a  and  304   b . The array supports are actually a continuation of the same flexible circuit board that makes up rotating arm  305 . Arrays  304   a  and  304   b  are created by cutting rotating arm  305  at  306   a  and then folding the flexible circuit 90 degrees at  306   b  so that it is perpendicular to rotating arm  305 . 
         [0095]    One of the arrays is designated as an even row laser UV LED array  304   a , and it has three UV LEDs that are evenly spaced out with the width of a UV LED separating them. The other array is designated as an odd row laser UV LED array  304   b , and it has four UV LEDs that are evenly spaced and also have the width of a UV LED separating them.  FIG. 3B  shows the two UV LED arrays,  304   a  and  304   b  side by side, and it can be seen that the UV LEDs are spaced out such that there is a UV LED for each space in the adjacent array. 
         [0096]    Attached to rotating arm  305  are a microcontroller  307  and a set of discrete electronic components  308 . Microcontroller  307  and discrete electronic components  308  are deliberately placed on the side of rotating arm  305  that is opposite of even laser UV LED array  304   b , a distinction made for weight balance while rotating. Display assembly  314  is mounted on a three conductor wire  313  by a set of three solder joints  309 . The three conductors inside of wire  313  lead down to a base  334  to a set of logic batteries  322  and to a Hall Effect sensor  320  (explained later). 
         [0097]    Three conductor wire  313  is inside of a tube  312  that leads from base  334  up to just below display assembly  314 . Near the top of tube  312  is a balloon support  310  that has three support arms  311  that extend radially outward from tube  312  120 degrees apart from each other. Each support arm  311  extends out to balloon  301  and exerts a small force to hold tube  312  centered relative to balloon  301 . 
         [0098]    Further down tube  312  is a seal clip  315  which is a circular disk mounted coaxially and outside of tube  312 . Seal clip  315  has a channel cut around its outside edge which makes it similar in shape to a rope pulley. Balloon neck  317  passes over the outside of seal clip  315 . A rubber band  316  is slid over the outside of balloon neck  317  until it seals balloon  301  by constricting it into the channel in seal clip  315 . 
         [0099]    All of the components inside of and hanging from balloon  301 ; including display assembly  314 , balloon support  310 , seal clip  315 , three conductor wire  313 , and tube  312 , but not including the components in base  334 , are of a predetermined weight and dimension such that they will be light enough for balloon  301  to float while filled with helium  303 . Tube  312  and three conductor wire  313  are of an arbitrary length  318  as long as they do not add enough weight to prevent balloon  301  from floating. 
         [0100]    Base  334  is divided into two compartments, the first is a pressurized chamber  324  and the second is an un-pressurized chamber  331 . These two chambers are enclosed by base wall  328  and are divide by chamber dividing wall  329 . Pressurized chamber  324  is a continuation of the same volume inside of balloon  301  that is linked by tube  312 . Inside of pressurized chamber  324  are an electric motor  326  and a rotating battery case  323  that is mounted on electric motor shaft  325 . Three conductor wire  312  is mounted to rotating battery case  323  coaxially. Display assembly  314 , three conductor wire  312 , rotating battery case  323 , and motor shaft  325  are all mounted in line with each and are free to spin relative to base  334 . 
         [0101]    Hall Effect sensor  320  is mounted to the top of rotating battery case  323  and is in line with a permanent magnet  321  that is mounted to base wall  328 . On rotating battery case  323 , opposite of Hall Effect sensor  320 , is a counter weight  319  formed into the rotating battery case  323  which is placed to counter the centripetal force of Hall Effect sensor  320  during rotation. As mentioned briefly before two of the conductors of three conductor wire  313  lead to the logic batteries and are used to power the display assembly  314 . The third conductor is wired to the Hall Effect sensor  320 . 
         [0102]    Electric motor  326  is mounted to base  334  by a motor support clip  327 . Motor power wires pass through chamber dividing wall  329  via a sealed wire penetration  330 . Inside of un-pressurized chamber  331  are a pair of motor batteries  333  and the wires that supply power to electric motor  326 . Mounted in base wall  328  is a motor power switch  332  that switches motor power supplied by motor power batteries  333 . 
         [0103]    The operation of the third preferred embodiment is now discussed with references to  FIGS. 3A-3E . In this embodiment, a factory loaded message or graphic  335  is displayed on the inside surface of balloon  301 . There are many similarities between this embodiment and the first preferred embodiment, and because of this only the key functional differences between the two designs will be described here. 
         [0104]    In the third preferred embodiment there are two LED arrays  304   a  and  304   b  that complement each other in the function of generating the persistence of vision message  335 .  FIG. 3B  shows the two UV LED arrays  304   a  and  304   b  side-by-side, demonstrating the how the LEDs are offset such that there is an LED for each horizontal row. In other words, if the two LED Arrays  304   a  and  304   b  were placed on top of each other they would create one contentious column of laser UV LEDs. With this configuration it is possible to generate a message or graphic through the persistence of vision effect, as is shown in  FIGS. 3D and 3E . It should be noted that this complementary array design makes display assembly  314  more symmetrical thus reducing centripetal balance constraints. 
         [0105]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 3D , odd row laser UV LED array  304   b  is shown traveling along a path  336  directly across from even row laser UV LED array  304   a . It can be seen that odd row laser UV LED array  304   b  is responsible for generating the odd row persistence of vision effect  338  on rows  1 ,  3 ,  5 , and  7  while it takes its path  336  around the axis of rotation  339 . The light grey circles in  FIG. 3D  represent the even row persistence of vision effect  337  that was generated by even row laser UV LED array  304   a  on the previous pass around the axis of rotation  339 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 3E  shows the same message being generated after the two arrays  304   a  and  304   b  were allowed to travel 180° around the axis of rotation  339 . Now even row laser UV LED array  304   a  is generating the even row persistence of vision  337  portion of the message on rows  2 ,  4 , and  6 . In  FIG. 3E  the light grey circles represent the residual odd row persistence of vision  338  portion of the message from odd row array&#39;s  304   b  previous path  336  around the axis of rotation  339 . 
         [0107]    Message  335  ( FIG. 3C ) displayed in this embodiment will appear on the inside surface of balloon  301 . This is performed through an effect called fluorescence that will be known to those skilled in the art. When ultra-violate light emitted from the laser UV LED Arrays  304   a  and  304   b  hits fluorescent powder  302  on the inside wall of balloon  301 , the invisible ultra-violate light is converted to visible light. This converted visible light will form message  335  that will be seen at the surface of balloon  301 . 
         [0108]    In the third preferred embodiment, the clocking of each revolution of display assembly  314  is tracked with the use of a Hall Effect sensor  320  and a permanent magnet  321 . Hall Effect sensor  320  is capable of digitally detecting the presence of a magnetic field, which is relayed back to microcontroller  307  via one of the conductors in three conductor wire  313 . Each time rotating battery case  323  makes a revolution Hall Effect sensor  320  will detect when permanent magnet  321  passes by its stationary position on base wall  328 . When electric motor  326  is turned on and settles at a near constant speed the Hall Effect sensor  320  will detect each revolution and microcontroller  307  and will use that information to calculate the time period for each revolution. 
         [0109]    Balloon support  310  is implemented differently in this third preferred embodiment, but still provides the same function of preventing display assembly  314  from touching balloon  301  due to oscillations cause by the rotating display assembly  314 . 
         [0110]    Operation of the third preferred embodiment only involves installing and inflating balloon  301  over display assembly  314 . Because message  335  is preloaded in this embodiment, there is not an uploading step. The operator will have to first bend rotating arm  305  (which is made of flexible circuit material). The operator will then slide the balloon neck  317  over display assembly  314 , and then over seal clip  315  while making sure that rubber band  316  is just below seal clip  315  ready for use. Balloon  301  will then be inflated using helium  303  and balloon  301  will be sealed shut by placing rubber band  316  over balloon neck  317  constricting it round seal clip  315 . The operator will then turn on motor power switch  332  which will power up motor  326 , and accelerate display assembly  314  to a stable rotational speed. Microcontroller  307  will then begin to run through the message software and will turn on and off individual UV LEDs in LED arrays  304   a  and  304   b  according to the message that it is to display. UV LED arrays  304   a  and  304   b  will shine ultra-violet light on the fluorescent powder and visible light organized into message  335  will be visible on the surface of balloon  301 . 
         [0111]    The foregoing description includes what are at present considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications, may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the type of microcontroller and electronic components may be changed. Accordingly, it is intended that such changes and modifications fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, and that the invention be limited only by the following claims.

Technology Category: 2