Matrix display with multiple pixel lens and multiple partial parabolic reflector surfaces

• US 5,779,351 A
• Filed: 05/02/1995
• Issued: 07/14/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daktronics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Daktronics Incorporated
• Inventors: Erickson, Troy A., Voelzke, Vernon P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sember, Thomas M.
• Application Number:
  US08/433,895
• Time in Patent Office: 1,169 Days
• Field of Search: 362/237, 362/240, 362/241, 362/247, 362/249, 362/231, 362/242, 362/243, 362/244, 362/245, 362/246, 362/248, 362/252, 362/238, 362/294, 362/251, 362/373, 362/374, 362/375, 362/343, 362/345, 362/346, 362/297, 362/307, 362/308, 362/812, 362/800, 362/339, 362/309, 362/304, 345/32, 345/59, 40/564, 40/552
• US Class Current: 362/241
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0422 Reflectors
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/14 Arrangements of reflectors therein
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/28 Signs formed by filament-type lamp by selective lighting G09F9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2013/145 curved reflectors
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/3026 Video wall, i.e. stackable semiconductor matrix display modules video wall control systems G06F3/1446, G09G2300/026
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/33 being semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/812 Signs

Abstract

A lamp matrix display includes a vertical planar array of light sources arranged in rows and columns and a plurality of reflectors positioned about corresponding light sources and having reflector surfaces for directing the light emitted from the light source in a forward direction. The reflective surface of at least one of the reflectors includes multiple parabolic reflective surfaces having offset focal points. At least one lens is mounted in front of the reflectors. The lens may be a single lens having an inner flat surface disposed adjacent an outer edge of each reflector surface and an outer prismatic surface having vertical prisms to horizontally spread the light from the planar array of light sources. Further, the plurality of reflectors may be structurally supported about corresponding light sources by a matrix framework and the matrix framework may include a plurality of air vents.

Claims

1. A lamp matrix display, comprising:

a vertical planar array of light sources arranged in rows and columns;

a plurality of reflectors, each reflector positioned about a corresponding light source and having a reflective surface for directing light emitted from the light source in a forward direction, the reflective surface of at least one of the plurality of reflectors is formed in a cavity having a central axis and includes;

a first parabolic reflective surface having a first focal point offset from the central axis; and

a second parabolic reflective surface adjacent the first parabolic reflective surface having a second focal point offset from the first focal point of the first parabolic surface and offset from the central axis; and

at least one lens mounted in front of at least one of the plurality of reflectors.

2. The display according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lens includes a single lens mounted directly in front of the plurality of reflectors, the single lens including:

an inner flat surface disposed adjacent an outer edge of each reflector surface; and

an outer prismatic surface having vertical prisms to horizontally spread the light from the planar array of light sources.

3. A lamp matrix display, comprising:

a vertical planar array of light sources arranged in rows and columns;

a plurality of reflectors each reflector positioned about a corresponding light source and having a reflective surface for directing light emitted from the light source in a forward direction, the reflective surface of at least one of the plurality of reflectors including;

a first parabolic reflective surface having a first focal point; and

a second parabolic reflective surface adjacent the first parabolic reflective surface having a second focal point offset from the first focal point of the first parabolic surface; and

at least one lens mounted in front of at least one of the plurality of reflectors, the at least one lens includes a single lens mounted directly in front of the plurality of reflectors, the single lens including;

an inner flat surface disposed adjacent an outer edge of each reflector surface; and

an outer prismatic surface having vertical prisms to horizontally spread the light from the planar array of light sources.

the plurality of reflectors are structurally supported about corresponding light sources by a matrix framework, the matrix framework including a plurality of air vents, at least one of the air vents being positioned between four adjacent reflectors, the air vent including;

a recessed region in the matrix framework, the recessed region open in the forward direction and recessed below a plane established by outer edges of the four adjacent reflectors; and

an opening between the recessed region and a cavity defined by the reflective surface of one of the four adjacent reflectors.

4. The lamp matrix display according to claim 3, further including a light blocking structure disposed in the recessed region to block light exiting through the at least one opening.

5. The lamp matrix display according to claim 3, wherein the single lens includes a plurality of air vent apertures corresponding to the plurality of air vents and positioned in the single lens to allow air entering the recessed region of the corresponding air vent to exit therethrough.

6. The lamp matrix display according to claims 3, wherein each reflector includes a light source mount aperture extending rearward of the reflective surface of the reflector, the light source mount aperture defined by at least one wall having at least one notch along a rear edge thereof to let air forced from the rear of the plurality of reflectors into the at least one cavity.

7. A lamp matrix display comprising:

a vertical planar array of light sources arranged in rows and columns;

a plurality of reflectors, each reflector positioned about a corresponding light source and having a reflective surface for directing light emitted from the light source in a forward direction the reflective surface of at least one of the plurality of reflectors including;

a first parabolic reflective surface having a first focal point; and

a second parabolic reflective surface adjacent the first parabolic reflective surface having a second focal point offset from the first focal point of the first parabolic surface; and

at least one lens mounted in front of at least one of the plurality of reflectors, the at least one lens includes a single lens mounted directly in front of the plurality of reflectors, the single lens including;

an inner flat surface disposed adjacent an outer edge of each reflector surface; and

an outer prismatic surface having vertical prisms to horizontally spread the light from the planar array of light sources.

the plurality of reflectors are structurally supported about corresponding light sources by a matrix framework, the matrix framework including a plurality of mounting projections extending forwardly from the matrix framework and forward of the plurality of reflectors, and

further wherein the single lens includes a plurality of retaining apertures, each retaining aperture corresponding to one of the mounting projections, each retaining aperture having a receiving region for receiving the corresponding mounting projections and a holding region for releasably holding the single lens directly and in contact with the outer edge of each reflector surface.

8. A lamp matrix display, comprising:

a vertical planar array of light sources arranged in rows and columns;

a plurality of reflectors, each reflector positioned about a corresponding light source and having a reflective surface for directing light emitted from the light source in a forward direction the reflective surface of at least one of the plurality of reflectors including;

a first parabolic reflective surface having a first focal point; and

a second parabolic reflective surface adjacent the first parabolic reflective surface having a second focal point offset from the first focal point of the first parabolic surface; and

at least one lens mounted in front of at least one of the plurality of reflectors, the at least one lens includes a single lens mounted directly in front of the plurality of reflectors, the single lens including;

an inner flat surface disposed adjacent an outer edge of each reflector surface; and

an outer prismatic surface having vertical prisms to horizontally spread the light from the planar array of light sources,

the plurality of reflectors are structurally supported about corresponding light sources by a matrix framework, the matrix framework including a plurality of board clips extending rearwardly from the matrix framework and rearward of the plurality of reflectors, and

further wherein the lamp matrix display includes a circuit board for mounting the plurality of light sources in the rows and columns, the circuit board including a plurality of clip apertures, each clip aperture corresponding to one of the plurality of board clips and positioned in the circuit board for receiving the corresponding board clip and releasably holding the circuit board a position behind the plurality of reflectors.

9. The lamp matrix display according to claim 8, wherein the matrix framework further includes a plurality of standoffs extending rearwardly from the matrix framework and rearward of the plurality of reflectors to maintain a predetermined distance between the circuit board and plurality of reflectors while positioning the light sources mounted on the circuit board within the corresponding reflectors and further to provide for mounting of at least two mounting brackets, one of the plurality of standoffs including a standoff keying structure;

and

further wherein the circuit board includes mounting apertures corresponding to certain of the plurality of standoffs utilized to mount the at least two mounting brackets, one of the mounting apertures including a board keying structure corresponding to the standoff keying structure to assure proper orientation of the circuit board when mounted via the plurality of board clips.

10. The lamp matrix display according to claim 8, wherein the matrix framework further includes a plurality of standoffs extending rearwardly from the matrix framework and rearward of the plurality of reflectors to maintain a predetermined distance between the circuit board and plurality of reflectors while positioning the light sources mounted on the circuit board within the corresponding reflectors and further to provide for mounting of at least two mounting brackets;

further wherein the circuit board includes mounting apertures corresponding to certain of the plurality of standoffs utilized to mount the at least two mounting brackets; and

further wherein the single lens, matrix framework, and the mounting bracket each include apertures for allowing access to a fastening means for fastening the lamp matrix display to a display board including a plurality of lamp matrix displays.

11. The lamp matrix display according to claim 10, further includes a flexible air blocking strip along at least two sides of the matrix framework such that when positioned alongside other display modules air is block from escaping therebetween.

12. A lamp matrix display, comprising:

a vertical planar array of light sources arranged in rows and columns;

a plurality of reflectors, each reflector positioned about a corresponding light source and having a reflective surface for directing light emitted from the light source in a forward direction; and

a single lens mounted directly in front of the plurality of reflectors; and

a matrix framework to structural support the plurality of reflectors about the corresponding light sources, the matrix framework including a plurality of air vents, at least one of the air vents being positioned between four adjacent reflectors, the at least one air vent including;

a recessed region in the matrix framework, the recessed region open in the forward direction and recessed below a plane established by outer edges of the four adjacent reflectors;

an opening between the recessed region and a cavity defined by the reflective surface of one of the four adjacent reflectors; and

a light blocking structure disposed in the recessed region to block light exiting through the opening.

13. The lamp matrix display according to claim 12, wherein the light blocking structure disposed in the recessed region includes a pyramidal shaped barrier, the pyramidal shaped barrier having a polygonal wall faced directly towards the cavity defined by the reflective surface of the one of the four adjacent reflectors.

14. The lamp matrix display according to claim 12, wherein the single lens includes a plurality of air vent apertures corresponding to the plurality of air vents and positioned in the single lens to allow air entering the recessed region of the corresponding air vent to exit therethrough.

15. The lamp matrix display according to claim 12, wherein each reflector includes a light source mount aperture extending rearward of the reflective surface of the reflector, the light source mount aperture defined by at least one wall having at least one notch along a rear edge thereof to let air forced from the rear of the plurality of reflectors into the at least one cavity.

16. A lamp matrix display comprising:

a vertical planar array of light sources arranged in rows and columns;

a plurality of reflectors each reflector positioned about a corresponding light source and having a reflective surface for directing light emitted from the light source in a forward direction;

a single lens mounted directly in front of the plurality of reflectors; and

a matrix framework to structurally support the plurality of reflectors about the corresponding light sources, the matrix framework includes a plurality of mounting projections extending forwardly from the matrix framework and forward of the plurality of reflectors; and

wherein the single lens includes a plurality of retaining apertures, each retaining aperture corresponding to one of the mounting projections, each retaining aperture having a receiving region for receiving the corresponding mounting projections and a holding region for releasably holding the single lens directly and in contact with an outer edge of each reflector surface;

the matrix framework further includes at least one catch projection positioned at a first edge of the matrix framework and extending forwardly therefrom to engage a first edge of the single lens when the mounting projections are engaged in the corresponding retaining apertures to releasably hold the first edge of the single lens directly and in contact with the first edge of the matrix framework.

17. The lamp matrix display according to claim 16, wherein the matrix framework further includes at least one knob projection positioned at a second edge of the matrix framework opposite the first edge of the matrix framework and extending forwardly from the matrix framework to engage a second edge of the single lens opposite the first edge of the single lens when the at least one catch projection releasably holds the first edge of the single lens to releasably hold the second edge of the single lens directly and in contact with the second edge of the matrix framework.

18. A lamp matrix display, comprising:

a vertical planar array of light sources arranged in rows and columns;

a plurality of reflectors, each reflector positioned about a corresponding light source and having a reflective surface for directing light emitted from the light source in a forward direction;

a single lens mounted directly in front of the plurality of reflectors; and

a matrix framework to structurally support the plurality of reflectors about the corresponding light sources, the matrix framework includes a plurality of mounting projections extending forwardly from the matrix framework and forward of the plurality of reflectors; and

wherein the single lens includes a plurality of retaining apertures, each retaining aperture corresponding to one of the mounting projections, each retaining aperture having a receiving region for receiving the corresponding mounting projections and a holding region for releasably holding the single lens directly and in contact with an outer edge of each reflector surface;

the matrix framework including a plurality of board clips extending rearwardly from the matrix framework and rearward of the plurality of reflectors, and

further wherein the lamp matrix display includes a circuit board for mounting the plurality of light sources in the rows and columns, the circuit board including a plurality of clip apertures, each clip aperture corresponding to one of the plurality of board clips and positioned in the circuit board for receiving the corresponding board clip and releasably holding the circuit board a position behind the plurality of reflectors.

19. The lamp matrix display according to claim 18, wherein the matrix framework further includes a plurality of standoffs extending rearwardly from the matrix framework and rearward of the plurality of reflectors to maintain a predetermined distance between the circuit board and plurality of reflectors while positioning the light sources mounted on the circuit board within the corresponding reflectors and further to provide for mounting of at least two mounting brackets, one of the plurality of standoffs including a standoff keying structure;

and

further wherein the circuit board includes mounting apertures corresponding to certain of the plurality of standoffs utilized to mount the at least two mounting brackets, one of the mounting apertures including a board keying structure corresponding to the standoff keying structure to assure proper orientation of the circuit board when mounted via the plurality of board clips.

20. The lamp matrix display according to claim 18, wherein the matrix framework further includes a plurality of standoffs extending rearwardly from the matrix framework and rearward of the plurality of reflectors to maintain a predetermined distance between the circuit board and plurality of reflectors while positioning the light sources mounted on the circuit board within the corresponding reflectors and further to provide for mounting of at least two mounting brackets;

further wherein the circuit board includes mounting apertures corresponding to certain of the plurality of standoffs utilized to mount the at least two mounting brackets; and

further wherein the single lens, matrix framework, and the mounting bracket each include apertures for allowing access to a fastening means for fastening the lamp matrix display to a display board including a plurality of lamp matrix displays.

21. The lamp matrix display according to claim 20, further includes a flexible air blocking strip along at least two sides of the matrix framework such that when positioned alongside other display modules air is block from escaping therebetween.