Display system

• US 5,949,581 A
• Filed: 08/12/1997
• Issued: 09/07/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Daktronics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Daktronics Incorporated
• Inventors: Wendler, Brett David, Kurtenbach, Reece A., Lutz, Robert James, Seeley, Robert E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Epps, Georgia
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lucas, Michael A
• Application Number:
  US08/909,761
• Time in Patent Office: 756 Days
• Field of Search: 359/619, 359/621, 359/623, 359/720, 359/737, 359/738, 359/742, 359/743, 359/797, 362/16, 362/240, 362/244
• US Class Current: 359/621
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 27/008 Sun shades, shades, hoods or louvres on electronic displays to minimise the effect of direct sun light on the display
• 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

Abstract

Modular display system having LED pixels and lenses aligned to the LED'"'"'s to increase intensity, increase view angle and increase overall viewability. Louvers align along the LED'"'"'s and lenses to shade the LED'"'"'s and lenses from ambient light to increase viewability. Modular display panels which contain the LED'"'"'s, lenses, louvers and other associated components are accessible from the front and back for changeover or repair.

Claims

1. A display system comprising:

a. a module mounting panel;

b. a plurality of modular display panels in said module mounting panel;

c. a plurality of pixel lens means in said modular mounting panel; and

,

d. said pixel lens means comprising;

(1) four walls;

(2) a non-optical ridge extending upwardly from first and second, opposing, of said four walls;

(3) a plurality, including first and second, of major curved lens surfaces between said ridges;

(4) non-optical ridges between each of said plurality of lens surfaces;

(5) a plurality of prisms over only said first portion of said lens surfaces; and

,

(6) optically-shaped recesses for a single light emitting device in the rear portion of each of said lenses.

2. Display of claim 1, wherein each of said modular display panels are accessible from either side of said panel.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein said prisms are linear, extending from one wall to another in a straight line fashion.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein said prisms are linear, extending from one wall to another in a straight line fashion.

3. A pixel lens for an optical display system comprising:

a. four walls;

b. a non-optical ridge extending upwardly from first and second, opposing, of said four walls;

c. a plurality, including first and second portions, of major curved lens surfaces between said ridges;

d. non-optical ridges between each of said lens surfaces;

e. a plurality of linear prisms extending in a straight line over only said first portion of said lens surfaces; and

,

f. optically-shaped recesses for a single light emitting device in the rear portion of each of said lenses.