Patent Grant
8514170
Large scale flip dot displays are operated utilizing a matrix of rotatable pixels, each pixel having a permanent magnet. Current passes through an underlying electromagnet and generates a magnetic field that rotates the pixel up to 180 degrees to display one of two sides. Disadvantages of this type of display technology have prevented its usage much beyond large, outdoor signage. For example, flip dot displays require high voltage to actuate rotation of a pixel, usually not less than 18-32 volts with corresponding significant current consumption. Flip dot displays are also quite expensive per pixel, and has only been commercialized in very large segment sizes. Due to these power, size, and cost limitations the prior art and industrial applications of flip dot displays have focused solely on large, outdoor signage applications. Furthermore, present flip dot displays typically have a standard industrial look featuring a green, yellow, or white painted coating on one side of the pixel representing its “ON” optical state. The “ON” optical state has a high contrast and visibility against the matte black painted background or opposing side of the pixel representing the “OFF” optical state.
In a variety of consumer electronics products ranging from digital watches, clocks, and mobile phones the dull black-on-grey liquid crystal display (LCD) is predominant. Many manufacturers find that their target price points suffer in higher-end products due to the perceived lower value and design limitations of this dull looking display. In product categories such as watches, function has become less of a differentiator. Design manufacturers instead rely on the use of differing materials to convey value. A colored plastic band or watch case may be used in a low-end watch, while a metal case and leather band would be found in higher priced watches.
In one embodiment of the present invention there is a mobile display apparatus that comprises an array of rotatable pixels that provide information. One portion of each rotatable pixel includes a permanent magnet, and each pixel rotates between a first orientation to present a first display face with a first optical state, and a second orientation to present a second display face having a second optical state. The first optical state is different from the second optical state in that some of the pixels are adjacent to a background that matches one of the first optical state and the second optical state. The watch also has a means for magnetically rotating the array of rotatable pixels. A battery is electrically connected to the means for magnetically rotating.
In one refinement the mobile display apparatus is a cell phone and the information provided includes alphanumeric digits, particularly phone numbers or caller identification information.
In another refinement the mobile display apparatus is a timepiece (such as a watch or a small clock) and the information is chronological information. In a further refinement the chronological information might only include date information. In yet a further refinement the chronological information might only includes time information. Also, the chronological information might include some combination of date and time information
In another refinement the means for magnetically rotating the array of rotatable pixels includes a plurality of electromagnets. Each of the electromagnets have a U-shaped core defined by a base portion. The base portion connects a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes a first coil, and the second arm includes a second coil.
In another refinement the background includes a plurality of simulated dot matrix panels and grooves between at least some of the panels that are adjacent to each other. Each groove substantially mimics a gap between at least one of the rotatable pixels and the background.
In another refinement the background is a repeating dot matrix pattern. Each dot matrix panel includes an attached material selected from the group comprising crystal, gemstone, or metal.
In another refinement the attached material on one panel includes a rhinestone, and the attached material on another panel includes crystal.
In another refinement a dot matrix panel is present on at least one of the first display face and the second display face of at least one of the array of rotatable pixels.
In another refinement each groove is a dark line.
In another refinement each pixel rotates between a first orientation with an off optical state that substantially matches the panels around that pixel, and a second orientation with an on optical state that differs from the panels around that pixel.
In another refinement at least one rotatable pixel in an off optical state includes a plurality of panes, each pane being substantially the same size as the simulated dot matrix panels.
In another refinement the display is a positive contrast display. An on optical state of at least one rotatable pixel is darker than the surrounding panels of the background.
In another refinement at least one of the display faces of at least one of the array of rotatable pixels includes an attached material selected from the group comprising rhinestone, crystal, diamond, or metal.
In another refinement an analog movement with watch hands are positioned above the background and the array of pixels.
In another refinement a first group of pixels in the array of pixels are in a first plane. A second group of pixels in the array of pixels are in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are different.
In another refinement at least one of the first display face and the second display face of at least one pixel includes a coating consisting of a phosphorescent coating or a fluorescent coating.
In another refinement there further comprises a case having at least a partially hollow interior. The background and the array of rotatable pixels are positioned within the interior of the case. A LED front light is positioned within the case to shine light onto at least a portion of the background and the array of pixels.
In another refinement the LED emits some portion of light in the ultraviolet wavelengths.
In another refinement each pixel includes a stop protruding from a side of the pixel. The stop is substantially hidden beneath the background.
In another refinement the pixel rotates approximately 180 degrees.
In another refinement a first group of the array of pixels are configured to display an alphanumeric character. The means for magnetically rotating the array of rotatable pixels controls rotation of the first group. Each rotatable pixel of the first group is rotated by a U-shaped core having two arms that each have at least one coil. The U-shaped cores are configured beneath the first group to minimize magnetic interference between the coils and permanent magnets of the first group of rotatable pixels.
In another embodiment of the present invention a mobile apparatus display comprises a plurality of magnetically actuated rotatable pixels positioned within a background. The background includes a plurality of simulated dot matrix panels and a plurality of grooves between at least some of the adjacent panels. Each groove substantially mimics a gap between at least one of the rotatable pixels and the background.
In one refinement of the present invention the mobile apparatus display is a cell phone display or a timepiece display. The timepiece might be a clock or a watch.
In another refinement of the present invention the groove is a cutout portion between adjacent simulated dot matrix panels.
In another refinement the groove is a dark line.
In another refinement each pixel rotates between a first orientation with an off optical state that substantially matches the panels around that pixel, and a second orientation with an on optical state that differs from the panels around that pixel.
In another refinement at least one rotatable pixel in the off optical state includes a plurality of panes. Each pane is substantially the same size as the simulated dot matrix panels.
In another refinement at least a portion of the display is a positive contrast display. An on optical state of at least one rotatable pixel is darker than the surrounding panels of the background.
In another refinement a first portion of the display is a positive contrast display. A second portion of the display is a negative contrast display.
In another refinement at least some of the panels have different colors.
In another refinement all of the display is a positive contrast display.
In another refinement the display further comprises means for magnetically rotating the plurality of rotatable pixels. At least a portion of each pixel includes a permanent magnet. The means for magnetically rotating includes a plurality of electromagnets. Each electromagnet corresponding to one pixel and having a U-shaped core defined by a base portion connecting a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes a first coil and the second arm includes a second coil.
In another refinement at least one of the rotatable pixels includes a display face having an attached material selected from the group consisting of crystal, gemstone, or metal.
In another embodiment of the present invention there is a mobile apparatus display comprising a plurality of magnetically actuated rotatable pixels. Each pixel has a permanent magnet that rotates between a first orientation and a second orientation. The two orientations have different optical states. The rotatable pixels are set against a repeating dot matrix pattern having a plurality of panels. The spacing between the panels substantially matches the spacing between the pixels and surrounding background.
In one refinement of the present invention the mobile apparatus display is a cell phone display or a timepiece display. The timepiece might be a clock or a watch.
In another refinement of the present invention there are a plurality of electromagnets. Each electromagnet is positioned beneath a corresponding pixel substantially adjacent to the permanent magnet so that current that magnetizes the electromagnet oppositely to the polarity of the permanent magnet causes a rotation of the pixel from one of the first orientation and the second orientation to the other of the first orientation and the second orientation;
In another refinement the electromagnet includes a U-shaped core oriented perpendicular to the axle with at least one pole located in proximity to the permanent magnet of the pixel.
In another refinement at least one of the electromagnets has a U-shaped core, and there is a first coil around a first arm of the core and a second coil around a second arm of the core.
In another refinement the resistance of each coil is greater than 75 Ohms.
In another refinement the pixel has at least two panes incorporated on one of its optical states, and there is a groove between the two panes that substantially matches the spacing between the pixel and the background.
In another refinement the groove is a dark line that provides an appearance closely matching a gap between each pixel and the surrounding background.
In another refinement a display face of at least one of the pixels includes an attached material selected from the group consisting of crystals, gemstones, or metals.
In another refinement the at least one of the group consisting of crystals, gemstones, or metals are attached to at least one background panel.
In another refinement the background panels include a first coating. A display face of each rotating pixel in an on state includes a second coating. The second coating has a darker color than the first coating.
In another refinement at least one pixel and a first portion of the background are in a different plane than another pixel and a second portion of the background.
In another refinement the two coils are oriented in opposite directions and connected in series. The total resistance of the two coils is preferably in the range of 150 to 250 ohms.
In another embodiment of the present invention there is a watch display comprising a plurality of magnetically actuated flippers having a display face positioned within a surrounding background. The flippers rotate between a first orientation in which the display face has a first optical state, and a second orientation in which the display face has a second optical state. The watch display also includes at least one radially extending hand positioned above the flippers and the surrounding background. The hand is connected to an analog movement beneath the flippers and the surrounding background.
In one refinement there are a plurality of electromagnets. Each electromagnet corresponds to one of the plurality of magnetically actuated flippers. Each electromagnet includes a U-shaped core defined by a base portion connecting two armatures. Each armature includes a coil.
In another refinement a first group of the array of pixels are configured to display an alphanumeric character. The U-shaped cores are configured beneath the first group to minimize magnetic interference between the coils and permanent magnets of the first group of rotatable pixels.
In another refinement the display face of at least one of the flippers includes an attached material selected from the group consisting of crystal, gemstone, or metal.
In another refinement the plurality of flippers provide chronological information.
In another refinement the plurality of flippers provide time information in the form of an Arabic numeral in the first orientation and in the form of a Roman numeral in the second orientation.
In another refinement a single flipper displays AM in the first orientation and PM in the second orientation.
In another refinement a group of flippers display AM in the first orientation and PM in the second orientation.
In another refinement there are three watch hands corresponding to an hour hand, a minute hand, and a second hand.
In another embodiment of the present invention there is an electromagnetically actuated display comprising a pixel having a permanent magnet that rotates about an axis to display a first face and a second face. The first face has a first optical state, and the second face has a second optical state. The first optical state is different from the second optical state. The electromagnetically actuated display also includes an electromagnet including a U-shaped core that is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the pixel. The electromagnet includes a first coil positioned around a first arm of the U-shaped core and a second coil positioned around a second arm of the U-shaped core. Each pole of the electromagnet is positioned substantially adjacent to the permanent magnet so that current that magnetizes the electromagnet oppositely to the polarity of the permanent magnet causes a rotation of the pixel from the first face to the second face. A background that surrounds the pixel has an optical state that optically contrasts with at least one of the first face and the second face of the rotatable pixel.
In one refinement the first coil and the second coil are connected in series and have a total resistance of greater than 150 Ohms and less than or equal to 250 Ohms.
In another refinement a plurality of pixels are each associated with a corresponding electromagnet having a U-shaped core and a pair of coils. The plurality of pixels are configured to produce at least one alphanumeric character. The U-shaped cores are configured beneath the plurality of pixels in an interwoven pattern.
In another refinement the pixel rotates approximately 180 degrees between the first face and the second face.
In another refinement at least one face of at least one of the pixels has a phosphorescent painted surface.
In another refinement at least one face of at least one of the pixels has a fluorescent painted surface.
In another refinement at least one face of at least one of the pixels also includes an attached material selected from the group consisting of crystal, rhinestone, diamond, or metal.
In another refinement a bobbin is used to wrap at least one of the first coil and the second coil around the respective arm.
In another refinement a first pixel and a portion of the background adjacent the first pixel is not in the same horizontal plane as a second pixel and a portion of the background adjacent the second pixel.
In another embodiment of the present invention there is an magnetically actuated alphanumeric display. The display comprises a plurality of flippers. Each flipper includes a permanent magnet and rotates about an axis to present a display face with an on state in a first orientation and an off state in a second orientation. Each flipper is positioned substantially within a background. Portions of the background adjacent each flipper substantially match the display face in the off state. The plurality of flippers are configured to collectively present an alphanumeric character when at least some of the plurality of flippers are oriented to present the display face in the on state. The display further comprises a corresponding plurality of paired electromagnet coils in an interwoven configuration beneath the plurality of flippers.
In one refinement there is substantially no gap between a first coil corresponding to a first flipper and any adjacent coil corresponding to a different flipper.
In another refinement each of the coils has a separate interior post of ferromagnetic material.
In another refinement the alphanumeric character is an Arabic numeral formed with seven flippers.
In another refinement each of the paired electromagnetic coils in the interwoven configuration are positioned around a pair of arms of a U-shaped core. Adjacent U-shaped cores are rotated ninety degrees from one another.
In another refinement paired coils are positioned on a pair of armatures of a U-shaped core.
In another refinement each U-shaped core is oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of the corresponding flipper, and wherein each magnetic pole of the electromagnet is positioned substantially adjacent to the permanent magnet of the corresponding flipper.
In another refinement the paired electromagnetic coils are connected in series and have a total resistance in the range of 150-250 ohms.
In another refinement the interwoven configuration includes paired coils that each have a width less than half an axial length of the corresponding flipper, and wherein an axial length of the permanent magnet of the flipper is less than or equal to half the axial length of the flipper.
In another refinement the permanent magnet of any flipper of the plurality of flippers does not overlap any coils other than the paired coils corresponding to that flipper that actuate rotation of that flipper.
In another refinement the interwoven configuration includes paired coils that overlap at least a portion of the permanent magnet of the corresponding flipper, and wherein the paired coils do not overlap the permanent magnet of any flipper other than the corresponding flipper for which the paired coils actuate rotation.
In another refinement, the display further comprises a second plurality of flippers configured to collectively present a second alphanumeric character and a second corresponding plurality of paired electromagnet coils in an interwoven configuration beneath the second plurality of flippers. The display faces of the first plurality of flippers are in a first plane. The display faces of the second plurality of flippers are in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are different.
In another refinement the display is a watch display and further comprises an analog movement with watch hands that are positioned above the background and the plurality of flippers.
In another refinement the background includes a plurality of simulated dot matrix panels and a plurality of grooves between at least some of the adjacent panels. Each groove substantially mimics a gap between at least one of the rotatable pixels and the background
In another refinement at least a portion of the display is a positive contrast display.
In another refinement the display is a watch display and is positioned within the interior of a casing. The casing has a front light LED directed toward at least a portion of the display.
In another refinement the front light is a UV LED. At least one of the flippers includes a fluorescent coating on the display face in the on state.
In another refinement a material selected from the group consisting of rhinestone, crystal, diamond or metal are attached to at least one of the background or the display face of at least one flipper.
Multiple embodiments are disclosed and claimed herein. There are numerous refinements that are generally applicable to most, if not all, of these embodiments.
In one refinement of the invention a single rotatable pixel represents more than one dot or pixel of information. For example, a single pixel might include textual information such as AM/PM/LAP/COUNTER/DATE on one or both faces.
In another refinement of the invention the rotatable pixel is round, square, rectangular, or polygonal in shape.
In another refinement of the invention the axle used is constructed out of the same material as the rotatable pixel. Alternatively, the axle might be constructed out of wire, metal or plastic rod. The axle could pass through a hole in some portion of the rotatable pixel about which the pixel rotates.
In another refinement of the invention the axle of the rotating pixel is fixed to mounting points.
In another refinement of the invention the axle is part of or affixed to the rotating pixel and rotates with the rotating pixel.
In another refinement of the invention a permanent magnet material is integrated in some portion of the rotating pixel. The permanent magnet could be a magnetic thermoplastic or rubber materials, ferrite, ceramic, Aluminum Nickel Cobalt (AlNiCo), Samarium Cobalt (SmCo), Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB), injection molded material, such as Nylon 6 or 12, that contains the desired mixture of magnetic material, or other magnetic materials or rare earth materials that possess a magnetic field.
In another refinement of the invention the entire pixel may be a permanent magnet material.
In another refinement of the invention the permanent magnet material is integrated in only a portion of each rotatable pixel and has magnetic poles in the same plane as the rotatable pixel.
In another refinement of the invention the permanent magnet material has magnetic poles oriented perpendicular to the plane of the rotatable pixel.
In another refinement of the invention the rotatable pixel includes a permanent magnet that has a proximity to the core or an additional pole plate and is configured to insure that the rotatable pixel does not change orientations due to vibration, or dropping (being held in place magnetically).
In another refinement of the invention the coils and corresponding rotating pixels are configured to comprise an alphanumeric character.
In another refinement of the invention the alphanumeric character is an Arabic numeral generated using seven pixels.
In another refinement of the invention an anti-reflective coating is applied to the background or OFF optical state of the rotating pixel. In a further refinement of the invention the anti-reflective finish including a light-trapping material that is applied to the background or OFF optical state of the rotating pixel.
In another refinement of the invention the rotatable pixel has at least one material affixed therein.
In another refinement of the invention the rotatable pixel may have phosphorescent or fluorescent paints on one or both sides. Additionally, fluorescent paints may be used that are colorless when UV light is absent, and that emit color when UV light is present.
In another refinement of the invention the display face of the rotatable pixel includes at least one beveled edge.
In another refinement of the invention the rotatable pixel incorporates at least one dot matrix panel that substantially matches the appearance of a surrounding background.
In another refinement of the invention the dot matrix panels have a material affixed thereto.
In another refinement of the invention the dot matrix panels are round, square, rectangular, or polygonal shaped.
In another refinement of the invention a rotatable pixel incorporates two or more dot matrix panels matching those present in the background. In a further refinement of the invention, a groove is present between the dot matrix panels on the rotatable pixel. In yet a further refinement of the invention the groove between dot matrix panels is an actual gap. Alternatively, the groove between the dot matrix panels uses paints, or coatings to mimic the appearance of an actual gap between rotatable pixels and surrounding background.
In another refinement of the invention the coils are round, square, or rectangular in shape.
In another refinement of the invention the coils are constructed out of wire, specifically copper wire, or other magnet wire, as well as conductive materials, and as such may be lines laid out on a printed circuit board.
In another refinement of the invention the core comprises two spaced apart posts (i.e. offset with no direct mechanical connection) about which the coils are wound.
In another refinement of the invention the two core posts have a larger base and the two bases are placed in close proximity to effectively function magnetically like a single U-shaped core.
In another refinement of the invention the core post or U-shaped cores are constructed out of a ferromagnetic material such as a ceramic, or steel laminates.
In another refinement of the invention the top of the core is positioned substantially parallel to the plane of the rotating pixel.
In another refinement of the invention an additional pole plate is placed above the top of the core armatures.
In another refinement of the invention the U-shaped cores are integrated into the same plane as the printed circuit board.
In another refinement of the invention the coil is produced on at least one layer of a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board could be constructed out of a flexible material. In a further refinement of the invention the respective coils are an assemblage of two or more printed circuit boards stacked or layered to stack up and produce enough turns and electromagnetic force needed to actuate the rotatable pixel.
In another refinement of the invention a plastic or other material is used to construct a bobbin that allows coils to be wound around and connect the two wires to conductive leads integrated into the bobbin. In a further refinement of the invention the bobbin is constructed out of the ferromagnetic core material and may serve as the core itself.
The various embodiments described herein are typically referred to for use in applications such as watches, clocks, other timepieces, and mobile phones. However, it should be understood that other consumer products are contemplated as within the scope of the invention.
a-c illustrate top views of embodiments of a single rotatable pixel that would appear to a viewer to include one, two, or four dot matrix panels.
For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
There is an unmet need for the application of a magnetic flip dot display in consumer products where the contrasting sides of each rotatable pixel utilize one or some combination of contrasting colors, surface textures, and affixed materials. It is contemplated as within the scope of the invention that the flip dot displays disclosed herein could be used in watches, clocks, mobile phone primary or secondary display, as well as other mobile or smaller sized products.
The term flip dot display as used herein describes a rotatable pixel with at least a first display surface and a second display surface, actuated by an underlying actuation element to display one of said surfaces. Embodiments discussed herein preferably include a top face and a bottom face with 180° rotation between the two surfaces. The actuation element is preferably, for example, one or more coils of wire, or one or more coils around a core material, such as a ferromagnetic ceramic or steel laminate. It should also be understood that all of the flip dot display embodiments disclosed herein refer to a rotatable pixel changing between at least two possible optical states. When actuation force is generated (preferably magnetically) the rotatable pixel will rotate to display either an “ON” optical state or an “OFF” optical state. In the “ON” optical state the color, texture and/or material composition attached to the surface of the pixel differs from the surrounding background. An “OFF” optical state occurs when the color, texture, and/or material composition on the opposing side of the pixel substantially matches that of the surrounding background. The surrounding background is understood to refer to a non-changeable surface. The surrounding background around each rotatable pixel is preferably, but not necessarily, in approximately the same plane as the display surface of the rotatable pixel.
Axle 120 is preferably a central shaft used to position the rotating pixel 110 and allow rotation. In some cases the axle 120 may be mounted and fixed, but with a bearing or bushing located inside the rotating pixel 110 to allow the pixel to rotate around the axle 120. Axle 120 could comprise a wire, or plastic or metal rod that is fixed and passes through some portion of the rotating pixel 110 that rotates around the axle 120. Rotating pixel 110 may also be constructed out of a low friction material to more easily rotate about a fixed axle 120. In
Driving coils 101 and 102 preferably do not extend across the entire axial length of the rotating pixel 110, and even more preferably no more than half the axial length. This enables closer placement of rotating pixels 110 in some or all of the small consumer product applications detailed herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will understand that the actuation system could extend across the entire axial length of a rotatable pixel 110.
It is contemplated as within the scope of the invention that rotatable pixel 110 could also have printed text, symbols, or other information. Thus, one pixel 110 by itself conveys desired information. For example, one side of the rotating pixel 110 could have text printed on one side that says AM, and PM printed on the other side. In this scenario either face of the pixel 110 could display detailed information without having to be part of a matrix of pixels that forms an alpha-numeric digit to convey information.
Small pixels and the resulting small coils needed are often difficult to assemble and still meet low cost production targets. In a display with many coils it may prove difficult for the insertion and connection of each coil to the PCB, especially when the winding conductive wire is of a very small wire gauge. An advantage of using coils 855 constructed on a PCB 850 is that all of the coils for an entire display might preferably be constructed on the same PCB 850.
When putting a flip dot display into smaller product applications, especially those consumer products such as watches or clocks, the minimum producible size of the coils and cores required are often a large percentage of the pixel size. Thus, even producing a simple seven pixel numeric digit becomes very challenging. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that in large flip dot displays the overlapping magnetic fields of pixels are minimized significantly due to distance. The situation is considerably different in smaller product applications.
The numeric digit layout includes two coils 1401 and 1402 that are used to drive center rotating pixel 1410 positioned above the coils. The coils 1401 and 1402 are each centered around a core armature 1403 and 1404, respectively, that appears as black. A pair of coils and their respective interior core armatures are positioned to drive each of the seven rotatable pixels 1410-1416 as shown in this figure. When rotation is desired a magnetic force emanates out of the coils 1401 and 1402 when respective current is passed through them. The magnetic force acts upon the permanent magnet 1430, illustrated as a square portion (denoted by a dashed line) of the rotatable pixel 1410. The permanent magnet 1430 and corresponding rotating pixel 1410 would rotate from being positioned substantially above coil 1401 and its current “ON” optical state to a new position substantially above coil 1402 and representing an “OFF” optical state.
The coils 1401 and 1402 preferably have a width less than half the length of the corresponding rotating pixel 1410. There is no such restriction on the length or thickness of the permanent magnet 1430 incorporated in the rotating pixel 1410. The permanent magnet could be a larger portion of the rotatable pixel, or even can be the entire rotatable pixel 1410 itself. The permanent magnet 1430 preferably lies within just a portion of the length of the rotatable pixel 1410 and is ideally positioned so that it lies away from the coils driving the neighboring rotating pixels.
The surrounding background 1550 may provide the means for holding the axle of the rotating pixels. In
Current applications of flip dot display in large outdoor signage nearly all feature either green “ON” segments on black background, or alternatively white “ON” segments on a black background. This combination of colors have demonstrated the high contrast and readability in large outdoor flip dot displays, but these colors are less appealing to consumers in smaller consumer product applications.
Typical flip dot displays utilized in large outdoor signage applications today feature a complete large dot matrix display. This would be extremely challenging and costly for much smaller pixels, especially if organized in a dot matrix pattern in various consumer product applications. Conventional large flip dot displays also display negative contrast, with bright colored pixels on a dark background. However, readability or desirable aesthetic appearance might often preferably include a positive contrast display.
Rotatable pixel 1810 preferably rotates up to 180 degrees and is separated from the surrounding background 1850 by a gap 1851. Any separation gap 1851 between materials results in a dark outline around every rotatable pixel 1810 visible to any consumer looking at a conventional flip dot display. One method to reduce this undesired aesthetic effect is to simply color the background dark colored or black. However, various embodiments of the present invention might also use a groove 1852 in the form of an actual spacing or cutout portion, or simply a dark line placed between the simulated dot matrix panels 1890 of the background 1850. In a preferred embodiment groove 1852 has a width, thickness, and appearance to mimic or closely approximate the appearance of the actual gap spacing 1851 between rotatable pixels 1810 and the surrounding background 1850. In one embodiment the result is a repeatable dark outline around all the simulated dot matrix panels 1890 of the entire display. Consequently, the dark outline around the rotatable pixels 1851 no longer stands out. By elimination of the perceived gap 1851, this embodiment permits varying bright or dark colors or materials to be used on the simulated dot matrix panels 1890 and rotatable pixels 1810, while maintaining an acceptable aesthetic appearance. When brightly colored paints or materials are used on the simulated dot matrix panels 1890, there will exist a dark border around them. It is contemplated as within the scope of the invention that the simulated dot matrix panel 1890 could be round, square, or any other polygonal shapes that interlock in a dot matrix pattern.
a-c further illustrates a magnified view of different versions of rotating pixel 2110 that features one or more individual dot matrix panels 2190 that are perceived as individual pixels.
In
All of the embodiments of this invention detailed herein feature rotating pixels often arranged in an array that individually and/or collectively display information in the form of symbols, or alphanumeric characters, but are not limited to these representations. The rotatable pixel found in any one of the embodiments of this invention could be of a round, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, or any other polygonal shape. All various shapes of the rotatable pixels are assumed to be utilized especially as differing shapes may be utilized within the array itself so as to be able to impart the desired symbolic, graphical, or alpha-numeric representations collectively. The materials that might be attached to one or more faces of each rotatable pixel include, but are not limited to, emeralds, rubies, opals, amethyst, diamonds, or other gems. Other materials that might be used include, but are not limited to, gold, silver, aluminum, rhinestones, Swarovski crystals, fluorescent or phosphorescent paint glitter, cloth or leather, tritium tubes, hot metal laminates, glass spheres, and plastic laminates that provide a metal, leather, or wood grain appearance. In yet another preferred embodiment the overall thickness of the rotatable pixel is minimized so that the needed gap between the rotatable pixels and surrounding background is minimized. The pixel may also feature beveled or rounded corners to further reduce the gap between the pixels and surrounding background by requiring less clearance distance.
All of the coils illustrated in the figures show a relatively round or elliptical shape. It will be recognized that the final shape, number of turns of coil, thickness of wire or type of wire used in producing the coils, are all able to be customized and varied to produce the desired magnetic field force as well as shape of the produced magnetic field. Any and all possible variations for the shape, location of first permanent magnet, and design of the rotatable segments as well as the underlying actuation coils are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention.
In existing large sized commercial applications of utilizing flip dot displays, only bright and dark colored segment elements and frame are used, where the bright segments are usually a fluorescent green, yellow, or white. This in itself does provide the highest degree of visibility of display information to a user, but in the embodiments taught herein, one preferred objective is to use this new flip dot display technology in consumer products. Such products could include watches, mobile phones, clocks, or MP3 players. In all these consumer products design and style are of ever increasing importance. However, until now, there has been little unique design or styling that could be done with the basic black-on-grey LCD often used in these products.
The present invention also contemplates the use of differing materials, or materials of the same composition but differing in color, texture, or some other optical qualities in the “on” and “off” surface orientations, as well as the surrounding upper surface of the background. For example, the materials that could be used on the display faces and upper surface of the background include, but are not limited to, those previously discussed above. Thus, various embodiments of the present invention broadly teach the use of several variants of flip dot display technologies. Rather than simply having a light and dark colored plastics, various materials are preferably incorporated into one or both display faces of the rotatable pixel, as well as onto the upper surface of the surrounding background. Various mechanisms can be utilized to attach the indicated materials to the desired surfaces including, but not limited to, glue or epoxy, heat fusing, adhesive, or ultrasonic bonding, to name a few.
As used herein the term U-shaped broadly encompasses U-shaped, C-shaped and other embodiments generally having a base portion that connects two arms. The connection between each arm and the base portion may be perpendicular or may be curved. Moreover, the base portion itself is not necessarily straight and may be curved if desired.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/906,789 entitled “Magnetic Display For Watches” filed 13 Mar. 2007, and also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/847,787 entitled “Magnetic Display For Watches” filed 27 Sep. 2006.
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