DE2260381A1 - LIMITATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR GAS DISCHARGE DISPLAY PANELS - Google Patents

Description

7th December 1972

"Limitation Control System for Gas Discharge Indicator

panels "

The present invention "relates to a new method and a new circuit arrangement for controlling the delimitation points of a gas charge panel with inherent memory of the type described in TJS-PS 3,499,167 ".

As described in this patent, there are a number of ways around each information display discharge point in such panels to operate at substantially uniform potentials. Such technology currently used is the so-called "photon" conditioning ", which, as described in the cited publication, is the maintenance of a complete Includes row or column of locations on the perimeter of the panel in an ignited or "EIIT" condition. That light from these discharge steles that are left on is obscured or blocked from normal viewing or otherwise not for display purposes used.

In the past, these points were switched on by the holding voltage of the same holding voltage sources and fed like the places of the normal viewing or display area of the panel.

The present invention provides a system for inscribing the boundary or the margin, the following possibilities offers:

(1) Keeping the limit,

(2) Writing the limit,, '

(3) clearing the limit during long periods of rest, thereby reducing the effect of aging,

(4) Limitation setting (all four sides) ,,

(5) Limitation ignition at reduced frequency during long rest periods to minimize aging as an alternative to (3),

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(6) Keep the limit at a slightly higher one Voltage level (assuming that a further supply circuit is available in addition to the holding voltage source is).

It has been found that the write-in of the limit cannot be performed during a withstand voltage cycle can, but requires time on the order of milliseconds if the panel is used for a long period of time was unused. The effect of limit aging can furthermore be achieved by keeping the limit on one higher levels can be overcome, and if this aging becomes noticeable, this voltage can be adjusted to that the delimitation points are ignited. As a result, the pull-up (tension) for writing is the Limitation has been eliminated »and this puncture is according to the invention achieved by a programmable supply circuit control via the logical system. The limiting holding voltage would normally be three or ten YoIt higher than normal holding voltage and that can be done by normal Resistance means are adjusted as the limit ages. If it is desired to write the limit, this supply circuit can be 60 to 80 volts more at about 100 mA above the normal holding value via a logic circuit deliver. The voltage rise and fall times can be on the order of about 300 / usec. The registered mail the limitation takes about a second. The above and other objectives, advantages, and properties of the invention in light of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing. In it shows

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the circuit arrangement according to the invention, which with the Gas discharge display panel is connected, Pig. 2 (A, B, C, D, E, P, G) explain the limiting write waveforms,

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Pig. 3 (A, B, C, D, E, E and G) shows the limit clear waveform, .

Pig. 4 (A, B, C, D, E, P and G) represents the waveform of the Limitation ignition with reduced pulse rate and

Pig. 5 (A, B, C, D, E, P and G) explains the waveform for four-axis limit adjustment.

Pig. 1 shows a gas discharge display panel 10, preferably of the type described in TJS-PS 3,499,167 ", which is filled with a Heon-Argon gas mixture (99.9 # neon and 0.1 fo argon), as is shown in FIG PR-PS 2 019 723 is described, and which, compared to the mentioned US-PS, is further modified by a dielectric or insulating coating (not shown), a lead oxide of a few 100 angstroms thick, on the dielectric coating the discharge path in such panels is between 100 and 150 / U. The panel 10 is formed by a row circuit board 11 and a column circuit board 12, which are joined together by a sealing spacer (not shown) at a distance from one another, by the mentioned length of the gas discharge path and a thin one Form gas discharge chamber with the gaseous medium therein.

The row circuit board 11 carries a row conductor arrangement in the writing or information display area V and to the side thereof a row delimitation arrangement 14 and 15. The column circuit board 12 is constructed identically and has a column conductor arrangement 16 in writing or Viewing area of the data display area D as well as boundary or side conductors 17 and 18. (The boundary conductors are shown at a distance from the relevant row and column conductors, but can be used in the manufacture of the panel one or more end conductors in each arrangement.) As indicated, the addressing networks 20 and 20 alternate 21 for the row conductors and 22 and 23 for the column conductors and odd numbered conductors, respectively, are taken from the odd Addressing network and straight conductors are made up of straight lines

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Conductor addressing networks such as described in US Pat. No. 3,665,400 and, as shown, float on their respective withstand voltage sources for those conductors in the panel. Except for the timing of the holding voltage sources ν _χ and Vy by the timing control circuit 30, the panel and circuitry as described is conventional.

The present invention relates to the circuit arrangement for influencing the discharge points located on the boundary conductors 14-15 and 17-18. _{In this context, it should be noted that the limiting conductors} are provided with separate holding voltage sources Vy-n for the column limiting conductors 17 and 18 and ν χΒ for the row limiting conductors 14 and 15 and corresponding to the standard holding voltage generators Vy and ν _χ by the control -Timer 30 can be controlled. This timing is illustrated in the waveform diagrams of FIGS. 2, 3, and 5.

In Fig. 2A, ν _χ denotes a square-wave voltage waveform which is applied to the row conductors in the arrangement 13 via the addressing networks 21 and 22 (for the odd and the even conductors, respectively), while that in Fig. 2B is denoted by Vy Waveform is fed to the conductors 16 via the odd addressing network 22 and via the even addressing network 23. The addressing networks 20-21 and 22 are floating and referenced to their main voltages. The waveform of the voltage which is supplied to the gaseous medium at each separate gas discharge unit is shown in FIG. 2 and _{denoted by ν χ} - Vy. That is, gas measures ¹ the difference between the voltages applied to these two conductor arrangements. To turn on any separate discharge point in the panel, a voltage pulse (not shown) is algebraically added to the withstand voltage waveform shown in Fig. 2C,

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for example by applying quarter-dial voltage pulses a selected pair of intersecting row and column conductors that algebraically add to the withstand voltage at this moment sufficient to initiate the discharge. The addressing of the discharge points in the panel is therefore conventional.

In Pig. 3D, the _{"waveform labeled ν χΒ has} a amplitude of approximately" V "equal to the normal holding voltage TT { die

SS S

is about 150 volts) plus about 90 volts so that for each of the limit write holding voltage sources V _XB and Vy-g, the output voltage determined by the control and timing circuit 30 is V. Algebraically adding this voltage to the voltage of the crossing conductors in the column conductor array 16 (waveform 9 Fig. 2B) gives the voltage across the gas which has the waveform V _XB -Vy shown in Fig. 2E, which is the difference between the waveform in Fig. 2B Figure 2 is D and the waveform in Figure 2B. Similarly, waveform Vy-n in Fig. 2F is the output voltage of the clamp holding voltage generator, designated Vyr in Fig. 1. This voltage is fed to the limiting conductors 17 and 18 for the Y-axes and, together with the row conductors in the arrangement 13 (V _{x as shown in FIG. 2A), results in the voltage V x} applied to the gas in the individual column limiting points located at the conductor crossing points -Vy ₂ as shown in Figure 2G.

The corner discharge points located at the intersection of the boundary conductors 14-15 with the boundary conductors 17 to 18 much larger voltages are applied, as shown in the example of the differences between the voltage waveform in Fig. 2D and the voltage waveform in Fig. 2F, which at least ensure reliable turn-on of the corner unloading points.

The delimiting erase cycle and waveforms therefor is illustrated in FIG. 3 + where FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C correspond to FIGS

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™ "O" ■ "

To show relationship of limit erase pulses. The supply circuits 31 and 32 supply small DC voltages V and V + Δ at the output. The method used is essentially to vary the width of one of the pulses of the clamp holding voltage source. In this case, the control timing generator 30 provides a signal to the limit hold voltage generator during the limit clear cycle to generate a pulse 50 which is narrower than the normal width of a hold voltage pulse (FIG. 3D). The normal holding voltage pulse width is 5 / usec, whereas the pulse width of the holding voltage erase pulse is 2 / usec. This is sufficient to switch off the wall voltage at the limit points. 3E shows the sum of the voltage, the voltage (Vy) applied to the row conductors 13 and the limiting voltage Vy-p. Similarly, a clamp withstand voltage Vy _B having a level V + A "can be generated, and in FIG

S S

Waveform of the voltage on the ν _χΒ limitation conductors H and 15 and the Y-HaI te voltage ν _γ (νγ-η-ν _γ ) shown. Because of the flexibility that results from the presence of the additional supply circuit as well as from the possibility of controlling the width of the holding voltage pulses, it is possible to control the limiting points separately. In the case just described, the delimitation points are deleted during long periods of rest or when no information is to be displayed on the panel for a long period of time. In other words, it is desirable to keep the aging effects at the delimitation points small during long periods of inactivity in the information display by deleting or deactivating the delimitations. However, this reduced aging effect can be achieved simply by reducing the frequency or the speed of the discharges by controlling the limiting holding voltage. Indeed, this reduces the number of discharges in the delimitation points per unit of time in connection with a decrease in the unfavorable "aging effects at the delimitation points.

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The above-described method of lowering the frequency or the discharge speed is illustrated in FIG. As can be seen, FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C correspond to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 20, respectively. In FIG. 20, however, the X marks the discharge point at the point »FIG the clamping rate of the clamp withstand voltage is half the normal withstand voltage pulse rate as shown in Figure 2D. The alternating voltage pulses shown in dashed lines at 91 (FIGS. 2D and 4E) are omitted. 4E is the voltage waveform on the gas which appears at the boundary points located at the crossing points of the column delimiting conductors 17 and 18 and the row conductors in arrangement 13, and FIG. 4G shows the voltage waveform at the crossing points of the row conductors 14 and 15 with the column conductors in array 16. It will be noted that when compared to the _{clamp withstand voltage waveforms ("Vy] 3} and Vy ^) ⁱⁿ Figures 2D and 2F, the pulse rate is approximately the holds of the normal withstand voltage pulse rate.

In this way, because of the failure of the holding voltage pulse during the normal time interval 91 shown with dashed lines in the column holding voltage ν _γΒ (Fig. 4D) no discharge takes place during this time interval and because the polarity of the edge voltage remains the same as in the previous one Discharge or ignition, as indicated at in FIG. 4E, does not take place the next subsequent discharge, which would otherwise take place at point 94 (because the wall voltage has the same direction as the added voltage). Accordingly, the discharge speed is significantly reduced, whereby the unfavorable aging effects on the panel are reduced. A similar process takes place in connection with the delimitation points which lie on the delimitation conductors 14 and 15 at points of intersection with the conductors of the conductor arrangement 16.

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This method of eliminating or keeping some unfavorable aging effects small, the number of ignitions is an alternative to switching off the limitation points.

Fig. 5 shows the four-axis border conditioning. In this representation, signals I ^ are applied to a selected point in order to bring information into the panel and to cause a discharge (K) at this point. The limiting holding _voltages ν γΒ and ν χβ are shifted in the direction of travel (FIG. 5) so that they coincide with the leading _{edges of the addressing pulses I ^.} The limiting points then fire simultaneously with the leading edge of the addressing signal pulses Iy. Four-axis limit setting is intended to mean that the points are "on" the limit and the conductors in each arrangement have the potentials on the normal row-column conductors. The display area positions are set more reliably in that the limiting discharges are changed in such a way that they occur here at short intervals. It should be noted that at times other than those of the _{write intervals shown, the Vy 5} -limiting holding voltage potential is the same as the normal holding voltage potential Vy and that the cell _{limiting holding voltage potential ν χΒ is} the same as the row holding voltage Vy .

In this way, the invention solves the problem of controlling the delimitation points of a gas discharge display panel, which for the purpose of light emission (photonic conditioning) are kept switched on, and sees a limit recorder for Maintaining the limit of being independent of a normal withstand voltage source, registered and Deletion of the limitation and setting is permitted on all four sides as well as activation of the limitation with a reduced frequency

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or speed that, like deleting the limit, the effects of aging on the boundary ladders during rest breaks small, and finally keeping the limitation at a slightly higher voltage level, the can be reduced during the operation of the panel as the aging process progresses.

Although the invention is embodied in "preferred embodiments" has been described, it is clear that their basic principles are also applicable to other embodiments which are used for and the claims are intended to cover such obvious embodiments.

PATENT CLAIMS: - 10 -

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Claims (12)

- ι ο - PATENT CLAIMS: \ 1 ./ Gas discharge display panel with row or column conductor arrangements which are non-conductive coupled to a gas discharge medium in a chamber space between the row and column conductor arrangements, with row and column limiting conductor arrangements with the ends of the conductors in the row-column conductor arrangements cooperate and determine limitation points, which are switched on for the purpose of emitting light from the information display points in the panel during the input of information that is to be displayed on the panel, characterized by controllable limiting holding voltage supply circuits which are connected to the limiting conductor arrangements and by Means for controlling the limiting points by controlling the controllable limiting holding voltage supply circuit. 2. Display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the controllable limiting voltage supply circuit Means for providing output voltages at a plurality of voltage levels and means for connection one of these output voltages with the boundary conductors. 3. gas discharge panel according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by means for the relative shifting of the ignition time of the limiting points to a point in time immediately before addressing the information that is available at the information display points should be displayed. 4 · Gas discharge display panel according to claim 3, characterized characterized in that the information pulses are timed on selected row-column conductors in the conductor arrangements so lie that they are with the leading edge of the limit holding voltage appear. - 11 - 309826/0320 5. gas discharge display panel according to the preceding claims, characterized by control means for the Limitation supply circuit for switching off all limitation points during long breaks in the Addressing of Inf ormationSf display points in the panel. 6. Method of operating a gas discharge data display panel with an insulating-coated row conductor arrangement on a first support plate, an insulating-coated one Column conductor arrangement on a second support plate, means for "connecting the plates to one another at a distance from one another Gas discharge medium between the coated conductor arrangements, a selected number of conductors in each of these arrangements, Spatially determine the delimitation points which are not used for data display, whereby the operational potentials at the Conductor arrangements contain a periodic voltage to maintain the discharges once initiated, wherein the periodic holding voltage is of a magnitude that is insufficient to initiate a gas discharge at any point, but is sufficiently large to maintain discharges once initiated at any point, and with a signal voltage inputting data, initiating discharges to the algebraic addition to the Haites Stress, thereby characterized in that the boundary conductors have a separate Holding voltage is supplied and that the holding voltage potential is controlled to control the switch-on condition for the delimitation points. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the aging of the boundary points is thereby on Is reduced to a minimum that the discharge rate in the limiting points for long periods of time missing addressing for the normal field of view of the panel is changed. - 12 - 3 0 9 8 2 6/0 3.2 0 8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the aging of the boundary points is thereby reduced to a minimum is reduced that the discharge points are supplied with an erase signal, the long periods of time in which no information is displayed in the normal field of view of the panel. 9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the voltage level of the limiting holding voltage during a selected time interval is increased in order to switch on the limitation points. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the limiting holding voltage level is higher than the normal withstand voltage level on the row-column conductor arrangements, thereby characterized in that the level of the holding voltage is lowered during a long period of use. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the limit holding voltage level is 3 to 10 volts above is the normal withstand voltage level. 12. The method according to claim 6, characterized by a time shift of the limiting holding voltage, such that the boundary point discharges in the temporal vicinity of the leading edge of the row-column conductor arrangements supplied information writing pulses takes place. 309 8 26/0320