HK1081711B - Device for visualization of information on a rotating visible surface - Google Patents

Description

Information visualization device on a rotating visual surface

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information visualization device on a rotating visual surface for use on machines, devices, transport vehicles, fans and other rotating visual surfaces.

Background

A known information visualization apparatus comprises: n light sources, single color Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), are uniformly arranged in an array on a rigid uniform substrate, with their inputs connected to a control circuit powered by an independent power supply and affixed to the substrate. The substrate itself is radially disposed between two adjacent spokes of a bicycle wheel. The control circuit is formed by a centrifugally controlled switch, the output end of which is connected to the input end of the time delay controller, the first output end of the time delay controller is connected to the input end of the visual pattern selector, and the second output end of the time delay controller is connected to the controller for setting the delay time. The output terminals of the visible pattern selector and the delay controller are connected to the input terminal of the controllable power supply, and the output terminal of the controllable power supply is connected to the lighting controller. When the bicycle wheel rotates, the centrifugal control switch is triggered to turn on and the visible pattern selector is turned on. The formed pattern is preselected from a set of patterns stored by the selector. The controller that sets the delay time assigns a different flash time to each individual diode. Continued flashing of the leds at different times produces a quasi-metric field which displays a two-dimensional monochromatic image enhanced by transient vision US 5800039.

One disadvantage of this device is that the image formed continuously drifts because it is not synchronized with the rotational speed of the wheels. Furthermore, it has a low information capacity because it produces only a two-dimensional monochrome image.

Another disadvantage of this device is that it operates at all times as the wheel rotates, regardless of the intensity of the ambient light. This results in a reduced image perception, especially in daylight or bright side light situations. This redundant mode of operation results in rapid consumption of the independent power source, requiring frequent replacement of the power source. Another disadvantage of this device is its limited range, as it is only suitable for bicycles and only works at specific locations mounted between the spokes of the bicycle.

Another information visualization device known in the art is specifically designed for use with transportation vehicles. It consists of one to M groups of light sources, each group of light sources containing N light emitting diodes arranged uniformly in an array. Each set of LEDs is mounted on a separate, rigid, uniform substrate. All diodes on one substrate have the same color. These diodes are connected to respective control circuits having independent power supplies. The substrates are radially arranged on rotating objects, such as bicycle wheels, which are at an equal angular distance from each other. The control circuits of each group are connected to the serial output bus of the central microcontroller. The information visualization device comprises a microcontroller with an independent power supply, a control panel and a memory. The central microcontroller may be mounted on one of the substrates so that it has a common power supply with the led groups on that substrate. A magnet is fixed to a stationary part of the machine, for example, the front fork of a bicycle. A synchronization sensor is fixed in place on a rotating part of the vehicle, such as a wheel, and is activated each time it passes a magnet. The output of such a detector is connected to the information input port of the microprocessor. The image graphics that can be seen are preselected by the control panel. When the bicycle wheel is rotating, the microprocessor is activated by the detector and begins sending control signals to the sets of diodes. At the same time, the microprocessor determines the rotational speed of the wheel and determines the flashing timing of the diodes based on the rotational speed so as to form an image at the same position. Thus, due to transient vision, the LEDs continue to emit light at different times, producing a quasi-metric field that displays M sets of two-dimensional monochromatic images, each set of images having a different color [ PCT/US00/25098 ].

One disadvantage of this device is that it reduces the perceptibility of the image, since it only produces a two-dimensional monochromatic image.

Another disadvantage of this device is that its mechanism is rather complex, since it comprises a plurality of individual elements interconnected by means of movable wires. This coupling with the positioning of the magnet and the detector reduces its reliability.

A further disadvantage of this device is the energy loss caused by its permanent mode of operation.

A further disadvantage of this device is that the production of high quality images requires that the individual luminous sources are positioned very precisely on the rotating part of the vehicle.

Another device for visualizing information on a rotating visible surface of a vehicle, in particular a bicycle, is also known [ GB2311401 ]. The device consists of a plurality of single color light emitting diodes arranged in an array and independently controllable. The LED array is arranged radially on a visual carrier unit of the pivoting transport vehicle structure, i.e. longitudinally on a spoke. They flash and fade depending on the current angular velocity of the rotating bicycle wheel. The carrier spokes are equipped with sensors to determine the rotational position, communicating by sending a signal defining the LED starting position and the successive synchronized flashes of light as the sensors pass around the magnet mounted on the bicycle frame. Thus, the inertia of the human eye is used to create a quasi-metric field that displays a two-dimensional monochromatic still image produced by the flashing of the light emitting diodes at different times. The control signal is generated by control electronics which flash the LED at a predetermined position during the rotation of the diode. The control units are placed on the same spoke. The power supply for the flashing unit on the spokes is served by a battery or a bicycle generator arranged thereon. The device also includes a light sensor to turn off the device in case of strong side light. It also provides the possibility to switch from the quiet mode to the standby mode.

A disadvantage of this device is that it is inefficient for the following reasons:

when the characteristic of a bicycle is a slow angular velocity, the flash element starts flashing at a given position for a longer time than the duration of inertia of the human eye, so that the image obtained is "flickering", i.e. of low quality;

the device can only reproduce images previously input to the electronic unit. The device therefore has a low user value;

the device remains off after being switched off by the light sensor in case of strong side light and should be manually switched on again, which makes it inconvenient to use during movement, i.e. during when it should be working.

A further device for visualizing information on a rotating visual surface of a transport vehicle, in particular a bicycle, is also known [ DE 197621C1 ]. It consists of a number of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) of one or different colors, arranged in an array and independently controlled. The LED array is radially disposed on at least one vision carrier unit of the pivoting transporter vehicle structure. The flashing and fading of the LEDs depends on the current angular velocity of the rotating unit. Since the speed at which the bicycle wheel rotates is slow, the corresponding LED arrays are arranged on at least three spokes. The three spokes are uniformly arranged with a spacing of 120 °. On each of these three carrier spokes there is provided a sensor which communicates when passing around another sensor of the bicycle frame and generates a signal for defining the LED start position and the successive synchronized flashes. Thus, the inertia of the human eye is used to create a quasi-metric field that displays a two-dimensional still image produced by the flashing of the LEDs at different instants of time. The carrier unit is equipped with a sensor communicating with another sensor located on the vehicle frame, which sends a signal determining the LED starting position and the successive synchronized flashes of light in order to produce a visual pattern. The control signals are generated by one or several processors. The processor may be placed on the carrier rotating unit and receive a signal from another processor that is immovably fixed to the frame of the vehicle. The power supply of each unit on the carrier rotating unit is provided by a power supply unit arranged at the same position. To avoid geometrical differences that would occur if some LED groups were not placed exactly at 120 ° or at the same height as other LED groups, there is a radial doubling of the array around each LED array on the carrier rotation unit. The radial doubler array is controllably turned on at the command of the processor to replace the main array.

A disadvantage of this device is that it is complicated and comprises a number of separate elements interconnected via unreliable communication channels. This reduces the reliability of the device.

A further device for visualizing information on a rotating visual surface of a vehicle, in particular a bicycle (prototype) [ GB2326513], is also known. It consists of a number of light emitting diodes arranged in a radial array, or more than 1 radial array. Each individual radial array is disposed on a respective spoke and has 16 LEDs, all disposed in a plane on a rigid support, and connected by conduits to a controller disposed on the same spoke near the wheel hub. Each controller includes a memory in which a program for controlling the flashing of the LEDs is stored. Thus, the inertia of the human eye is used to create a quasi-metric field that displays a two-dimensional monochromatic still image produced by the flashing of the LEDs at different times. The carrier spoke also has a sensor-reed relay that communicates when passing around a magnet mounted on the bicycle frame and sends a signal defining the LED starting position and the successive synchronized flashes. The control program is previously input into the memory of the controller by computer guidance when the device is manufactured.

One disadvantage of this device is that: the resulting image is "flickering" due to the slow angular rotational speed of the bicycle wheel.

Another disadvantage of this device is: the image is monochromatic and two-dimensional, reducing its attractiveness.

A further disadvantage of this device is that: when the number of arrays is greater than 1, their synchronization is complicated because a control program that takes into account the angle between the current and previous arrays is input to each of the sequentially connected controllers. This step can only be done at the time of manufacture of the bicycle, and moreover, the quality of the image is poor due to deformations caused by the movement of the bicycle wheel and spokes.

A further disadvantage of this device is that: due to the presence of the cable connection, it is easy to damage the cable connection during the operation of the bicycle-the cable connection can be scratched and torn by surrounding objects, can be broken by a side impact, etc., so that its reliability is reduced.

This device also has a drawback: it is difficult to change the control program because the control program can only be changed by mechanically withdrawing the memory from the bicycle to the corresponding vehicle service station.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to create an information visualization device on a rotating viewing surface that provides higher quality of the generated image, reliability, and enhanced informational capabilities.

This object is achieved by providing a device for visualizing information on a rotating viewing surface for operatively displaying images, comprising a plurality of light sources-N light emitting elements-diode LEDs, uniformly arranged in an array on a substrate, and connected by means of a driver to a microcontroller having an independent power supply. The microcontroller is mounted on the substrate. A synchronization sensor is connected to the microcontroller and another light sensor for detecting the ambient illuminance is also connected to the microcontroller. The light emitting element is a one-color LED or a three-color RGB, and the substrate is flexible. The synchro-sensor, when mounted on a rotating surface whose axis of rotation is not perpendicular to the earth's surface, will react to gravity; if the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the earth's surface, the synchronous sensor will be activated at a position relative to a given motionless point. The microcontroller is connected to the control panel. Two sensors and a control panel are fixed to the substrate. The microcontroller has a serial interface.

The substrate may accommodate additional groups of light emitting elements containing the same or different numbers of LEDs, the groups of light emitting elements having the same or different colors, or they may be RGB, or a combination of the groups. The LED groups may be arranged in parallel, may be arranged in an array, may be arranged in a checkerboard pattern, or may be arranged in any other predetermined pattern in the same plane or at different distances from the substrate.

The bottom of the substrate may also be covered with an adhesive foil.

The substrate may be rigid and have a predetermined profile.

The advantages of such an apparatus for visualizing information on a rotating visual surface are: it provides higher quality, reliability of the generated image, and the ability to have enhanced information.

Drawings

The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, gives a detailed description of the device:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a device having a single LED array;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an apparatus having three parallel LED arrays;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an apparatus having three parallel LED arrays arranged in a checkerboard pattern;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an apparatus having three parallel LED arrays arranged diagonally;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a device having a single RGB array;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an apparatus having three parallel LED arrays diagonally arranged, each LED array being positioned at a different distance from the substrate;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an apparatus having a pre-contoured hard substrate 2;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the device mounted on the rotating surface and the outer surface of rim 13;

FIGS. 10-13 are sample representations of a quasi-metric image produced using the apparatus;

figure 14 is an isometric view of the device mounted on the rotating outer surface of cylinder 14.

Detailed Description

The apparatus for visualizing information on a rotating visual surface for operatively displaying images comprises a plurality of light sources-N light emitting elements-diodes (LEDs) 1, arranged in an array uniformly on a substrate 2 and connected by means of a driver 3 to a microcontroller 4 having an independent power supply 5. The microcontroller 4 is mounted on the substrate 2. One synchronization sensor 6 is connected to the microcontroller 4 and another light sensor 7 is also connected to the microcontroller 4 for detecting the ambient illumination. The light emitting element 1 is a monochromatic LED or three-color RGB, the substrate 2 is flexible, and the synchronization sensor 6, when mounted on a rotating surface whose rotation axis is not perpendicular to the earth's surface, will react to gravity; if the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the earth's surface, the synchronous sensor will be activated at a position relative to a given motionless point. The microcontroller 4 is connected to a control panel 8. Both sensors 6 and 7 and the control panel are arranged on the substrate 2. The microcontroller 4 has a serial interface 9.

The substrate 2 can accommodate further parallel groups of light-emitting elements (fig. 2, 3, 4, 5, 7) containing the same or different numbers of LEDs, of the same or different colors, or RGB (fig. 6), or a combination of these groups. The groups of LEDs may be arranged in an array, in a checkerboard pattern, or in any other predetermined pattern in the same plane or at different distances from the substrate 2.

The bottom of the substrate 2 may also be covered with an adhesive foil 10 (fig. 2 to 7).

The substrate 2 may be rigid and have a predetermined profile (fig. 8).

The batteries in the power supply are placed in a housing 11 sealed with a removable top cover 12. The chassis 11 is also mounted on the substrate.

The electronic units of the device are arranged in position on a wide portion of the substrate.

The device may be mounted on the rim 13 (fig. 9).

During rotation of the object in which the device is arranged, the device produces a quasi-matrix image 14 as shown in figures 10 to 13.

The device may be mounted on the outer surface of a rotating object 15 (fig. 14).

Application of the invention

The microcontroller 4 contains a library of different visual patterns, such as images, text, lighting effects, or a combination of the three, which are recorded in the microcontroller's memory prior to its manufacture. The interface 9 and an external source (not shown in the drawings) allow the addition of further graphic libraries in the memory of the microcontroller 4 when the device is in use. The external source may be a personal computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, or a dedicated device equipped with software and supporting the communication protocol of the device, as well as a dedicated device for the input and processing of data. This allows you to reprogram the device on-site, based on operator preferences, online, etc.

By means of the adhesive foil 10 the device can be fixedly arranged on a rotating part of the object, for example the rim 13. It is proposed that the device is arranged radially with respect to the axis of rotation. The battery is placed in the casing 11, after which the movable top cover 12 is sealed, for example screwed, to ensure protection of the battery. When the battery power is consumed, the battery is replaced in the reverse order.

The device is set to run immediately after the battery is placed and the microcontroller 4 starts operating in a low power standby mode in order to extend the life of the battery. When the synchronization sensor 6 (operating as a sensor to detect motion) receives a signal, the microcontroller 4 "wakes up" and checks the light sensor 7. During bright daylight, the microcontroller 4 switches to a low power consumption mode to save energy. During dark hours, i.e. during the night, the microcontroller 4 activates its built-in timer for a preset time, at the same time as it sends a signal to the light emitting diode 1.

The transmission of the signal from the microcontroller 4 to the LED1 is controlled by the synchronization sensor 6 while the timer is running. The sensor sends a short pulse to the microcontroller 4 for each revolution of the vehicle rim 13 or object 15. The microcontroller 4 records the time until the next activation of the sensor and, in order to generate a visual pattern from the quasi-rows and quasi-columns of the quasi-matrix, flashes the LEDs 1 in the appropriate sequence and for the required duration. This is done at an angular velocity to enable a distant observer to adequately perceive the information from the quasi-matrix field 14, in the form given by the stroboscopic effect of the emission. The interesting light effects can be obtained by the combination of RGB groups, which by their nature create a more bright multicoloured picture and LED groups forming a contour frame, inserted symbols, etc. Thus obtaining the effect of "picture in picture". Due to the transient vision of humans, which is widely used in other technical fields such as movies, television, strobing, etc., the viewer's eyes can perceive the resulting visual effect. The image data generated by the quasi-matrix field 14 is stored in the microcontroller 4. There are two methods of recording this data into the memory of the microcontroller:

the first method comprises the following steps: the data is pre-recorded in the memory of the microcontroller and cannot be modified at a later stage.

The second method comprises the following steps: the microcontroller 4 utilizes a serial interface 9 in order to obtain data from an external source (not shown in the drawings). The microcontroller 4 stores the data in its non-volatile memory and then retrieves the data in the manner described above. The external source may be a personal computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, or a dedicated device equipped with software and supporting the communication protocol of the device, as well as a dedicated device for the input and processing of data. This allows for repeated programming of the device, including "on-site" and according to your preference.

When the light sensor 7 detects no light, the microcontroller's timer 4 resets its value each time it receives a signal from the synchronization sensor 6, thus providing sufficient operating time for the device, so that the light-emitting element 1 is still operating for a short period of time if the vehicle is accidentally illuminated (by the headlights of another transport vehicle, a billboard, a street lamp, etc.), or if the synchronization sensor 6 does not emit a signal (for example when the vehicle is stopped at an intersection). In this way, the effect is visible when the vehicle passes through the illuminated area. In addition, this feature of the device may make a stopped vehicle more visible, as the observer will be able to see a single light array which flashes to warn other drivers of the presence of another vehicle. Therefore, this feature can provide traffic safety during dark hours. Another function of the device is related to the use of a timer, which allows you to monitor the battery level when the vehicle has stopped. If the light emitting element continues to emit light after the vehicle has stopped, the battery does not run out of power.

The timer does not reset during long stays or in bright environments. In this way, the microcontroller 4 sends a signal to interrupt the power supply to the light-emitting elements and switches to a low power standby mode until the next activation of the device.

Claims (4)

1. An apparatus for visualizing information on a rotating viewable surface, comprising:

light source-N light emitting elements-diodes, LEDs, uniformly arranged in an array on a substrate and connected by means of a driver to a microcontroller having an independent power supply and mounted on the substrate;

a synchronization sensor connected to the microcontroller; and

a further light sensor (7) for detecting the illuminance of the surrounding environment, also connected to the microcontroller,

the light emitting elements LED are monochromatic or polychromatic,

the method is characterized in that:

the light emitting elements (1) are RGB, the substrate (2) is flexible, and the synchronization sensor (6) will react to gravity when mounted on a rotating surface whose axis of rotation is not perpendicular to the earth's surface; alternatively, if the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the earth's surface, the synchronous sensors will be activated at a position relative to a given stationary point, and

the method is characterized in that:

the microcontroller (4) is connected to a control panel (8), the two sensors (6 and 7) and the control panel (80) are arranged on the substrate (2), and the microcontroller (4) has a serial interface (9).

2. Device for visualizing information on a rotating visual surface according to claim 1, wherein the substrate (2) can accommodate additional parallel groups of light emitting elements containing the same or different number of LEDs, of the same or different color, or RGB, or a combination of such groups, wherein the groups of LEDs can be arranged in an array, in a checkerboard pattern, or in any other predetermined pattern in the same plane or at different distances from the substrate (2).

3. Device for visualizing information on a rotating visual surface as in claim 1, wherein the substrate (2) is rigid and has a predetermined profile.

4. Device for visualizing information on a rotating visual surface as in claim 1, wherein the bottom of the substrate is covered with an adhesive foil (10).