JPH03107992A - Lightable display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To strengthen visual attraction by incorporating a solid-state panel, with which light is internally transmitted and peripherally reflected inside, to be biased and opened by an element built in the body of a card with terminal edge illumination. CONSTITUTION: A card 100 is provided with an opening 130 formed on a display surface 120 at a body 110 of the card, and a panel 160, of which the terminal edge is lighted up, is conspicuously set at a position shown by a contour line 133 at the opening 130. On such a positioned panel, a mark 185 and a graphic 187 are made visible while being emphasized with contour lines 135 and 137 at respective positions, for example. Therefore, the projection surface of the panel 160, its pattern, the mark 185 and the graphic 187 are identified inside the opening 130 by suitably positioning the panel 160 inside the body of the card 100 and fixing it behind the display surface 120. Thus, the visual attraction is strengthened.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to edge-lit devices, and more particularly to articles using edge-lit panels for enhanced visual attraction. The invention has particular relevance for autonomous articles, such as greeting cards, medals, figurines and plaques, where it is a practical possibility that the lighting elements and the energy source must be built into the article.

However, although the subject invention is described with respect to particular embodiments and uses, the invention is not limited to such embodiments and uses. Those skilled in the art and who have access to the teachings of this specification will recognize additional implementations and uses within the scope of this invention.

BACKGROUND ART INSIGHTS The present invention was motivated in large part by the recognition that the visual attractiveness of a considerable variety of other autonomous articles can be significantly enhanced by the inclusion of edge-lit display panels.

For example, zero self-lit greeting cards are known in the art, but these previous cards
They have typically been limited to point-type lighting effects achieved by inherently point-type devices such as EDs. It is clear that in particular card-based distributed lighting effects have hitherto been achieved only by distributed arrays of individual lighting devices. For example, U.S. Pat.
See No. 24.

Furthermore, while edge-lit panels have been used in a variety of devices, including those that are actually autonomously energized, this use has limited the production of background lighting effects for superimposed transparency or liquid crystal displays. It is more commonly perceived that the The use and dramatic effect of edge-lit panels as self-projecting display elements in autonomously energized environments is clearly hitherto unrecognized. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,766;
No. 4,385,343, No. 4,059.916 and Svemer, G.
erry E.), “The Future of Fiber Optic J.
(Flber 0pt1c Futures) 19
December 1983 Ins of the Times, Part 2,
See pages 38-41.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The limitations of the prior art are overcome by the present invention, in which in a first particular aspect an apertured, internally light transmissive and peripherally A greeting card is provided in which visual attraction is significantly enhanced by the incorporation of an essentially solid panel that internally reflects light. This first aspect of the invention more particularly provides for an aperture of the card to be so illuminated in a distributed area, point size or both. The distributed area display effect can be enhanced by aperture-aligned light concentration discontinuities formed in the panel.

Enhancement of the point display effect can likewise be obtained by point discontinuities of light concentration aligned with point apertures formed in the panel as well.

A first aspect of the invention is that the point effect can also be enhanced by the use of point discontinuous optical fibers whose end-illuminated apertures are aligned in relation to the subject apertured panel.

By similar incorporation of the same panel, aperture, light concentration and fiber optic concepts summarized above, this invention
Provides more basic attraction enhancement for general autonomous goods. The basic display capabilities of the result can be supplemented by a bidirectional display effect achieved by layered panels with opposing projection surfaces. In realizations in which increased article thicknesses are tolerated, - the membraned invention comprises an illumination optical fiber whose input end is itself illuminated via a polychromatic filter which is rotatably inserted in front of the emitted light source. The inclusion of an array provides even more specificity in achieving color changing effects.

Further particular aspects of this invention are directed to the subject matter:
Attractive enhancement panels and fiber optic incorporation are provided for certain autonomous items such as key chain medals, campaign buttons, wooden ornaments, dolls and benefit plaques.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Starting from FIG. 1, the visual attraction of autonomous articles such as greeting cards 100 can be significantly enhanced by the incorporation of the panel-illuminated aperture concept of the present invention. The card 100 has a display surface 120 of the card body 110.
including an opening 130 formed in the opening 130 . An edge-illuminated panel 160 is positioned prominently in the aperture 130 at the location indicated by outline 133. With the panel thus positioned, the generally illuminated panel and the indicia 185 and graphics 187 described below become increasingly visible, for example at the contours 135 and 137 of their respective locations. Thus, the projection surface of panel 160 and its pattern, indicia 185 and graphic 187 can be identified within the aperture by properly positioning the panel within the card body and securing it behind the display surface. The apertures can be coated or uncoated if desired.

The autonomous nature of the card 100 is schematically indicated at position 18.
9, which is the control and energization assembly 190 that powers the panel.

The panel 160 itself is internally light transmissive and essentially solid, and may be of other conventional compositions, preferably a suitable lightweight transparent plastic. Other suitable materials include glass and quartz. The panel includes light emitting diodes (L
ED) 171 and 172 illuminate the edges. Obviously, other types of light sources, such as small incandescent lamps, can also be used for edge lighting of the subject matter. It is also clear that the essentially static displayed color of the resulting illuminated panel is a selective function of considerations such as LED type, incandescent bulb color, and internal panel composition coloring. An example system for obtaining dynamic changes in display color is the 11th
This will be explained later in connection with the embodiment of FIG.

The illumination uniformity within the panel 160 is
Some improvement is achieved by using a plurality of two LEDs positioned as shown at and 162. Illumination efficiency is improved to some extent by covering each LED with a respective metallized tape segment 173 and 174, which prevents light energy from escaping from the portion of the panel that immediately surrounds the LED. Of far greater effectiveness for lighting efficiency and illumination uniformity is the reflective coating 175, which preferably covers substantially the otherwise uncovered portions of the side perimeter 165, making the panel optically internally reflective. Indeed, given the inherently limited nature of the energy sources that the card 100 can incorporate, and the associated limited number and therefore necessarily non-uniform dispersion nature of available input light sources, such The ambient internal reflectivity greatly contributes to achieving a uniform display effect in sufficient brightness for smaller autonomous objects of interest. Coating 175 may be of a conventional composition such as a suitable metallized layer or reflective tape of the same basic nature employed on segments 173 and 174.

LEDs 171 and 172 are connected to various terminals 171a, 17
1b, 172a, 172b and terminals 190a and 190b of control and energizing assembly 190 through appropriate partially shown connections. The schematically illustrated assembly 190 includes suitable connection outlets 191 and 192 for similar suitable energy sources, such as removable and replaceable disc batteries 191b and 192b, which are under the control of a suitable controller C1. The source supplies energy to the panel LEDs. Equipment CI
The EI body may be constructed in the form of an integrated circuit.

Illustrated LEDs, associated connections and assemblies 19
It is injectively noted that 0, along with the battery outlet and device C1, can be thought of more formally as a card body built-in network for the edge-illuminated panel 160. The desired lighting functionality of this network can be formally considered operationally valid for the actual intervention within the subject outlet of the referenced energy source itself.

Device C1 is preferably configured to be activated by a suitable switching mechanism 81, such as to be activated in connection with opening and closing of the card body. Device C1 may include suitable elements to provide specialized display effects, such as flashing lights.

Regarding the mechanism by which the actual visual display effect occurs, card 10
0 is generally constructed to include suitable expedients, panel 1
60 is arranged to be illuminated by a predetermined portion of the light energy applied to the edge of the panel 60 such that a further portion of this conveniently incident energy is projected across the panel and exits through the aperture 130 toward the display viewer.

Such expedients can take several forms, including a layer of reflective material applied to the rear surface of the panel. but,
Preferably this expedient takes the form of light path alternating material discontinuities formed in the panel itself. Such discontinuities can themselves take several forms, some of which are illustrated by the variety of embodiments shown in this figure.

The discontinuity formed inside the panel in the embodiment of FIG.
It is in the form of a basic principle which will be explained in more detail later in connection with the illustrated embodiment. Briefly, the discontinuity of FIG. 1 involves a recessed groove formed in the surface of panel 160 remote from the rear opening. Thematic grooves, which may be obtained secondarily, for example by post-form etching, or more directly by the use of a reverse-concave mold, can be found in the word pattern 185, as well as pictorially and more specifically. A flower pattern 187 is shown formed. Light emitted by LEDs 171 and 172 and incident on back surface patterns 185 and 187 is directed outwardly through aperture 130 and into panel 1.
60 assumes the position indicated by outline 163 when properly positioned within card 100. panel 160
The grooved discontinuities described can be supplemented by other forms of lateral projection expedients, such as the referenced special reflective backing sheets or generalized front projection roughness on the rear surface of the panel. It is noted that a very good display effect has been obtained by the actual embodiment containing only 1. It should be further noted that the described discontinuities have a light-concentration effect that results in a particularly stated display sharpness, with the generalized projection caused by roughening the subject surface. Especially contrasting. Although the backing sheet is not essential to the efficiency of the display, a suitable form of such sheet is
It is interesting to note that, especially considering the often transparent nature of 0, it can be advantageously used for secondary purposes such as creating color contrast or providing a background image. Additional considerations regarding the use of such supplementary and typical surface appurtenance materials for display enhancement purposes are discussed in Section 4.
d and 10a.

Greeting cards formed according to the panel-illuminated concept described above are capable of an illumination-enhanced communication of not only verbal and pictorial but also symbolic meanings; Panel appurtenances and aperture shapes are available for pictorial and symbolic representation. The remarkableness of the distributed area display capabilities of the present invention is most apparent in particular contrast to the point aperture display effects to which prior art greeting cards are limited. Aperture 130 illustrates the basic situation of the subject's dispersion area capabilities used for attractive enhanced illumination within the dispersion area aperture.

At the same time, however, the point aperture effect is not only achievable with the present invention, but also in the form of a unique distributed array. The embodiment of FIG. 2 illustrates a situation of this nature.

Since the basic elements of the embodiment of FIG. 2 are essentially the same as those of the embodiment of FIG. 1, this discussion will focus on aspects of FIG. 2 that differ from those of FIG. becomes. Thus, in addition to the distributed area aperture 230, the display surface 220 of the card 200 has at least one point aperture 240 which, when properly positioned in the panel 260, allows the projection of transverse light from a predetermined portion of the panel to illuminated. Panel 260 preferably has at least one point aperture corresponding point discontinuity 281 formed in functional correspondence with light concentration grooves 185 and 187 of FIG. Eggplant. Expedients such as essentially conical recesses in the rear surface of the panel may be used for this purpose. Card body 210 and panel 260 are provided in combination with a plurality of aligned thematic point apertures and point discontinuities, resulting in an advantageous concentrated array effect.

Figure 3a shows an alternative arrangement for edge lighting of the subject display panel. Instead of two light sources such as LEDs 371 and 372 hidden from view embedded directly into the edge of panel 360, LED light is first injected into the input end of each optical fiber cluster 381 and 386, and its Output ends 382b, 383b, 384b and 3
87b.

388b, 389b are embedded in a plurality of separate locations on opposite sides 364 and 366 of the panel. Although the arrangement of FIG. 3a still has to be characterized as having a non-uniform input light dispersion with respect to the panel surface geometry like the arrangement of FIG. 1, a net improvement in this dispersion is still achieved. Figure 3b shows cluster LED interface 3
85 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane 3b--3b of FIG.

Fig. 3 schematically shows the axial juxtaposition of 388a and 389a. To reduce the loss of optical energy transferred, interface 385 includes metallized tape segments 37.
3, including a suitable internal reflective coating.

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c generally illustrate the basic manner in which a bidirectional display effect is obtained in the context of the edge-illuminated panel concept of the present invention. Figures 4b and 4c more particularly illustrate the basic aspects of the means by which the lateral projection and light concentration effects of various embodiments are conveniently realized. 4th arI! J
shows an open perspective view of a greeting card 400 having a composite display surface 420 specifically configured for two-way viewing. Composite surface 420 has oppositely oriented first component display surface 421 and second component display surface 421 .
component display surface 422 . Formed in these first and second surfaces, respectively, are separate first component apertures 431 and second component apertures 432, which in the illustrated embodiment form a composite bidirectional aperture 430. arranged and configured together.

Concomitantly constructed for the bidirectional observable insertion of aperture 430 is a composite display panel 460, shown in an exploded view in FIG. 4b. Panel 460 includes a first component layer 461 and a second component layer 462 having associated oppositely oriented external projection surfaces 463 and 464, respectively. Projected discontinuous patterns 487a and 487 are formed in layers 461 and 462, respectively.
It is b. To obtain the desired bidirectional projection effect, each pattern projects incident light energy relative to opposing projection surfaces 463 and 464, as further explained in connection with FIG. 4c. This purpose is pattern 487
This can preferably be achieved by again taking the form of recessed grooves a and 487b, here formed in oppositely opposed inner surfaces 465 and 466, respectively. As seen in FIG. 4b, pattern 487a involves upwardly directed indentations in rear surface 465, and complementary pattern 487b involves downwardly directed indentations in rear surface 466.

Due to the convenient transparent nature of each layer, typical forms of discontinuous patterns in a given layer can be seen through the other opposing layer. therefore,
The present bi-directional viewing versatility dual layer panel makes it preferable to use patterns of a conformably aligned nature.

Additionally, the associated pattern reversal when viewing the panel from the opposite direction yields similarly favorable results for patterns of a non-verbal nature. The exemplary pattern of FIG. 4b thus forms an integral two-way visible flag.

The resulting associated bidirectional light projection operation is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4C, which shows the exemplary panel 460 as assembled layers in superimposed fashion. LED light sources 471 and 472 were included not only for pedagogical convenience, but also to schematically illustrate the manner in which edge lighting elements can be mechanically secured by enclosed edge embedding. It is readily apparent from the figure that discontinuities 487a and 487b are formed oppositely.
is essentially a two-way mode in which incident light from a light source located at each edge is essentially projected onto one of the associated opposing viewing positions 488a and 488b.

Some additional considerations regarding thematic discontinuities can generally be noted in a complementary manner. First, the referenced light concentration effect results from the action of an inclined discontinuous surface in locally deflecting a relatively large amount of light energy towards a given viewing position.

Second, for the described use of recessed grooves,
Deflection steering discontinuities may also be achieved by suitable juxtaposition of suitable optically dissimilar materials in a given panel substrate.

Third, the illumination uniformity at a given discontinuity is
Improvements are often made when the associated interface surfaces, such as full surfaces 487j and 487 in Figure b, are effectively at least somewhat roughened. Finally, the dynamic projection display influence of a given discontinuity is itself generally achieved by including other materials that are positively reflective, optical filters or both, e.g. in coated form, on a given interface groove surface. It can be further strengthened. Multicolored, diverse glitter effects can be especially achieved when the reflective material of the subject is precisely multi-faceted.

In partial contrast to the use of this complementary material on the discontinuous surface itself, and as a special case of the generalized backing sheet described above in connection with the embodiment of FIG.
The embodiment of FIG. When there is a discontinuous pattern of surrounding discontinuous patterns that are visible and consistent with the illumination incident, it creates an image that is dynamically enhanced. Composite layers 461d and 462d of composite panel 460d each have silver foil segments 4
91 and 492, red foil segments 493 and 494, and silkscreen incarnation color coatings 495 and 4
Hold 96.

The resulting respective foils and color matching form a static representation of a multicolored flag that remains directly visible without associated edge illumination if desired. However, discontinuous pattern 4
By being placed within the flag-shaped boundary contours formed by 97 and 498, respectively, the foil and color representation can be dynamically enhanced if desired in the presence of discontinuous incidence of subject illumination.

Due to the inaccessible mechanical integration used in the illustrated case of a double layer panel, it may be noted that the subject material here is particularly preferably retained by the respective inner layer surfaces 465d and 466d. It is equally clear that such materials can be molded within a single panel layer. Thematic emphasis is not limited to the boundaries of the image, but also to the separation lines 49 between flag stripes, for example.
Internal image discontinuities can be included, such as a depression consisting of straight lines coinciding with 9a and 499b. Other exemplary discontinuities placed for illumination purposes within an image formed at least in part with this complementary type of material are described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 10b.

Before beginning a discussion of other display effects that can be achieved with multi-layer panels, it should be noted with reference to FIG. It may be noted that this may be achieved by dimensional cavities. Thus, within the single layer panel 460e, the opposing boundary portions 481a and 481b of the cavity 481 are effectively discontinuities in opposite directions such that the incident edge-injected light is again projected toward opposite viewing positions as shown. cause to be It is clear that the remaining cavity boundary portions will likewise produce a concomitant and opposite projection movement. Cavities of the current type can be considered to be a specialized case of the previously referenced internal layer juxtaposition of optically dissimilar materials, such as two plastics, of different refractive indices, for general light projection purposes. It is worth noting that this can be done. Thematic bidirectionality can also be achieved more generally by including appropriate opposite shapes of such dissimilar materials in a given panel layer.

Figure 4f shows the image shifting effect obtained by an image-aligned discontinuous pattern distributed non-conformably between the alternately illuminated layers of the subject multilayer panel. Layers 461f and 462f of composite panel 460f each include matched discontinuous patterns 481f and 482f, here configured as arrows. As can be seen, arrow 481f is formed in the left half of the previous layer 461f, and arrow 482f is formed in the right half of the subsequent layer 462f. Although the individual arrows, and thus the entire panel, can be suitably configured for either unidirectional or bidirectional projection,
The exemplary movement effect described herein requires that double-headed arrows be simultaneously directionally projected onto at least one side of the subject panel.

The subject layer is independently illuminated by a suitable edge-positioned light source, not exemplarily shown, and each arrow is essentially illuminated independently only when the associated layer itself is illuminated. Based on the appropriate alternating orientations of the controllers not shown, the periodic alternating illumination of the respective layers will cause the associated periodic alternating illumination of similar associated arrows, which is evident by the advantages of the illustrated mismatched arrangement. produces a left-to-right arrow movement that is repeated. It is clear that a similar effect with a corresponding form of the image, such as waving the hand end to end, can be easily achieved. Besides the direct illumination at a given moment, typical minimal secondary illumination of thematic discontinuous patterns in a layer, such as the entrance of front panel 461f in the forward light projection from rear panel pattern 482f and To attenuate propagating stray light, each layer may be provided with a front surface coating, such as a suitably darkened light filter film, which blocks direct primary illumination while acting to block secondary illumination. The projection from the screen makes it transparent.

In contrast to the double-layer panels of Figures 4b and 4c, where viewing through the panel tends to preclude the use of discontinuous patterns that are not coincident and visually symmetrical in interlayer illumination situations, the intervening general 5a and 5b of semi-transparent layer 563
The inclusion of figures allows for normal legibility in the two-way projection environment of the subject even when desirable words or other forms of discrete patterns lack superimposed symmetry. In particular, FIG. 5b shows that layer 563 typically allows for the general passage of light energy while tending to inhibit undesirable viewing of mismatched projected patterns in opposing layers. It is additionally clear that where complete blocking of light is desired in addition to the prohibition of viewing the opposing layers of the subject matter, - intra-film opaque intervening materials can be used as an alternative. Furthermore, this intermediate layer can in any case be used as an attachment surface for the previously mentioned complementary materials.

FIG. 6 shows a greeting card in which the distributed display capabilities of the subject edge-illuminated panel are combined with the single point directional discontinuous fiber optic teaching of the incorporated prior example. The net result is the alternative arrangement of FIG. 2 for the illumination of both the distribution area and the point aperture of the greeting card. Second
As with the figure descriptions, this description focuses primarily on aspects of the shape of Figure 6 that differ from previous figures.

Greeting card 600 is again distributed area opening 630
and preferably a plurality of point apertures 640. However, unlike the second embodiment, the point aperture is preferably one of the optical fibers of a pair of looped fibers 651 and 652.
illuminated by one or more lengths. Each fiber has LEDs 673 and 67 reflectively hidden from view.
End-illuminated by 4. As taught in the previous case, each fiber loop is conveniently placed in the notches 683 and 68.
A plurality of internally formed point discontinuities of 4 are retained to form a pointwise focused fiber transverse projection of discontinuously incident optical energy through the associated aligned point apertures. This LED
may preferably be powered by controlled energy from an assembly not shown, such as that corresponding to subsystem 190 in FIG. Unlike the arrangement of FIG. 1, the control device of the present system is preferably configured not only for flashing switching of the optical energy applied to each fiber loop, but for loop alternating flashing. I can do it.

As shown, when a given loop discontinuity is formed to coincide with an alternating one of the subject point apertures, and as also shown, each loop has a different set of alternating apertures. When formed with each other to match the
The referenced loop alternating flashes create a harmonic lighting effect of moving dots on the display surface 620.

The concepts of the FIG. 2 embodiment can be combined with those of the FIG. It is clear that it is possible. It is relevantly clear that, in general, all the concepts of the invention and of the incorporated examples can be interchanged and intercombined in various ways.

In particular, Figures 7, 8, 9, 10a and 10b
The figure illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which some of the concepts described above can be used to more generally generate autonomous attraction-enhancing articles other than a variety of greeting cards. These additional embodiments focus on those considerations that are unique to a given embodiment.

As an exemplary application of a portion of the panel distribution area concept of the embodiment of FIG. form an integral part. Panel 760 conveniently extends across body 710 and, as a more particular result, is additionally better suited for producing bi-directional display effects. In conjunction with the peripheral internal reflective coating 765, the panel 760 itself effectively assists in bidirectionally defining the distributed area interdisplay lower 30 associated with the medal display surface 720. Paraphrasingly, the currently used concept of display aperture refers more generally to a portion bounded to an illuminated display of subject matter. The light sources 771 and 772 arranged at the edges are advantageously substantially positioned and exhibit an improved lighting effect.

The body 710 includes a typically opaque upper portion 715 and suitably configured energy source batteries 791b and 792b.
, and its own control device C7.

Portion 715 is an externally accessible on/off
The off-switching mechanism S7 and hinged battery access cover 769 are also conveniently retained.

Panel 760, by virtue of its described display surface and display aperture definition attributes, can be considered as a special case of a more general and still inventive situation, and the subject surface definition and aperture definition functions are readily apparent. This is done essentially only by the subject panel having essentially only associated peripheral coatings and edge lighting elements. Examples of this more general situation include thematic items such as the greeting cards discussed earlier or the dolls referenced later, where the thematic panels do not formally contain the referenced prescriptive components but the panels contain thematic lighting energy. It is essentially constructed as an add-on to other built-in device body parts that provide In this more general context, thematic panels with immediately associated elements can properly be considered in relation to other parts of the overall body of the article.

In this regard, the body portion of the present invention also encompasses intermediate situations, such as when another self-energizing doll carries a portable doll-energizing radio that uses a subject panel. Portable radio with self-energizing thematic panel
It will be appreciated that it properly constitutes a subject matter item in itself, without consideration of being added to other subject matter articles. It is pertinent to note that the intermediate inclusion of a similar appended body portion and self-energizing article concept similarly applies to optical fibers in the present and incorporated cases.

Unlike previously described embodiments having light projection discontinuities that are essentially verbal or pictorial in form, the thematic discontinuities of panel 760 are more generalized decorative patterns 7 as shown.
It is simply formed at 85. Pattern 785 can be formed, for example, on either or both of outer panel surfaces 763 and 764, and its formation can be on some intermediate layer or surface.

As an example of a wooden ornament that realizes several combinations of the panel distribution area and panel point opening concepts in Figure 2, Figure 8.
The figure shows a star 800 that can be mounted on the top. Star 8
00 is the main body 8 formed in a considerable portion of the panel 860
Contains 10. Corresponding to the principle previously explained, panel 86
0 illuminates a surrounding array of point apertures 840 formed by a central aperture 830 and an opaque border perimeter 825 . The illustrated illumination of the point aperture is focused in one point direction, and the internally formed graphic pattern 885 and generalized surface roughness 888 are used for distributed aperture display illumination. The illumination source may be located at branch location 812, for example. Control and biasing devices are typically mounted within the base section 815, which is connected to the stem receiver 817.
Also includes.

Also incorporated into section 815 is a subassembly 895 that includes some supplementary equipment, such as an audio pattern generator that is controlled and synchronized with the lighting rate, or audio or other predetermined interval sensing. may be a switching device activated by the frequency.

Corresponding to the combined panel dispersion area and fiber point aperture concept of FIG. 6, the canvas button 900 of FIG. Double loop set 95
1 and 952 are used as moving flashing illumination of the alternating set of arrow displays of point aperture 940. Suitably configured control and biasing elements are also included.

Corresponding to the panel distribution area concept shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 7, the framed six-letter decorative commemorative article 1000a of FIG. 10a includes a discrete pattern of words 1085
includes an edge-lit panel 1060a having a. panel 1
060a includes an integrally formed display decorative material 1055a, here formed as a cartoon character. Material 1055a can be either opaque or transparent.

Like the supplemental materials previously described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 4d, material 1055a is typically adhesively retained on the front or back surface of the subject panel, but not on the panel sub-surface. Sheathing within the straight itself is likewise possible.

Similar to and corresponding to the point illumination concept of either the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 8, or FIGS. 6 and 9, FIG.
Article 1000b of the figure uses a subject panel 1060b for a distributed area effect of apertures 1030b, with one or more subject-wise discontinuous panels or subject-wise discontinuous fibers alternating or In connection therewith, it is additionally used for illuminating the point aperture 1040b. As a further example of internal supplementary image discontinuity enhancement previously described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 4d, panel 1060b is used for a point-wise focusing effect of internal character point aperture 1045b.

FIG. 10c shows another theme-bearing plaque, here typically supplemented by a peripherally distributed solar cell 1093 or an external power source not included in the plaque connected to an optional input outlet 1094. formed for biasing. The energy generated by cell 1093 operates to directly power up lighting elements associated with the plaque or to charge a plaque associated battery.

Related Theme With reference to the formal discussion above regarding the specific elements of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the card body built-in network for edge lighting of the panel, whether directly powered or battery charged, the cell: This plaque 10
It can be considered more formally as a related part of a similar edge-illuminated network of 00c.

Externally applied energy to outlet 1094 can be similarly employed for either direct power-on or battery charging functions, although selective switching by the operator between such external supply alternatives is also possible. Considering the typical DC voltage requirements of subject edge-illuminated elements, the subject's external supply energy is in direct current form from an actual direct current or converted alternating current source. A plaque-attached AC/DC transformer may similarly be employed for appropriate conversion of externally applied AC.

In environments where increased article thickness can be tolerated, an arrangement such as that schematically illustrated in the opposing perspective views of Figures 11a and 11b will change the color of the light energy incident on the subject panel of this invention. It can be used to It should be noted that a similar arrangement can be employed as well to change the color of the light incident on the subject point discontinuous fiber.

The arrangement 1100 of FIG. 11a includes a rotatably shaped, non-uniformly colored, light transmitting ring 1110. The rotation is generally performed by a motor M built into the article.

Non-uniform coloring within the ring 1110 is conveniently achieved by providing the ring with vertically arranged facets 1120 of different colors, such as three facets of red, yellow and blue. Light energy from a light source 1130 is suitably shaped or directed by a frefter 1140 and a lens 1150 to focus the sector 11 around the rotation of a ring 1110 interposed between the light source and a receiving block 1170.
65. As a result, the multicolored light incident on the optical fiber end 1180 causes fiber clusters 1191 and 11
92 to the edge of panel 1160.

A portion of the arrangement of FIG. 11a is shown in a perspective view facing the enlarged block of FIG. 11b, where light source 113
Optical energy from 0 is directed through a rotating collar ring 1110 to the input end of an optical fiber that is attached to a receiving block 1170. In the example shown in Figure 11b,
For example, red light filtered by ring facet 1110r illuminates the portion of block 1170 where the input ends of top fiber T1 and bottom fiber B1 are attached. It is clear that the light thus filtered is conveyed generally to the bottom portions of both sides of the panel 1160 as shown, and the panel orientations are symmetrical at different points of view. Similarly, yellow light incident on top fiber T2 and bottom fiber B2 is carried to both central portions of the panel, and top fiber T3 and bottom fiber B3 carries blue light incident to the rain upper portion of the panel.

Several considerations can be noted here for the color variety format described. First, rotation of the ring is convenient but not essential; relative movement of the subject color filter in front of the subject light source or fiber manual section is sufficient. Second, a subject point discontinuous fiber such as implementing the principle of FIG. 6 may be polychromatically driven by similarly mounting its input end to receive the subject illumination portion. Third, different color patterns, different numbers of transfer fibers, and different panel input relationships can all be used.

FIG. 12 shows another colored strip-like subsystem in which different colored light sources are placed at the edges of the panel and are alternately energized based on the orientation of the subsequent controller. Unlike the subsystems of FIGS. 11a and 11b, in which the color-changing light is carried from an off-panel light source to the panel periphery by optical fibers, the subject power supplies 1271g, 1271y
, 1271r and 1272r, 1272y, 1272g are located within the edges of the panel 1260 itself. Additionally, the subject green, yellow and red sources are distributed in a set of directions with balanced illumination symmetry for improved internal panel distribution of the associated light colors as shown.

A suitably configured control device C12, for example, influences the sequential and alternating energization of each set of light sources to effect a visible color change of the edge injection panel illumination as desired. Other possible configurations are readily apparent as unpaired activation of separated individual light sources, and simultaneous activation of light sources of different colors.

The display surfaces of the various illustrated exemplary embodiments include:
It is perfunctory to note that it can be thought of as body-specific as operating to strengthen the attraction of the base article itself. It may be noted more generally that the principles presented in the previous explanation can be combined with a considerable variety of additional forms of goods, for example toys, consumer electronics, stationery, gifts, etc. decoration,
Posters General framed pictures, boxes, container devices, masks,
These include bottles, buttons, general badges, labels, hats and headwear, costumes, album covers, candlesticks, jewelry, musical instruments, paper products, stuffed animals and other soft sculptures, name plates, general figurines and signs, etc. This also includes, but is not limited to, advertising, promotional, and emergency or general display purposes.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a greeting card in the form of the present invention having a distributed area aperture illuminated by an edge-lit display panel built into the card and driven by a control and biasing assembly built into the card. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a greeting card of another configuration of the invention having both a dispersion area and a point aperture, the bifurcated rotary tube including a point discontinuity for point aperture light concentration; Illuminated by panels. FIG. 3a is the subject autonomous transportable display panel edge-illuminated by a plurality of optical fibers embedded in the edges. Figure 3b shows the input end of the optical fiber cluster of Figure 3a, which is itself end-illuminated by separate on-axis juxtaposed light sources. FIG. 4a is an open perspective view of a further form of greeting card of the invention, with an aperture specifically configured for bidirectional viewing of the illumination. FIG. 4b shows a fourth dimple due to a recessed and oppositely oriented discontinuity formed on the opposing rear surfaces of the panel component bilayer.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a subject panel formed for eight-figure bidirectional light projection; FIG. 4C is a side cross-sectional view of the FIG. 4B panel showing thematically opposite discontinuities in layered shapes and associated edge-intervening light sources. FIG. 4d is an exploded perspective view of another subject dual layer panel here including complementary materials such as metallic foils or silkscreened pigments formed over selected portions of the panel surface and at the edges. Quiet +1- even without edge lighting
This creates an image that is dynamically highlighted when there is an incidence of such illumination in a surrounding discontinuous pattern that is visually visible and aligned. Figure 4e is a side partial view of the subject panel formed for Figure 4a bi-directional light projection, here consisting of opposing parts of a three-dimensional cavity formed within a single panel layer; formed by discontinuities. FIG. 4f shows the image shifting effect obtained by a discontinuously distributed image-matching discontinuous pattern of alternately illuminated layers of a thematic multilayer panel. FIG. 5a is an exploded perspective view of a bidirectional readable subject layer panel with a translucent interlayer that is light conductive but prevents direct through-panel viewing of asymmetric overlapping features. Figure 5b is a side cross-sectional view of the panel of Figure 5a. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a greeting card of yet another configuration of the present invention having dispersed areas and point apertures, but in which the subject panel is used only for dispersed area illumination and a point discontinuity. A looped set of fibers is used in conjunction for point aperture light concentration as taught in the parent case. FIG. 7 shows an inventive key chain medallion formed in correspondence with the distributed area, edge-illuminated aperture concept shown in the greeting card of FIG. FIG. 8 shows a wooden ornament of the present invention formed in correspondence with the combined scattered area and point area aperture lighted concept shown in the greeting card of FIG. FIG. 9 shows a canvas button of the present invention formed corresponding to the combined panel distribution area and fiber point area aperture illuminated concept shown in the greeting card of FIG. Figures 10a and 10b illustrate the panel distribution areas and alternate panel distributions and points, and panel distributions and fibers shown in Figures 1 and 7, Figures 2 and 8, and Figures 6 and 9, respectively. Figure 3 shows a painted plaque of the invention formed according to the point concept. Figure 10c shows another themed plaque, here configured for energization by peripherally distributed solar cells or an external power source not built into the plaque connected to an optional input outlet. Figures 11a and 11b are supplementary perspective representations of the rotating coloring subsystem for changing the color of the light input to the panels and fibers of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows another color-diverse subsystem that uses panel edge-positioned light sources of different colors that are alternately energized based on the orientation of the sequential controller. In the figure, 100 is a card, 110 is a card body, 12
0 is the display surface, 13o is the opening, 160 is the panel, 171 and 172 are the LEDs, 165 is around the side of the panel,
185 is a mark, 187 is a graphic, 190 is a control and biasing assembly, 200 is a card, 220 is a display surface, 230 is a distributed area aperture, 240 is a point aperture, 26
0 is the panel, 281 is the point opening corresponding point discontinuity, 36
0 is panel, 371 and 372 are LED, 381 and 386
is an optical fiber cluster, 400 is a greeting card, 420 is a display surface, 431 is a first component aperture, 432 is a second component aperture, 46
0 is a composite display panel, 480 is a discontinuous pattern, 563 is a transparent layer, 600 is a greeting card, 6
30 is a dispersion area aperture, 640 is a point aperture, 651 and 652 are fiber loops, and 673 and 674 are LEDs. 683 and 684 are notches, 700 is a key chain medal, 705 is a key chain, 710 is a medal body, 760
is a display panel, 765 is an internal reflective coating, 771 and 772 are light sources, 791b is an energy source battery, 800 is a star, 810 is a main body, 830 is a central opening, 8
40 is a point opening, 860 is a panel, 885 is a graphic pattern, 815 is a base section, 895 is a subassembly, 900 is a canvas button, 930 is a dispersion area opening, 940 is a point opening, 960 is a panel, 9
51 and 952 are optical fibers, 1000a is a decorative commemorative article, 1055a is a decorative material, 1000b is an article, 10
30b is an opening, 1040b is a point opening, 1090 is a solar cell, 1094 is an input outlet, 1100 is an arrangement, 1110 is a light transmission ring, 1120 is a facet, 113
0 is a light source, 1140 is a reflector, 1150 is a lens,
1170 is a receiving block, 1180 is an optical fiber end,
1191 and 1192 are fiber clusters, 1260 is a panel edge, and 1271 is a light source.

Claims (12)

[Claims] (1) An illuminable display device comprising: a display body having a display surface; an aperture formed in the display surface; and an edge-illuminable, essentially solid, internally light-transmitting panel having an illuminable projection surface. the panel is positioned within the display body and secured behind the display surface, the projection surface being visible within an illuminated aperture of the panel, and further including means for panel edge illumination, the panel An illuminable display device comprising an illuminable pattern visible within the aperture upon panel illumination. 2. The illuminable display of claim 1, wherein the aperture includes a plurality of apertures, and at least one of the plurality of apertures has a point aperture. 3. The illuminable display of claim 1, wherein said means for panel edge illumination is contained within said display body. 4. The illuminable display of claim 3, wherein the pattern is a verbal, pictorial, or symbolic representation. 5. The illuminable display of claim 2, wherein the means for panel edge illumination is integrated within the display body. (6) further comprising an optical fiber within the display body, said fiber having an incidence on the fiber wall, said incidence being positioned behind the display surface, visible within the point aperture, and associated with the point aperture; and further comprising illumination means for inputting the optical fiber.
The illuminable display device described in . (7) Claim 3, wherein the display body includes a card.
The illuminable display device described in . (8) Claim 5, wherein the display body includes a card.
The illuminable display device described in . (9) The illuminable display device of claim 3, wherein the display body includes decoration. (10) Claim 5, wherein the display body includes decoration.
The illuminable display device described in . 11. The illuminable display device of claim 3, wherein the display body includes a button. 12. The illuminable display device of claim 5, wherein the display body includes a button.