WO1989006849A1

WO1989006849A1 - Electronically programmable display devices

Info

Publication number: WO1989006849A1
Application number: PCT/GB1989/000066
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gabriel Ordonez
Original assignee: Gabriel Ordonez
Priority date: 1988-01-21
Filing date: 1989-01-23
Publication date: 1989-07-27

Abstract

Electronic displays are provided having information for reading, the information being changeable in response to a control function to display other information, the information being maintained once changed without power.

Description

Electronically Programmable Display Devices.

The present invention relates to electronic display devices and more particularly to devices that can display a first amount of information in a semi-permanent or permanent manner and can on request or by a control function change the displayed information to a second amount of information which is also displayed in a semi-permanent or permanent manner preferably without any power being required to maintain the first or second display once changed.

The present invention therefore provides an electronically programmable display device to display in a semi-permanent or permanent manner first information the displayed information being changeable to second information in response to control signals, in which the display device includes means for maintaining the first and second displayed information without power once the display has been changed to display the second information.

A first type of display relates to menus and more particularly to menus in which one or more parts of the menu are alterable.

Known menus comprise typewritten sheets alterable each day or printed especially for a restaurant.

The disadvantage with such menus is that the information contained therein cannot be readily changed except by crossing out or other unsightly amendments.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a menu or bill of fare that can be readily altered.

According to the present invention there is provided an electronically programmable menu in which one or more parts of the menu are electronically alterable.

Preferably the present invention therefore provides an electronically programmable menu in which one or more parts of the menu are electronically alterable including index means for selecting various displays relating to different selections.

The menu also preferably includes means for registering in respect of each display a choice from a particular selection.

Preferably the menu comprises a liquid crystal type of display of the type using the technology disclosed in British Patent No. 2146787 in which information displayed can be electronically altered and, following alteration requires no electrical power to maintain the display.

A second type of display relates to signs for shops indicating the name of the shop and its type of business.

Known signs normally comprise either a painted sign or an illuminated sign wherein the letters are painted on to the front of a panel which is lit from the rear by for example fluorescent tubes.

The disadvantage with such signs is that they are not alterable except with considerable expense.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sign which is readily alterable.

The present invention provides a sign for a shop including a display panel the display panel being electronically programmable to display desired information, the display requiring no electrical power once programmed.

Preferably the display comprises a liquid crystal display of the type described in British Patent No. 2146787.

The display can comprise a permanent set of characters for example painted on with only a portion of the display being programmable.

The display can be programmed at a remote location prior to the sign being placed in position or electronic programming means can be associated with the display when in position thereby allowing the information to be changed at desired intervals.

In the former case the sign can be used for example for motorways, road junctions etc. where information rarely changes and in the latter for shop windows where information on bargains, special items etc. is desired.

A third type of display relates to tax discs in which the information can be updated to take account of vehicle changes.

Present tax discs comprise a printed paper disc which is purchased annually from a Post Office or local authority taxation office on presentation of the vehicle documents. The paper disc gives the expiry date of the tax paid and minimal vehicle details such as registration number and type -e.g. car.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a programmable tax disc which is permanently retained in a vehicle for the whole of the life of the vehicle and which is capable of being updated by a central control system which has terminals at the appropriate vehicle taxation offices.

The details on such a disc would, if a secure electronic key system were adopted, be very difficult to alter and the disc could contain within an appropriate memory details of the vehicle not displayed but displayable by application of appropriate control signals.

According to the present invention there is provided a programmable tax disc which displays information relating to the vehicle the information being alterable by electronic control means.

In a preferred embodiment the tax disc comprises a programmable display of the type described in British Patent No. 2146787. The display, once established requires no power to maintain itself.

Preferably the disc includes an electronic memory in which information relevant to the vehicle but not necessarily displayed is stored.

Preferably the disc includes electrical contacts which cooperate with output contacts on a central control computer to enable the disc to be updated.

A fourth type of display relates to registration plated fitted to the front or rear of vehicles.

Known vehicle registration plates carry the vehicle identification code comprising for example three letters and three numerals these being arranged in a desired order on a plate which is affixed to the front or rear of a vehicle. whilst providing an identification of the vehicle these plates do not perform any other function.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle registration plate which, in addition to providing the vehicle number is also capable of performing other functions.

The present invention provides a vehicle registration plate in which at least part of the plate comprises an electronically controlled display which can be altered electronically.

The display may comprise the whole plate and the electronic control may be used to produce the required registration number on the plate the plate then being attached to the vehicle. On sale of the vehicle the plate may then be removed and the registration number altered to the number of a new vehicle. This may be particularly useful for trailers which require a number plate matching the vehicle.

The registration plate can therefore be provided with means for identifying the owner of the vehicle since the owner will be able to retain the same plate, merely changing the vehicle number.

By suitable electronic memory and control circuitry built into the registration plate the plate can be made to change its display. In a preferred embodiment this can be accomplished by external apparatus, for example an infrared remote control. This would enable for example the police to ascertain the identity of the registered owner.

In a preferred embodiment the display on the registration plate is alterable under the control of the driver of the vehicle to provide a display which gives information to others. For example, such displays may include the substitution of the word "HELP" for the vehicle number if the driver becomes ill or requires assistance due to a breakdown.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

Figure 1 shows an electronically programmable menu according to the present invention,

Figure 2 shows a shop sign in accordance with the present invention,

Figures 3 to 6 show possible motorway direction signs,

Figures 7 and 8 show vehicle tax discs according to the present invention,

Figure 9 shows diagrammatically a vehicle equipped with a registration plate according to the present invention,

Figure 10 shows a first display,

Figure 11 shows a second display, and

Figure 12 shows a third display.

With reference now to figure 1, the menu 10 comprises several features some of which may be permanently printed such as the restaurant's title 12 and design 14. The descriptions of the courses and the prices are preferably electronically programmable. The menu is preferably relatively thin and made of plastics material and utilising a display of the type disclosed in British Patent No. 2146787.

At the beginning of each day each menu is inserted into a computer terminal 20 which has contacts 22 matching contacts 24 on each menu. The programmable portion of each menu are then altered in accordance with a master menu set up in the computer. Thus all menus read the same and special dishes etc. can be inserted on the menu rather than having extra pieces of paper. The menu once programmed retains the information and can be handled safely by the customer.

If during the day a dish becomes available or if there is no more of a certain dish the menus can be quickly re-inserted into terminal 20 and the computer can update the menu in a matter of seconds. Thus the waiter will not have to explain to customers the availability of dishes thereby avoiding much disappointment.

Each menu can be altered to give either lunch or dinner or wine list and therefore can be of a standard size enabling cost savings on purchase.

The present invention includes an index 30 which comprises a series of switches 32 (numbered 321-331). These switches may be for example of the conductive ink type which operate when pressure is applied. By actuation of a switch 324 for example the available fish dishes for the day previously encoded into a memory 24 (shown dotted because it will normally be buried within the menu card) will be displayed. Thus with only one card a whole series of selections can be displayed and can be readily changed to suit the dishes available on the day and to change prices subject to the cost of the food etc.

By incorporation of sensitive areas 340-349 which may be similar to switches 32 the menu can record in its memory the dishes selected by a customer and the menu card can then be taken to the kitchen to provide the order for the chef and also to record the selection made thereby simplifying record keeping and facilitating automatic billing.

The menu card will preferably comprise a thin flexible plastic liquid crystal display mounted onto a more rigid backing member and can be made to any desired shape or colour.

With reference to figure 2 the sign 110 comprises a frame 112 and a display area 114. The display area 114 may comprise a permanent, painted section or sections 116, 118 and can electronically programmable section 120. Alternatively the whole display may be made programmable.

The sign may thus read GABRIELS DELICATESSEN - 142 HIGH STREET and in the section 120 the speciality of the day may be highlighted e.g. SALAMI SAUSAGE - 50p. The section 120 (or the whole display) may be controlled via cable 122 connected to a computer 124. In known manner a desired display may be generated on a VDU screen 126 and then transferred by electronic data transmission to a control unit 128 which can alter the display 120. Once altered no further power source is required and the computer can be disconnected.

Thus for shop signs it is possible to change the display as required by the proprietor.

For more permanent signs e.g. motorway direction signs the sign 110 will preferably all be programmable (sections 116, 118, 120) and the sign will be programmed with information at a central location and then disconnected from the computer, taken to the required site on the motorway and erected. As with present motorway signs the sign can be made in sections.

Thus all signs (of a certain size) can be made the same and then programmed. If alteration is required a computer can either be connected on site or the sign taken back to its place of manufacture for alteration.

Because the sign can be addressed pixel by pixel various styles, sizes of character, figures, pictures etc. can be included. Various colours are selectable and the sign can be lit at night if required.

Figures 3 to 6 show possible motorway or other road direction signs. Figure 3 illustrates a medium sized sign which could be portable to illustrate diversions. Figure 4 shows a small speed restriction sign and figure 5 an alternate version for directing traffic. Figure 6 shows a larger sign, constructed preferably in sections for mounting permanently for example on a gantry.

The road sign may be connected to a central computer system, or similar device, in order that it can be addressed and programmed, probably by external means, e.g. radio waves, telecommunications etc. The road sign can also incorporate a sensor which, using for instance radar, could sense congestion on a particular road or local weather conditions such as temperature, rain, fog etc. This will be of great use to the police, and traffic control, as they will be able to take appropriate action, including addressing road signs to display appropriate messages to the road user, e.g. "slow, congestion ahead", "congestion ahead, detour first left", "slow, black ice" or "slow, foggy conditions" etc.

Using fluorescent backgrounds on the liquid crystal display itself, contrasting to black messages, the message displayed may not necessarily need to be illuminated at night.

Visibility of the display may be greater than 45*.

The display will be able to endure great changes in temperature, both below 0^β temperatures and high summer temperatures, as experienced in Britain or indeed any other countries.

If controlled by a computer the display could be made to flash or be animated to give movement of the message.

With reference now to figure 7 the tax disc 210 comprises a central circular display area 212 surrounded by a border area 214 which may be plain or contain non-alterable information or advertising etc.

The central display area 212 is preferably of the liquid crystal display type such as specified in the above mentioned British Patent No. 2146787. Some of the information displayed may be permanently printed such as the number of the tax disc 216 and other information such as the expiry date 218 may be alterable by suitable programming of the disc via electrical contacts 220.

The disc can be of any convenient colour combination e.g. black on white, green on white, yellow on blue, as determined by the display type.

In addition to the information actually displayed on the disc further information can be held in memories 230, 232 which are also connected to receive information from from contacts 220 on lines 222, 224 when suitably addressed. Such information may comprise vehicle mileage at last taxation time, the names and addresses of all vehicle owners, any details of accident damage, engine changes and also any information particular to the vehicle but not requiring display such as chassis number, date of manufacture etc. This can be particularly useful in ensuring any recall faults are connected at the time of servicing.

The memories 230, 232 can be of the single write type wherein data once written in cannot be altered but can only be read out.

When a vehicle requires taxing the disc is taken to the appropriate office and is connected via contacts 220 to a central control. The new expiry date is inserted (on payment of the fee and presentation of the documents) and the mileage and any other information (change of owner etc.) inserted. The old mileage and owner etc. can be read out to check that the vehicle details are reasonable.

Thus the tax disc stores the vehicle history and can be checked by any authorised control system e.g. at a main dealer for servicing data to be inserted. For ultimate security the data in the memories 230, 232 the disc should not be alterable and therefore only additional data can be stored. Thus winding back of vehicle clocks for re-sale is not possible since the mileage can be inserted at each tax year end and at each service.

The data stored in the tax disc is also preferably stored in a central computer which is updated each time that the disc is renewed. Thus, should a disc be lost, or deliberately damaged a new disc can be regenerated with the correct data reinserted.

In the modified disc shown in figure 8 a rectangular area 240 is used to display additional information such as indicated at 242 and 244. The additional information may be preset into one of the memories 230, 232 and may be selectable by suitable pressure switch means (not shown) on the reverse of the disc.

With reference now to figure 9, a car 410 is provided with a rear registration plate 420. The registration plate is electronically programmable and may contain electronic circuitry 422 which stores information for display on the plate by means of a control signal received on cable 424.

Cable 424 is connected to a control box 426 and control box 426 is operated via a cable 428 by a switch or control panel 430.

The operation of the system is as follows with reference to figures 9 and 10 to 12.

Normally the registration plate will display the vehicle number as shown in figure 10. The registration plate is constructed in accordance with a technology of the liquid crystal display type such as described in British Patent No. 2146787. Thus the display can be addressed and the display altered in accordance either with a present programme stored in electronic circuitry 422 or in control box 426. Once the display is established it requires no electrical power to be maintained.

In a preferred embodiment circuitry 422 will store programmes selectable by control box 426 to change the display from that shown in figure 10 to that in figure 11 or figure 12.

The display of figure 11 can be selected by the driver, or passenger if assistance is required. This can be useful if for example the driver suffers a heart attack which although allowing time to park the vehicle on a hard shoulder renders the driver immobile. Alternatively it can enable a lone female driver to request help without having to leave the vehicle.

If desired the display can be made to flash between figure 10 and figure 11 displays or between figure 11 and for example a plain white display to draw greater attention. This can be accomplished by suitable programming of the control box 426.

With reference to figure 12, an infrared or microwave detector 432 is provided on the plate 420. This enables, on transmission of an appropriately coded signal the display of the vehicle owner and other details. As shown the address is displayed but the vehicle chassis number etc. could be given. For this programme stored in electronic circuitry 422 additional security could be provided enabling only alteration with a key code known only to the owner of the vehicle. Thus vehicle thefts would be much more difficult.

The police could thus have a suitable transmitter and could "interrogate" the plate to immediately find the vehicle details. Thus if stopped a driver would have to know not only the registration number but also the other details.

In a variation of figure 11 the vehicle registration plate can display information relating to the status of the vehicle. For example, if the owner sets an alarm condition then, unless an appropriate code is used in restarting the vehicle the plate could display statically or flashing the word "STOLEN".

In addition to recording the service history by a garage the involvement of the vehicle in an accident could be recorded. Also the plate could readily display the country of issue and therefore eliminate the requirement for separate plates.

When alternative messages are displayed the registration number could still be displayed at a smaller size.

Any vehicle data e.g. mileage, accidents, can be recorded on a non-volatile memory which will therefore be tamper proof.

The registration plate will be waterproof and able to withstand temperatures both high and low likely to be encountered on a vehicle.

Claims

1. An electronically programmable display device to display in a semi-permanent or permanent manner first information the displayed information being changeable to second information in response to control signals, in which the display device includes means for maintaining the first and second displayed information without power once the display has been changed to display the second information.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 comprising an electronically programmable menu in which one or more parts are electronically alterable.

3. An electronically programmable menu as claimed in claim 2 including index means for selecting various displays relating to different selections.

4. An electronically programmable menu as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 including means for registering in respect of each display a choice from a particular selection.

5. An electronically programmable menu as claimed in claim 4 in which the means for registering comprises an electronic memory.

6. An electronically programmable menu as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 in which the display is of the liquid crystal type which display requires no power to maintain once altered.

7. An electronically programmable menu as claimed in claim 6 in which the liquid crystal display comprises a flexible plastic sheet which is mounted on to a rigid backing member.

8. An electronically programmable menu substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

9. A device as claimed in claim 1 comprising a sign for a shop or motorway including a display panel the display panel being electronically programmable to display the desired information, the display requiring no power once programmed.

10. A sign as claimed in claim 9 in which the display comprises a permanent set of characters with only a portion of the display being programmable.

11. A sign as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 in which the display is programmed at a remote location prior to the sign being placed in position.

12. A sign as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 including electronic processing means connected to the sign when in position to allow the information to be changed at desired intervals.

13. A sign as claimed in claim 12 in which the information displayed relates to motorway directions.

14. A sign as claimed in claim 13 in which the information displayed is changed at intervals to provide an animated display.

15. A sign substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A device as claimed in claim 1 comprising a programmable vehicle tax disc including display means to display information relating to the vehicle, the information being alterable by electronic control means.

17. A programmable vehicle tax disc as claimed in claim 16 in which the display means once altered requires no power to maintain the displayed information.

18. A programmable vehicle tax disc as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 in which the disc includes an electronic memory in which information relevant to the vehicle, but not displayed, is stored.

19. A programmable vehicle tax disc as claimed in claim 16, claim 17 or claim 18 in which the disc includes electronic contacts for co-operation with a central control computer to enable the disc to be updated.

20. A programmable vehicle tax disc as claimed in anyone of claims 16 to 19 in which the disc includes an area of display for displaying information relating to the driver or passenger of the vehicle.

21. A programmable tax disc substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A device as claimed in claim 1 comprising a vehicle registration plate in which at least part of the plate comprises an electronically controlled display which can be altered electronically.

23. A vehicle registration plate as claimed in claim 22 which comprises the whole plate and the electronic control is used to produce the required registration number on the plate the plate then being attached to the vehicle.

24. A vehicle registration plate as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23 in which the registration plate is provided with means for identifying the owner of the vehicle.

25. A vehicle registration plate as claimed in anyone of claims 22 to 24 in which an electronic memory and control circuitry is built into the registration plate to enable the plate to change its display.

26. A vehicle registration plate as claimed in claim 25 in which the plate includes receptor means for receiving an external signal to change the displayed information.

27. A vehicle registration plate as claimed in claim 25 in which the display on the registration plate is alterable under the control of the driver of the vehicle to provide a display which gives information to others.

28. A vehicle registration plate substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.