(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`!CORRECTED VERSION I
`
`(19) World JntellectuaJ Property Organfaation
`lnlernationaJ Bureau
`
`(43) international Publication Date
`21 December 2007 (21.12.2007)
`
`(51) International Patent Classification:
`G06F 31045 (2006.0 I)
`
`PCT
`
`(21) International AppUcation Number:
`PCT/US2007/070784
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`8 June 2007 (08.06.2007)
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`60/804,224
`60/868,465
`
`8 June 2006 (08.06.2006) US
`4 December 200 6 (04. 12.2006) US
`
`(71} Applicant (for all designared Srares excepr US): SUN
`ENERGY SOLAR, INC. [US/US]; 1358 F ruitville R oad,
`Suite 209, Sarasota, FL 34236 (US).
`
`(72) In ventors; and
`(75) Inventors/Applicants (for US only): SMITH, Carl
`[US/US]; 847 MacEwen Drive, Osprey, FL 34229 (US).
`HALL, Richard, Craig [US/US]; 4925 Oxford Circle,
`Sarasota, FL 34242 (US). MORIN, E r ic [US/US]; 12490
`
`11111111111111 11 IIIIII IIIII 111111111111111111111111111111 IIIII 111111111111111111111 IIII IIII IIII
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 2007/146821 A2
`Vrnin Circle, Broomfield, CO 80020 (US). FUGERE R ,
`Robert [US/US]; 48 19 Sky Blue Drive, Lutz, FL 33558
`(US).
`(74) Agent: WINTERTON, Kenneth, C.; Holland & Hart
`LLP, P.O.Box 8749, Denver, CO 80201 ( US).
`(81) Designall.'C! States (unless orhenvise indicated. for e11ery
`ki11d of narional prorecrion a11ailable): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH,
`CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG,
`ES, Ff, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, I-IN, 1-fR, 1-nJ, 11), IL,
`IN, lS, TI>, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP, KR, KZ, LA, LC, LK,
`LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, MW,
`MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NT, NO, NZ, OM, PG, PH, PL,
`PT, RO, RS, RU, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL , SM , SY, SY,
`TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, YC, VN, ZA,
`Z M,ZW.
`(84) Designated States (unless oclrenvise i11dica1ed. for every
`ki11d of regional pro1ec1io11 available): AR CPO (BW, GH ,
`GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, Z M,
`ZW), Eurasian (AM , t-:z, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, T M),
`European (AT, BE, BG, C l f, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI,
`FR, GB, GR, l nJ, CE, rs, lT, LT, LU, LY, MC, MT, NL, PL,
`
`(54) Tille: LIGHT UNlTS WlTI-I COMMUNICATIONS CAPABIUTY
`
`154
`
`162
`
`174
`
`POWER SOURCE
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`40
`
`{Conti11ued 011 nexr page]
`
`170
`
`~
`
`TRANSMIT/
`RECEIVE
`UNIT
`
`-iiiiii
`iiiiii --
`iiiiii --
`--
`-iiiiii
`
`iiiiii
`
`LIGHT
`SOURCE
`1
`
`LIGHT
`SOURCE
`N
`
`~
`M
`00
`1,0
`"1'
`~
`i::::: (57) Abstract: Light units are provided that have a number of di ffercnt features. Tn one aspect a light unit comprising a substrate and
`O a display interconnected to the substrate is provided. The substrate inc ludes a power source, a plurality of light elements, a controller
`0
`operably interconnected to the power source and light e.lements that activates the light elements to one or more illumination states,
`M and a communications module operably interconnected to the controller and power source. The communicarions module receives
`0 wireless communications and provides informatio n from the wireless communications to the controller, wherein the controller ae(cid:173)
`
`:;..,.. tivatcs the lig ht clements according to information received Crom the communications module when the communications module
`;;-,,- receives information related to the activation of the light e le ments. Other a5pects are also disclosed.
`
`Samsung Exhibit 1010
`Samsung Elecs. Co., Ltd. v. Ultravision Techns., LLC
`IPR2020-01176
`Page 00001
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`

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`WO 2007 /1468 21 A 2
`
`1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII IIIIIIIIII IIII I II Ill lllll lllll 1111111111111111111 1111111 11111111 IIII
`
`Pf, RO, SE, SI , SK, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CT, CM,
`GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`(48) Date of publication of Utis corrected version:
`14 February 2008
`
`Published:
`without iruemational search report and 10 be republished
`upon receipt of that report
`
`(15) Information about Corn .-cUon:
`sec Notice of 14 February 2008
`
`IPR2020-01176 Page 00002
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`

`

`WO 2007/146821
`
`PCT /US2007 /070784
`
`Light Units With Communications Capability
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001]
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial
`
`No. l l/219, 164 filed on September 2, 2005 entitled "SUBSTRATE WITH LIGHT
`
`DISPLAY" and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial
`No. 60/804,224 filed on June 8, 2006 entitled "SUBSTRATE WITH LIGHT DISPLAY," and
`
`U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/868,465 filed on December 4, 2006 entitled
`"LIGHT UNITS WITH COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITY," the entire disclosures of
`
`which are enclosed herein by reference in their entirety.
`
`[0002)
`
`The present invention is directed to display devices, and in particular, to
`
`displays devices that include at least one light emitting diode element.
`
`FIELD
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0003]
`
`Displays are used in numerous applications, and take numerous different
`
`forms, and serve the purpose of conveying a message to a viewer or onlooker. Such a
`
`message may be an advertisement, information, or any other particular message desired to be
`
`conveyed. For example, retail establishments such as grocery stores and convenience stores
`
`generally use numerous different types of displays both for advertising and for conveying
`information. The displays may be shelf tags indicating a product and a price, floor displays,
`
`window displays, and numerous others. Similarly, posters may be used as displays for
`
`numerous types of establishments, including retail establishments, theaters, food service
`
`establishments, and many public or governmental displays to convey various types of
`
`information. Furthermore, numerous different types of vehicle-mounted displays exist, such
`as bumper stickers, window stickers, and others. Other types of vehicle-mounted displays
`
`include advertising displays mounted on the interior and/or exterior portions of vehicles,
`including taxi vehicles and public transit vehicles such as buses and trains. Displays may
`
`also be fixed to benches, buildings, street or lampposts, and hanging banners, to name but a
`
`few examples.
`
`[0004)
`For example, a poster may have a printed display portion including text and/or graphics for
`
`Generally, such displays are static displays that are printed in a fixed manner.
`
`use in an advertising promotion. These displays are often intended for use only during a
`
`IPR2020-01176 Page 00003
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`

`

`WO 2007/146821
`
`PCT /US2007 /070784
`
`limited time period, and thus it is desirable to keep the cost of such displays as low as
`
`possible. Such displays are generally shipped in tubes with the poster or other display rolled
`
`up, which may then be unrolled and mounted an appropriate display mounting device, such as
`
`a frame, and displayed in the appropriate location. Such displays generally do not have any
`
`lights or other visual elements therein that change the nature of the display. The same is true
`
`for most vehicle displays, with a bumper sticker, or advertisement on a public transit vehicle,
`
`having a static and fixed printed display.
`[0005)
`
`Other types of displays, however, are lighted displays with dynamic changing
`
`display elements. Such displays include moving banners, neon lights, and video displays, to
`
`name a few. Such displays are traditionally plugged into a power source to provide the
`
`necessary electrical power to operate the display. As such, these lighted displays have
`
`relatively high power requirements and are relatively expensive. Furthermore, such displays
`
`are also relatively expensive to ship and install as compared to a comparable fixed or static
`
`display. Additionally, the location of such displays is generally limited to a location that is in
`
`relatively close proximity to a power source. However, such displays are quite popular and
`
`have a large market due to the dynamic nature of the display that provides for a visual
`
`stimulus to onlookers thus drawing their attention, and often making a more effective display.
`
`Furthermore, such displays may be visible in low light conditions further enhancing the
`
`viewing ability at night or in other low light situations. Many other displays are simply
`
`lighted with a front light or a back light that simply serves to illuminate the static printed
`
`display.
`[0006] While such displays have a high degree of success and utility, as evidenced by
`
`many years of very successful use, the displays are generally quite specialized and limited to
`
`a specific type of use. Accordingly, many types of displays, such as lighted or dynamic
`
`displays, are not able to be used in many applications.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0007)
`of different features. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a light unit, comprising a
`
`The present disclosure provides for light units may be provided with a number
`
`substrate and a display interconnected to the substrate. The substrate in this aspect includes a
`
`power source, a plurality of light elements, a controller operably interconnected to the power
`
`source and light elements that activates the light elements to one or more illumination states,
`
`and a communications module operably interconnected to the controller and power source.
`
`The communications module receives wireless communications and provides information
`
`-2-
`
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`PCT /US2007 /070784
`
`from the wireless communications to the controller, wherein the controller activates the light
`
`elements according to information received from the communications module when the
`
`communications module receives information related to the activation of the light elements.
`
`The power source may comprise a solar cell, a battery, and/or a battery and solar cell wherein
`
`the solar cell recharges the battery.
`
`[0008]
`
`The communications module in some aspects is operable to send information
`
`to one or more other light units. The communications module may communicate through
`
`radio frequency communications, and may include a ZIGBEE communication module. In
`
`other aspects, the substrate includes a positioning component that is operable to determine a
`
`position of the light unit. The light unit in such aspects may also include a panic button that,
`
`when actuated by a user, is operable to activate the positioning component and controller.
`
`The controller then activates one or more light elements, receives position information from
`
`the positioning component, and transmits a help message and position information through
`
`the communications module. The light unit may also include a surveillance device that
`
`collects surveillance information from an area in the proximity of the light unit, and the
`
`controller may transmit at least a portion of the surveillance information through the
`
`communications module.
`(0009)
`
`Other aspects of the disclosure provide a light unit in which the substrate
`
`further comprises a flexible expandable material having the power source, light elements,
`
`controller, and communications module mounted thereto. The light unit may be buoyant in
`
`water when the flexible expandable material is inflated with a fluid having a density lower
`
`than water.
`
`[0010)
`
`Still further aspects of the disclosure provide a light unit in which the display
`
`comprises a right half display layer and a left half display layer, and the substrate comprises a
`
`right half substrate and a left half substrate, and wherein the right and left half substrate and
`
`display layers are coupled together to form the light unit. In some additional aspects of the
`
`disclosure, at least one of the light units, power supply, controller, and communications
`
`module are removable and/or replaceable on the substrate.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Fig. I is a front perspective view of a display of an embodiment of the
`
`Fig. I A is a front perspective view of a display of another embodiment of the
`
`[0011]
`
`invention;
`
`[0012]
`
`invention;
`
`-3-
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`PCT /US2007 /070784
`
`l0013J
`for an embodiment of the invention;
`
`Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustration of a substrate and associated components
`
`[0014]
`
`Fig. 2A is a block diagram illustration of a substrate and associated
`
`components for another embodiment of the invention;
`
`(0015]
`
`Fig. 3 is a front plan view of a display and associated solar cell of an
`
`embodiment of the invention;
`
`[0016]
`
`Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustration of a substrate and associated components
`
`for an embodiment ofa display of Fig. 3;
`
`(0017)
`
`Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustration of a substrate and associated components
`
`for another embodiment of a display of Fig. 3;
`
`(0018]
`
`Fig. 6 is a front plan view of a display and associated key pad of an
`
`embodiment of the invention;
`
`[0019]
`
`Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustration of a substrate and associated components
`
`for the embodiment of Fig. 6;
`
`[0020]
`
`Fig. 8 is a front plan view of a display and associated sensor of an embodiment
`
`of the invention;
`
`(0021)
`
`Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustration of a substrate and associated components
`
`for the embodiment of Fig. 8;
`
`(0022]
`
`Fig.
`
`IO
`
`is a block diagram
`
`illustration of a substrate and wireless
`
`transmit/receive unit of an embodiment of the invention;
`
`{0023)
`
`Fig. 11
`
`is a block diagram
`
`illustration of a substrate and wireless
`
`transmit/receive unit and associated surveillance unit, positioning unit and panic button of an
`
`embodiment of the invention;
`
`(0024]
`
`Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustration of a substrate and communications port
`
`of an embodiment of the invention;
`
`(0025)
`
`Fig. 13 is an illustration of several types of networks that may be created with
`
`various substrates that are capable of communicating;
`
`[0026]
`
`Fig. 14 is a block diagram illustration of a substrate and associated audio
`
`component of an embodiment of the invention;
`
`(00271
`
`Fig. 15 is a front perspective illustration of a display and associated spacer
`
`layer of an embodiment of the invention;
`[ 0028 J
`
`Fig. 16 is a front plan view of a large format display of an embodiment of the
`
`invention;
`
`-4-
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`PCT /US2007 /070784
`
`[0029)
`
`Fig. 17 is a cross sectional illustration of a dual-sided display of an
`
`embodiment of the invention;
`(0030)
`[0031)
`
`Fig. 18 is an illustration of a substrate of an embodiment of the invention;
`
`Fig. 19 is an exploded view of a display of an embodiment of the invention;
`
`[0032]
`
`Fig. 20 is a front plan view of a large format display of another embodiment of
`
`the invention; and
`(0033]
`
`Fig. 2 l is a front plan view of a multi-segment display of another embodiment
`
`of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`(0034)
`
`Embodiments of the present invention recognize that it would be beneficial to
`
`have a light units available for use in more applications than currently feasible. Such light
`
`units provide enhanced visual appeal, making it more likely to be noticed by onlookers,
`
`provides additional visibility during low light or nighttime conditions in a variety of
`
`applications, and may provide additional features such as communications and security
`
`features. As mentioned above, light units and/or dynamic displays are traditionally expensive
`
`and have limited placement options due to the requirement to have a power supply external to
`
`the display. The present invention recognizes that it would be beneficial to have a relatively
`
`inexpensive unit that provides a light and/or dynamic display along with one or more other
`
`features, which is able to be positioned in areas that are not limited by the requirement of
`
`available electricity. The display includes a surface layer that may have text, graphics, and/or
`
`surface features that are viewable by an onlooker, and further provides light elements visible
`
`through the surface layer. The unit has a self-contained power supply, thus removing the
`
`requirement of the unit being located in proximity to an electrical outlet, and in some
`
`embodiments the self-contained power supply includes a solar cell which acts to recharge a
`
`battery, thus providing a self contained renewable power supply. Other embodiments provide
`
`a light unit that has the ability to communicate with other light units, or with other
`
`communications devices. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the display is flexible
`
`providing for relatively easy mounting, shipping, and storage.
`(00351
`
`Such a display may be used in numerous different applications that have
`
`traditionally not been feasible for lighted/dynamic displays or light units. For example, the
`
`display may be mounted to a vehicle, such as an automobile as an advertising sign, a bumper
`
`sticker, a front license tag. The display may be secured to a window or other transparent
`
`material in a vehicle, building, or other structure, including windows at retail establishments.
`
`-5-
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`PCT /US2007 /070784
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`The display may be mounted to a support structure and used as a sign, such as, for example, a
`
`billboard, a real estate sign indicating the property is for sale, an open house sign, an
`
`open/closed sign, a no smoking sign, a warning sign (watch your step), to name but a few. A
`
`number of displays may be arranged in a strip and used for holiday lights during certain
`
`seasons or times of the year that are not required to be plugged into a power source.
`
`Furthermore, such a display may also find applications in gas stations, roadside signs
`
`providing public notices or information, novelties such as team pennants and paraphernalia,
`
`traffic control such as detour signs or signs to a particular event, and/or as a beacon or signal
`
`in an emergency situation.
`
`In some applications, the display may also include surface
`
`features that are raised from the plane of the display. Such surface features may include
`
`protrusions and/or depressions that correspond to graphics of the display, or the surface
`
`features may be Braille that corresponds to text contained in a display.
`[0036) With reference now to Figure I, a top perspective view of a display of an
`
`embodiment of the invention is described. The display 20 includes text, graphics, and/or
`
`surface features 24 that are on an external surface of a display layer 28. The display layer 28
`
`is mounted to a substrate 32. The text, graphics, and/or surface features 24 associated with
`
`the display 20 may be removably adhered to the display layer 28 in any conventional manner
`
`so the display 20 can function with multiple types of surface features. The substrate 32
`
`contains light elements that are viewable through the display layer 28, as will be described in
`
`more detail below. The display 20 may take numerous different forms, including, for
`
`example, a relatively small display such as a bumper sticker for a vehicle, and relatively large
`
`d isplays such as posters and banners. Furthermore, although illustrated in Fig. l as a
`
`rectangular and relatively planar display, it will be understood that the form of the display
`
`may be any of numerous types of forms, such as circular and domed, or any other geometric
`
`configuration. The display layer 28, in an embodiment, includes translucent or transparent
`
`portions that are located in proximity to the light elements that are contained in the substrate
`
`32. The display layer 28 may also include one or more lenses to focus light from the display.
`
`The light elements in the substrate 32 are thus visible through the translucent or transparent
`
`portions of display layer 28. While the light elements are described as visible through display
`
`layer 28 to provide some protection to the light elements and circuits, it would be possible for
`
`light clements to extend into display layer 28 or be visible through openings in display layer
`
`28 (not specifically shown) rather than simply visible through the display layer 28. For
`
`example, the display layer 28 may have light sources integrated therein that are connected to
`
`the substrate 32, and the display layer and light elements may be removable/replaceable. The
`
`-6-
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`PCT /US2007 /070784
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`light elements may be incorporated into the display layer using a silicon, applique, or other
`
`suitable technology, with conductive leads extending to corresponding contact areas of the
`
`substrate. Furthennore, in an embodiment, the substrate 32 includes a solar assembly and
`
`battery that provide a power source for the light elements and any associated contro l
`
`electronics.
`
`In this embodiment, the display layer 28 also includes a translucent or
`
`transparent area associated with the solar assembly. The display layer 28 may a1so include
`
`opaque portions.
`
`(0037) With reference now to Figure lA, a top perspective view of a display of
`
`another embodiment of the invention is described. The display 20a includes text, graphics,
`
`and/or surface features 24a that are on an external surface of a display layer 28a. The display
`
`layer 28a is mounted to a substrate 32a. As shown in phantom, display layer 28a and
`
`substrate layer 32a may be fonned of multiple parts joined together. As shown, display layer
`
`28a includes a right half display layer 28r and a left half display layer 281. Similarly,
`
`substrate layer 32a includes a right half substrate layer 32r and a left half substrate layer 321.
`
`While shown as two left and right halves, one of ordinary skill in the art would now
`
`recognize multiple parts are possible that can be arranged in numerous ways. If provided as
`
`separate parts to be joined, any conventional coupling mechanism is acceptable, such as, for
`
`example, slots and tabs, protrusions and detents, etc. Moreover, when provided as separate
`
`parts, display 20a could be folded along the division part if, for example, right half substrate
`
`layer 32r and left half substrate layer 321 are joined by a hinge 32h or the like. Hinge 32h
`
`could reside on display layer 28a. Dividing the various layers into parts and connecting the
`
`parts using hinges or the like can be accomplished with any of the embodiments described
`
`herein, but for convenience will not be further described. Each part of the display may
`
`include all, or a portion, of the components to provide a fully operational display. For
`
`example, one part of a display may include a pre-programmed controller that operates to
`
`provide a different activation sequence for light elements of the display.
`[0038)
`
`Referring now to Figure 2, a block diagram schematic of one possible
`
`substrate 32 of an embodiment is described. In this embodiment, the substrate 32 includes a
`
`plurality of light sources 36, indicated in Fig. 2 as light source l through light source N. As
`
`will be understood, the number of light sources 36 may be any number desired for a
`
`particular application. The light sources 36 are interconnected to a power source 40 and to a
`
`controller 44. The power source 40 may be any suitable power source to power the controller
`
`44 and the number of light sources 36 present for the particular application. Such a power
`
`source 40 may include, for example, a battery, a solar cell, a capacitor, or combinations
`
`-7-
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`thereof, to name but a few. ln one embodiment, the power source 40 comprises rechargeable
`
`battery and a solar cell. Another embodiment provides a power source 40 comprising an
`
`alkaline battery. The controller 44 is any suitable controller for such an application, and
`
`controls the activation and deactivation of the light sources 36. Furthermore, the controller
`
`44 may control the brightness for a particular light source 36 and/or a particular color of light
`
`emitted by any one of the light sources 36, or combination thereof. For example, one or more
`
`of the light sources 36 may include a bicolor LED, and the controller 44 may control the
`
`color of the light emitted by the LED. The light sources 36 may include any of a number of
`
`different light sources, including a light emitting diode, a laser diodes, fiber optic cable,
`
`incandescent lamps, applique radiation technology and organic light emitting devices, to
`
`name but a few. The controller may be any suitable microcontroller, or combination of logic
`
`gates, that operate to control light produced by the light sources 36 in the manner desired for
`
`a particular application.
`
`ln one embodiment, the controller is a low-power 16 bit flash
`
`microcontroller with an operating range of about 2 volts to about 5.5 volts. However, it will
`
`be understood that any suitable controller may be used depending upon the particular
`
`application for the product. The substrate 32, in an embodiment is fonned of a flexible
`
`material with the various components mounted thereon, fonning a flexible circuit. The
`
`flexible material may be, for example, a rubber-type material of siliconized or synthetic
`
`rubber. Such a flexible circuit would be impenetrable to water also. However, the flexible
`
`substrate 32 may be formed of other suitable flexible type material, such as a flexible plastic.
`
`For example, the flexible substrate may be formed of an etched copper process or a silver ink
`
`screen-printed process embedded in a kapton or polyester base, urethane, or propylene. The
`
`substrate 32, in other embodiments, may also be formed from a flexible fabric or textile
`
`material with conductors that have been woven into or meshed between different fabric
`
`layers. In such a manner, light sources may be placed on the fabric or textile material in any
`
`desired location on the substrate, with leads from the light sources contacting the appropriate
`
`conductors of the substrate material to provide power to activate the light source.
`(00391
`
`As mentioned above, the power source 40 may include a solar cell and a
`
`rechargeable battery. In this manner, the battery may be recharged by the solar cell in order
`
`to provide power to the controller and light elements during periods when the solar cell is not
`
`generating power, such as during low light conditions. The rechargeable battery may be any
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`suitable rechargeable battery or battery pack comprising two or more battery cells, including,
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`for example, nickel-cadmium, lithium polymer, nickel-metal-hydride, and lithium ion
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`batteries. The power source may also include, instead of or in addition to a battery, a
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`capacitor that is capable of holding a relatively large charge that may be used to power the
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`controller and light elements for an appropriate time period. For example, a supercapacitor
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`may provide such power for a significant time period. Such a rechargeable power source
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`provides a display that is capable of producing a dynamic lighted display for a significant
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`period of time, provided that the solar cell is provided with enough light to recharge the
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`battery. ln other embodiments, the power source 40 includes an alkaline battery and no solar
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`cell or other recharging component. Such a display will provide a dynamic lighted display
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`for the time that it takes the charge in the alkaline battery to deplete to the point where it can
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`no longer provide enough power to operate the controller and light elements. However, such
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`a display will have a lower cost than a display having a solar cell and rechargeable battery.
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`Such an alkaline battery powered display may be useful in many applications where the
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`display is only desired to be operated for a limited time. For example, a marketing campaign
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`may include advertising for a particular product for a limited time where it is desired to
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`heavily promote the product. Such a campaign may include store displays that are to be set
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`out only for a few weeks. Such a display may include a display as described herein that
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`includes a power source with an alkaline battery. The battery may be selected to provide
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`power for the display for tbe limited time period. For example, if Coca Cola desired to
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`display 2 liter diet cola bottles for $0.99 for two weeks, the battery could be selected to
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`provide sufficient energy that the display would be illuminated only the two weeks.
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`Thereafter, the battery would have insufficient energy to illuminate the light sources. After
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`which it is expected that the display will be discarded.
`[0040)
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`Referring now to Figure 2A, a block diagram schematic of a substrate 32 of
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`another embodiment is described. In this embodiment, the substrate 32 includes one or more
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`removable components. As shown in phantom around light source I, light sources 36 may be
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`removably contained in a holder 36h if desired. Light sources 36 in holders 36h may
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`function similar to a Christmas tree light having a socket and plug arrangement. Thus, if light
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`source I, for example, broke, it could be unplugged and replaced. Similarly, in this
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`embodiment, the controller 44 may be removable. To facilitate removal/replacement of
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`controller 44, it may be arranged in a holder 44h similar to light sources 36 and holders 36h.
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`Alternative to the holder configuration, controller 44 may comprise a number of pins that
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`extend into conductive slots in substrate layer 32 (the pins and slots are not specifically
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`shown but well understood in the art of microchips). However, it will be understood that any
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`suitable controller may be used depending upon the particular application for the product.
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`Furthermore, in this embodiment, power source 40 or the various components associated with
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`power source 40 may be contained in a holder 40h similar to the holders described above.
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`Alternatively, the pin and slot configuration may be used to allow replacement for fresh
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`components or replacement components, etc. While some components described above have
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`been described as removably mounted on the substrate, using either the holder (plug and
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`socket arrangement) or a pins and slots on the substrate, one of skill in the art would now
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`recognize that numerous of the components described above, and to follow, could be
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`arranged as removably mounted to faci litate replacement, repair, etc. For convenience, the
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`removably mounted concept will not be specifically described with each of the various
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`components to fo llow. Generally, those components include, without being limited to, the
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`battery, the solar cell, the processors, the light sources, the light matrices, antennae, keypads,
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`communications and positioning modules, and the like.
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`[0041]
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`The substrate 32, in an embodiment is formed of a flexible material or a
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`flexible, expandable material with the various components mounted thereon, fonning a
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`flexible circuit. The flexible, expandable material is similar to the use of simply flexible
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`material, but includes the ability of the display 20 to expand to a larger size as well as
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`contract to a smaller size, which may be beneficial for certain display activities. In some
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`embodiments, the flexible expandable material may be inflated with a fluid, such as air, that
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`provides buoyancy to the substrate 32 such that the substrate may float in water. Such a
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`substrate may include one or more other types fluid, or solids, such that the material in the
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`substrate is of lower density than water to provide buoyancy to the substrate 32 in water. In
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`other embodiments, it may be desirable for the substrate 32 to sink in water, and the substrate
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`material and/or material inside of a flexible expandable substrate may be selected to achieve
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`such an effect. The flexible material may be, for example, a rubber-type material of
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`siliconized or synthetic rubber. Such a flexible circuit would be impenetrable to water also.
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`However, the flexible substrate 32 may be formed of other suitable flexible type material,
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`such as a flexible plastic. For example, in certain embodiments, the flexible substrate may be
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`formed of an etched copper process or a silver ink screen-printed process embedded in a
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`kapton or polyester base, urethane, or propylene.
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`[0042]
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`Referring now to Figure 3, a display 50 of another embodiment is illustrated.
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`In this embodiment, the display 50 has a display area 54 that is visible by a viewer. The
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`display area 54, similarly as described above, includes transparent or translucent areas that
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`allow