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`US 20070000849Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Lutz et al.
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2007 /0000849 Al
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jan. 4, 2007
`
`(54) MODULAR DISPLAY SYSTEM
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Robert James Lutz, Bruce, SD (US);
`Matthew Ray Mueller, Colman, SD
`(US); Chad Neal Gloege, Brookings,
`SD (US); Neil Richard Burghardt,
`Brookings, SD (US); Harvey Lee
`Mehlum, Ramona, SD (US); Brett
`David Wendler, Watertown, SD (US);
`Russell Jon Neyens, Brookings, SD
`(US); Nathan Lane Nearman,
`Brookings, SD (US); Mark Daniel
`Dennis, Dell Rapids, SD (US); Ryan
`Mark Hansen, Watertown, SD (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`HUGH D JAEGER
`1000 SUPERIOR BLVD
`SUITE 302
`WAYZATA, MN 55 3911873
`
`(73) Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/271,404
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Nov. 10, 2005
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/647,268, filed on Jan.
`25, 2005.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`(2006.01)
`A47F 7100
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................................ 211/26
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A modular display system having individual stackable elec­
`tronic display panels of convenient and portable size and
`mounting structures for the support thereof where the stack­
`able electronic display panels mutually juxtapose, mate, and
`robustly and mutually and adjustably secure together by the
`use of connector plates at the top of stackable electronic
`display panels interfacing with interlocking lower connector
`assemblies and lower connector plate receptors at the bottom
`of an overhead vertically situated stackable electronic dis­
`play panel and by interfacing of latches and cams of latch
`keeper assemblies at the sides of horizontally situated stack­
`able electronic display panels to form a large electronic sign
`display. Spring-loaded slide pin assemblies foster rapid and
`secure connection between vertically situated stackable
`electronic display panels. Adjustment features are also
`incorporated to align each stackable electronic display
`panel.
`
`1
`
`\
`
`4
`
`5
`
`Samsung Exhibit 1023
`Samsung Elecs. Co., Ltd. v. Ultravision Techns., LLC
`IPR2020-01176
`Page 00001
`
`

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`IPR2020-01176 Page 00029
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 4, 2007 Sheet 29 of 34
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`IPR2020-01176 Page 00031
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`IPR2020-01176 Page 00032
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 4, 2007 Sheet 32 of 34
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`IPR2020-01176 Page 00033
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 4, 2007 Sheet 33 of 34
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`IPR2020-01176 Page 00034
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 4, 2007 Sheet 34 of 34
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`IPR2020-01176 Page 00035
`
`

`

`US 2007/0000849 Al
`
`Jan. 4, 2007
`
`1
`
`MODULAR DISPLAY SYSTEM
`
`CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This patent application is related to patent appli(cid:173)
`cation Ser. No. 10/688,304 entitled "Electronic Display
`Module Having a Four-Point Latching System for Incorpo(cid:173)
`ration into an Electronic Sign and Process", filed on Oct. 17,
`2003, pending. This patent application claims priority from
`the earlier filed U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/647,268
`filed Jan. 25, 2005, entitled "Electronic Sign". The prior
`applications are hereby incorporated into this application by
`reference as if fully set forth herein.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0003] The present invention relates to electronic sign
`displays, but more specifically pertains to a modular display
`system which favors portability by having a plurality of
`stackable electronic display panels incorporated as modules
`which are mutually and removably attached or secured to
`one another and to mounting structures for the support
`thereof.
`
`[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
`
`[0005] Prior art electronic sign displays can be of gigantic
`proportion and are fashioned utilizing large and heavy
`structure which requires heavy handling and positioning
`devices for installation. Ordinarily, the use of such equip(cid:173)
`ment is not a concern where such electronic sign displays are
`installed on a one-time permanent basis in a concert hall,
`auditorium or at a stage setting. Entertainment venues of
`many sizes and varieties often require electronic sign dis(cid:173)
`plays in cooperation with entertainers, rock and roll perfor(cid:173)
`mances, keynote speakers, bands, orchestras and the like
`where installation of such electronic sign displays is expen(cid:173)
`sive and often cumbersome. Often the size or shape of
`electronic sign displays is another factor in that sometimes
`electronic sign displays are incompatible with doorways,
`halls and other structural and available space aspects of
`smaller or older entertainment venues. What is needed is an
`electronic sign display system which can be handled and
`simply erected by one person and which is of a suitable size
`and weight where accommodation and installation of the
`electronic sign display system in almost any size entertain(cid:173)
`ment area, especially those having difficult access, is readily
`accomplished. Such a display system is provided by the
`present invention.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0006] The general purpose of the present invention is to
`provide a modular display system including stackable elec(cid:173)
`tronic display panels and mounting structure which is easily
`transported and erected. The modular display system, the
`present invention, includes a plurality of stackable electronic
`display panels each removably attached with one or more
`adjacent stackable electronic display panels to form a dis(cid:173)
`play. Each individual stackable electronic display panel is
`constructed of a connector framework and a light emitting
`diode (LED) display module attached thereto by a mutually
`engaging centrally located LED display module latching
`system. Each connector framework includes and utilizes
`
`connector plates at the top of the connector framework, front
`connector plate receptors at the bottom of the connector
`framework having spring-loaded slide pins in alignment
`thereto, rear connector plate receptors in rear connector
`assemblies including spring-loaded slide pins and slide pin
`housings aligned thereto at the bottom and rear of the
`connector framework, side latch assemblies, side latch
`keeper assemblies each having an adjustment cam, a plu(cid:173)
`rality of spring-loaded ball detents and detent receptors, and
`other components for removable attachment, alignment and
`juxtaposition of adjacent stackable electronic display panels.
`Vertically stacked stackable electronic display panels are
`attached utilizing the plurality of connector plates along the
`top of the connector framework in intimate contact and
`engagement with the front connector plate receptors, the rear
`connector plate receptors, and the associated spring-loaded
`slide pins, respectively, at the bottom of another vertically
`situated overhead stackable electronic display panel. Hori(cid:173)
`zontally situated stackable electronic display panels are
`connected using side latch assemblies and side latch keeper
`assemblies having adjustment cams where a latch of each
`side latch assembly of one stackable electronic display panel
`engages the adjustable cam of each of the side latch keeper
`assemblies of an adjacent stackable electronic display panel.
`Arrays of stackable electronic display panels of various
`configurations can be assembled where attachment occurs
`both along the horizontal and vertical aspects of the stack(cid:173)
`able electronic display panels as just described. Each stack(cid:173)
`able electronic display panel can be suitably sized for
`handling by an individual where, for purposes of illustration
`and example, each stackable electronic display panel could
`measure 20 inches long by 20 inches wide. Provision is also
`made for adjustment of each stackable electronic display
`panel with respect to each other along more than one axis for
`best alignment of each of the connector frameworks to each
`other in order to seamlessly position the LED display
`modules.
`
`[0007] According to an embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion, there is provided a modular display system wherein a
`plurality of suitably sized individual stackable electronic
`display panels can be juxtaposingly stacked or aligned
`vertically or can be juxtaposingly placed or aligned side by
`side horizontally or can be juxtaposingly aligned and placed
`both vertically and horizontally and mutually secured at
`locations on or near the mutual horizontal sides or vertical
`sides of the stackable electronic display panels. Rearwardly
`located connector plate receptors and forwardly located
`connector plate receptors of an upper stackable electronic
`display panel are removably attachable to connector plates
`of a lower stackable electronic display panel and side latches
`of one stackable electronic display panel engage adjustable
`cams of side latch keeper assemblies of a horizontally
`adjacent stackable electronic display panel the combination
`of which offers stable and sturdy connectibility for a vast
`arrangement of stackable electronic display panels in a
`modular display system.
`
`[0008] One significant aspect and feature of the present
`invention is the provision of a modular display system
`including stackable electronic display panels and mounting
`structure for suspension, floor mounting, or ground mount(cid:173)
`ing.
`
`[0009] Another significant aspect and feature of the
`present invention is a modular display system which is
`
`IPR2020-01176 Page 00036
`
`

`

`US 2007/0000849 Al
`
`Jan. 4, 2007
`
`2
`
`comprised of individual stackable connectible electronic
`display panels which connect physically and electronically.
`
`[0010] Still another significant aspect and feature of the
`present invention is the provision of individual stackable
`electronic display panels which are lightweight and of a
`suitable size for handling and assembly by an individual.
`
`[0011] Yet another significant aspect and feature of the
`present invention is the provision of connector plates of a
`first stackable electronic display panel which connect to
`forwardly located connector plate receptors and to rear(cid:173)
`wardly located connector plate receptors of a second stack(cid:173)
`able electronic display panel vertically situated thereabove.
`
`[0012] A further significant aspect and feature of the
`present invention is the provision of precisely constructed
`but adjustable planar panels or components adjustable for
`use along a plane to provide for overall unwavering flat and
`planar alignment and spacing of LED panels of LED display
`modules.
`
`[0013] A further significant aspect and feature of the
`present invention is the provision of alignment structure
`incorporated between stackable electronic display panels.
`
`[0014] A still further significant aspect and feature of the
`present invention is the use of spring-loaded slide pins to
`engage and secure connector plates within connector plate
`receptors.
`
`[0015] Still another significant aspect and feature of the
`present invention is the use of latches in one side panel of a
`connector framework to engage adjustable cams in a side
`panel of an adjacent connector framework to secure con(cid:173)
`nector frameworks side by side.
`
`[0016] Still another significant aspect and feature of the
`present invention is the use of latches in one side panel of a
`connector framework to engage adjustable cams in a side
`panel of an adjacent connector framework to provide for
`vertical adjustability of adjacent connector frameworks with
`respect to each other vertically along the "Y" axis.
`
`[0017] Still another significant aspect and feature of the
`present invention is the use of a thumbwheel arrangement to
`provide for adjustable forward or rearward pivoting of
`connector frameworks about the "X" axis.
`
`[0018] Still another significant aspect and feature of the
`present invention is the use of guide structure for alignment
`of adjustment tools or actuator tools with side latch assem(cid:173)
`blies and with side latch keeper assemblies.
`
`[0019] Still another significant aspect and feature of the
`present invention is the incorporation of sealing and other
`features to eliminate EMI ( electromagnetic interference).
`[0020] Still another significant aspect and feature of the
`present invention is the use of slots in a handle/cable
`management bracket for use in cable management.
`[0021] Having thus briefly described an embodiment of
`the present invention and having mentioned some significant
`aspects and features of the present invention, it is the
`principal object of the present invention to provide a modu(cid:173)
`lar display system and mounting structure.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[0022] Other objects of the present invention and many of
`the attendant advantages of the present invention will be
`
`readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood
`by reference to the following detailed description when
`considered in connection with the accompanying drawings,
`in which like reference numerals designate like parts
`throughout the figures thereof and wherein:
`
`[0023] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a modular display system,
`the present invention, including a plurality of stackable
`electronic display panels, one form of mounting structure, a
`computer controller, a video processor, a data distributor,
`and a remote transportable power rack;
`
`[0024] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a screen composed
`of four stackable electronic display panels;
`
`[0025] FIG. 3 is an exploded rear view of a stackable
`electronic display panel;
`
`[0026] FIG. 4 is an exploded front view of a stackable
`electronic display panel;
`
`[0027] FIG. 5 is an exploded left rear view of a connector
`framework;
`
`[0028] FIG. 6 is an assembled left rear view of a connector
`framework;
`
`[0029] FIG. 7 is an assembled right rear view of a con(cid:173)
`nector framework;
`
`[0030] FIG. 8 is an exploded left isometric view showing
`the junction of a side panel and a bottom channel of a
`connector framework and the relationship of components
`attached thereto;
`
`[0031] FIG. 9 is an exploded right isometric view showing
`the junction of a side panel and a bottom channel of a
`connector framework and the relationship of components
`attached thereto;
`
`[0032] FIG. 10 is a right isometric view of a portion of a
`connector framework showing a side latch assembly aligned
`in and secured within a segmented compartment thereof;
`
`[0033] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a side latch keeper
`assembly;
`
`[0034] FIG. 12 is a side view of a side latch keeper
`assembly;
`
`[0035] FIG. 13 is a left isometric view showing the
`junction of a side panel and a top channel of a connector
`framework and the relationship of components attached
`thereto;
`
`[0036] FIG. 14 is a rear view of a stackable electronic
`display panel showing the connector framework thereof in
`alignment with and ready to be received by and secured to
`the LED display module thereof;
`
`[0037] FIG. 15 is a rear view of an assembled stackable
`electronic display panel showing the aligned and secure
`mating of the connector framework thereof to the LED
`display module thereof by the use of the LED display
`module latch system;
`
`[0038] FIG. 16 is a rear view showing the upper portion of
`the connector framework of a first stackable electronic
`display panel aligned with the lower portion of the connector
`framework of an overhead second stackable electronic dis(cid:173)
`play panel;
`
`IPR2020-01176 Page 00037
`
`

`

`US 2007/0000849 Al
`
`Jan. 4, 2007
`
`3
`
`[0039] FIG. 17 illustrates the mating of the upper portion
`of the connector framework of a first stackable electronic
`display panel with the lower portion of the connector
`framework of an overhead second stackable electronic dis(cid:173)
`play panel and the alignment of the first stackable electronic
`display panel with an adjacent third stackable electronic
`display panel located at one side of the first stackable
`electronic display panel;
`
`[0040] FIG. 18 illustrates beveled surfaces included in the
`geometrical configuration of the upper portion of the con(cid:173)
`nector framework of a first stackable electronic display
`panel in distanced alignment with beveled surfaces included
`in the geometrical configuration of the lower portion of the
`connector framework of an overhead second stackable elec(cid:173)
`tronic display panel;
`
`[0041] FIG. 19 is a view like FIG. 18 but illustrating the
`upper portion of the connector framework of the first stack(cid:173)
`able electronic display panel in close alignment with the
`lower portion of the connector framework of the overhead
`second stackable electronic display panel;
`
`[0042] FIG. 20 is a rear view of a screen incorporating a
`plurality of stackable electronic display panels;
`
`[0043] FIG. 21 is an exploded view showing two stackable
`electronic display panels and mounting structure in the form
`of a suspension mount;
`
`[0044] FIG. 22 is an end view of a suspension mount
`showing the interconnect sleeve thereof aligned within the
`spreader beam thereof, and an attachment assembly thereof
`connected to the spreader beam;
`
`[0045] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of an attachment
`assembly;
`
`[0046] FIG. 24 is a fragmentary front view in partial cross
`section showing the capture of connector frameworks of
`adjacent stackable electronic display panels in attachment
`assemblies of a suspension mount;
`
`[0047] FIG. 25 is a bottom view of an attachment assem(cid:173)
`bly;
`
`[0048] FIG. 26 is an exploded isometric view showing a
`screen composed of four stackable electronic display panels
`and mounting structure in the form of a floor stand;
`
`[0049] FIG. 27 is an isometric view showing a plurality of
`connected connector frameworks associated with mounting
`structure in the form of a ground stand;
`
`[0050] FIG. 28 is an exploded isometric view of the items
`shown in FIG. 27;
`
`[0051] FIG. 29 is a partially exploded view of a longitu(cid:173)
`dinal support assembly;
`
`[0052] FIG. 30 is an isometric view of connected connec(cid:173)
`tor frameworks and a ground stand incorporating the fea(cid:173)
`tures of the ground stand of FIG. 27 and including additional
`structure for support of a large number of stackable elec(cid:173)
`tronic display panels of which only the connector frame(cid:173)
`works thereof are shown;
`
`[0053] FIG. 31 is a plan view of one layout option of a
`modular display system in which a single screen composed
`of ninety-six stackable electronic display panels is utilized;
`
`[0054] FIG. 32 is a plan view of another layout option of
`a modular display system involving two screens each com(cid:173)
`posed of forty-eight stackable electronic display panels, the
`two screens being controlled by individual computer con(cid:173)
`trollers;
`
`[0055] FIG. 33 is a plan view of yet another layout option
`of a modular display system wherein four screens each
`composed of twenty-four stackable electronic display panels
`are provided, each screen being operated by a separate
`computer controller; and,
`
`[0056] FIG. 34 is a plan view of still another layout option
`of a modular display system involving four screens each
`composed of twenty-four stackable electronic display pan(cid:173)
`els, all four screens in this example being controlled by a
`common computer controller.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`[0057] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a modular display system
`1, the present invention, including a plurality of stackable
`electronic display panels 2a-2n which are modular in design
`and which are shown separated, mounting structure in the
`form of a plurality of suspension mounts 3a-3n which are
`shown separated, a computer controller 4, a video processor
`5, a data distributor 6, and a remote transportable power rack
`7. Also included are a fiberoptic cable 8 between the video
`processor 5 and the data distributor 6, Cat-5 cables 9 from
`the data distributor 6 connecting the stackable electronic
`display panels 2a-2n, and power cables 10 between the
`remote transportable power rack 7 and the stackable elec(cid:173)
`tronic display panels 2a-2n. The stackable electronic display
`panels 2a-2n when in intimate contact and intimate connec(cid:173)
`tion form a screen, an example of which is shown as screen
`12 in FIG. 2.
`
`[0058] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a screen 12 com(cid:173)
`posed of a plurality of stackable electronic display panels
`2a-2n, the stackable electronic display panels 2b and 2c
`being shown stacked on top of the stackable electronic
`display panels 2a and 2n. The term stackable refers to
`placement of stackable electronic display panels 2a-2n in
`vertical as well as horizontal juxtaposition for the purpose of
`mutual connection therebetween along both the vertical and
`horizontal aspects to provide for a suitably sized, shaped,
`and aligned viewable sign. The stackable electronic display
`panels 2a-2n are suitably and mutually secured by connector
`assemblies and other latching structure, as later described in
`detail. Although the stackable electronic display panels
`2a-2n are illustrated forming a square, other arrangements
`can be utilized. One such arrangement could be just a row
`of stackable electronic display panels 2a-2n. Another could
`be a column of stackable electronic display panels 2a-2n.
`Another could be an arrangement of stackable electronic
`display panels 2a-2n in a rectangle. Still other arrangements
`could be portions of rows or colunms of stackable electronic
`display panels 2a-2n in combination or incorporated to fit
`available space.
`
`[0059] FIG. 3 is an exploded rear view and FIG. 4 is an
`exploded front view of a stackable electronic display panel,
`each figure showing a one-piece connector framework 14
`and, in alignment therewith, an LED (light emitting diode)
`display module 16. The LED display module 16 includes a
`configured support panel 18 having forwardly located com-
`
`IPR2020-01176 Page 00038
`
`

`

`US 2007/0000849 Al
`
`Jan. 4, 2007
`
`4
`
`ponents including a rear enclosure panel 20 having an
`anti-EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) coating on the
`inner and/or outer surfaces or other suitable combinations
`thereof, a handle 21, a lower LED display assembly 22, and
`an upper LED display assembly 24, the lower LED display
`assembly 22 and the upper LED display assembly 24 being
`composed of like components. The upper LED display
`assembly 24 is shown in exploded form and the lower LED
`display assembly 22 is shown in assembled form. Numerous
`components are located forward of the support panel 18, as
`now described. Cables 26 (FIG. 3) are incorporated to
`electrically connect the lower LED display assembly 22 and
`the upper LED display assembly 24. One or more circuit
`boards, such as circuit board 28 (FIG. 3) are included in the
`lower and upper LED display assemblies 22 and 24 of the
`LED display module 16. The upper LED display assembly
`24 and the lower LED display assembly 22 each includes, in
`aligmnent, an EMI shield gasket 30, a configured rectangu(cid:173)
`lar-shaped frame 32 which receives the EMI shield gasket 30
`about the periphery thereof and which includes a weather
`seal gasket 34 also about the periphery thereof and a
`continuous anti-EMI coated edge 36, an anti-EMI tape 38,
`an LED panel 40, and a louver panel 42 having a continuous
`weather seal about the outer periphery thereof. A plate 44 is
`used to physically connect the lower LED display assembly
`22 and the upper LED display assembly 24. An anti-EMI
`gasket 46 a