Fiber optic display system with enhanced light efficiency

摘要

A fiber optic display sign has an optical system with enhanced light efficiency so that the display system is suitable for outdoor use. A number of fiber optics have light receiving ends arranged in a compact bundle for receiving an image from an image generator, the fiber optics coupling the image to the output ends thereof for display. An array of lenses is positioned adjacent the output ends of the fiber optics for directing or aiming the light from the fiber optics to control the viewing angle of the image displayed. The array of lenses may be fixed with respect to the output ends of the fiber optics or the lens array may be movable with respect thereto so as to vary the viewing angle. The image generator employs a light source formed of a densely packed array of white light emitting diodes to provide enhanced brightness. The image generator includes a number of image bearing transparencies mounted on a movable support that is controlled to position a selected transparency between the light source and the light receiving ends of the fiber optics for display. The viewing angle and/or the image displayed is automatically controlled and/or remotely controlled.