EP1004110B1 - Device for displaying alphanumeric characters and symbols - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for displaying alphanumeric characters and/or symbols, with a rotationally symmetric housing (19) of a transparent and/or light transparent material; the housing (19) containing an electric motor (2) with a motor shaft (20) which revolves around a symmetrical axis (21); a carrier (5) which is rotationally fixed to the motor shaft (20) and on which is/are attached at least one row of light-emitting diodes or groups of light-emitting diodes (6) that are substantially perpendicular to the motor shaft (20); and a circuit board (4) with a control circuit for the light-emitting diodes (6). To improve control of the display device and the LED's and to create a technically simple series production, the display device also has an opto-electronic measuring device (15) made of a transmitter and receiver, to measure the rotating speed of the carrier (5) for synchronising control of the light-emitting diodes (6) with the rotating speed of the carrier (5), the transmitter and receiver of which are fixed to a rotating structural part of the device on the one hand to a stationary structural part of the device on the other hand, opposite and at a short distance apart. With the use of software the signal picked up by the receiver can be converted into a clear square-wave signal, free from external interference so that the LED-control can be synchronised with the exactly or almost exactly measured rotating speed of the carrier (5). The device according to the invention also contains a mechanical balancing element (7, 8) opposite the carrier (5) in relation to the symmetrical axis (21), wherein the balancing element (7, 8) is a rod (7) of any cross-section, the operating length of which can be shortened, the rod being raised into a substantially horizontal position during operating.

Description

The invention relates to a device for displaying alpha-numerical Signs and symbols according to the generic term of Protection claim 1.

Devices of the type mentioned above are in the literature described in many ways and also used in practice been. Such devices are, for example, displays in of different sizes with a matrix in rows and columns arranged light emitting diodes (LED's).

Such a device is, for example, in practice in Form of a spherical LED display known, in which in the Inside of the sphere, generally of the rotationally symmetrical housing, made of acrylic glass or the like translucent material one or more rows of light-emitting diodes arranged vertically are on an appropriately trained carrier. The Carrier rotates at high speeds using an electric motor from, for example, 2000 rpm to 3000 rpm, whereby the one or more preferably parallel to the axis of rotation of the Electric motor-aligned LED row (s) also rotates or turn. With a suitable software-supported control the LED's become a still picture for the viewer or a standing or in the manner of a ticker moving, readable character and / or image sequence on the housing surface projected from an angular range of more than 270 ° is recognizable.

Another display device of the generic type is in international patent application PCT / RO95 / 00013 published as WO-A-9611462. There is a row of LEDs or LED groups in one appropriately trained carrier arranged vertically with a constant angular velocity of more than 1200 rpm rotates around the vertical axis of a drive motor. The Block diagram includes a sequence generator for generation the code sequences for the character and image sequences and a Synchronization circuit for detecting the angular position of the rotating LED carrier, from which the rotational speed of the LED carrier is determined and regulated.

To make it easy for the viewer to read on the surface of the case to generate projected character and / or image sequence is the correct control of the LEDs and the quiet, low-vibration Rotation of the LED carrier is vital.

A first object of the invention is therefore a device of the type mentioned with an improved control to create the display device and the LED's.

The usually for the display devices mentioned above translucent balls used generally have a only relatively small opening for the installation of the display technology or display arrangement with LEDs. It is also used for stabilization a counterweight to the or during the rotational movement the LED rows. Due to this, the assembly bumps such devices for significant technical difficulties, that do not allow series production.

A second object of the invention is therefore a device to improve the type mentioned in such a way that technically simple and series production is possible.

These tasks are characterized by the features of claim 1 and 3 solved. Advantageous refinements and developments of Invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The inventive measures according to claim 1 an exact measurement of the speed of rotation of the drive motor or the rotating LED arrangement, due to which the LED control with the speed of rotation of the LED arrangement is synchronized. Interfering external influences, such as incident light rays, by means of a suitable software for optoelectronic rotation speed measurement are largely filtered out. The one with the coupled extremely accurate detection of the rotational speed optimal synchronization of the LED control is clear for one readable and flicker-free character and / or image sequence indispensable.

Due to the features of the invention according to claim 3 A number of other advantages achieved. By using it a counterweight for the LED carrier made of a flexible Spring steel or a material with comparable properties or in a foldable connection in the extension of the electronics board can the completely pre-assembled arrangement Electric motor, LED series or LED series, electronic board and Counterweight through a relatively small opening in the Ball made of translucent material easily and without Special tools are introduced. With the rotation of the Arrangement by the electric motor turns the spring steel rod horizontal due to the centrifugal force and thus serves as a stabilization of the entire arrangement in operation.

In a further development of the invention, the device is for the purpose the data transmission for control and programming with a PC interface and / or an infrared interface fitted. The infrared interface enables input a desired character and / or image sequence using a Remote control.

Fig. 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel der Vorrichtung in ihrem Prinzip-Aufbau im Schnitt entlang der Drehachse der Anordnung;

Fig. 2

eine Variante der Meßeinrichtung der Vorrichtung von Fig. 1 im vereinfachten Prinzip-Aufbau;

Fig. 3

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der Vorrichtung in ihrem Prinzip-Aufbau im Schnitt entlang der Drehachse der Anordnung, mit einer getrennt dargestellten Kugel und einer strich-punktiert angedeuteten Kugel; und

Fig. 4a bis 4h

insgesamt acht vereinfachte Darstellungen für die Montage der Vorrichtung von Fig. 3.

The present invention is described below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments with the aid of the drawing.
Show it:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of the device in its basic structure in section along the axis of rotation of the arrangement;

Fig. 2

a variant of the measuring device of the device of Figure 1 in a simplified principle structure.

Fig. 3

a second embodiment of the device in its basic structure in section along the axis of rotation of the arrangement, with a separately shown ball and a dash-dotted ball; and

4a to 4h

a total of eight simplified representations for the assembly of the device of FIG. 3.

1 is a first preferred embodiment of the Device according to the invention in section along the axis of symmetry 21 of the arrangement shown. On a base, stand 1 or the like set-up or support device is a Electric motor 2 mounted for an engine speed of about Is designed from 2000 to 3000 rpm. As an electric motor 2 can preferably a synchronous motor can be used.

On the drive shaft 20 of the electric motor 2 is a coupling piece 3 attached. On this coupling piece 3 or on the driven side the coupling piece 3 is in turn a circuit board 4 mounted at an angle of about 90 ° to the axis of rotation the drive shaft 20, which here is also the axis of symmetry 21 of the housing is oriented. The circuit board 4 contains the complete electronic circuits for the Control of the device, in particular a control of the LEDs or LED groups 6 via regulated constant current sources, a non-volatile storage of the alpha-numeric characters and / or pictograms and a character generator for implementation the character and / or image sequence into the corresponding one LED control.

The electronic circuit board 4 also serves as mechanical holder for a in a preferred manner perpendicular to the circuit board 4, i.e. roughly parallel to Axis of symmetry 21, arranged carrier 5. On the carrier 5 is at least one preferably vertical row from radially to externally directed LEDs or LED groups 6 attached.

The LEDs 6 on the carrier 5 are colored light-emitting diodes which can be predetermined color order. Both LEDs can be used in constantly changing colors and LEDs from same color can be used. The choice of color essentially depends from the planned ad. Furthermore, the application of course not on the one used in this embodiment only one LED row of sixteen LED's 6 limited. The Depending on the application, the row can have more or fewer LEDs exhibit.

The control on the circuit board 4 ensures accordingly a stored specification (program, computer program) for a predetermined lighting of the desired one LEDs 6. In general, the font (bold, italic, etc.) and the running speed of the character and / or image sequence fixed, and the user can only and / or select and enter image sequence. With a flexible Programming tool can of course also do that Font, the running speed or other parameters of the Character and / or image sequence to be displayed freely selected by the user become.

Due to the high speed on the drive shaft 20 of the electric motor 2 of about 3000 rpm is for the viewer of the display device a "standing" picture with a frame rate generated by about 50 Hz. This picture can be according to the given and programmed memory content a standing or moving typeface from alpha-numeric characters or also be a picture. Combinations are of course also such Characters possible.

In order to allow a larger reading angle for the viewer, the LED heads 6 can be beveled, the beveling preferably takes place in the vertical. You can also alternatively, SMD LEDs 6 can also be applied.

On the side of the circuit board opposite the LED carrier 5 4 is a flexible (elastically flexible) spring steel rod 7 attached. At the free end of this steel rod 7 is optionally a weight 8, which is very advantageously on the spring steel rod 7 in the longitudinal direction can be moved and locked in any position. This is an optimal and the structural as well as the operating conditions adjusted weight balance possible.

Instead of the spring steel rod 7 is also a rod from another Material with comparable properties can be used. Further it is conceivable, a simple instead of the spring steel rod 7 or rod that can be folded down or decayed several times or to choose a telescopic rod, which is due to the centrifugal force automatically flips up to its operating length when rotating or extends.

When the arrangement begins to rotate about the axis of rotation 21 the spring steel rod 7 or the equivalent rod element due to the increasing centrifugal force up to the horizontal Position and forms a stabilization in the operating state and a weight balance of the device. That at the end of the Spring steel rod 7 attached counterweight 8 compensates for this Weight of the LED arrangement 5, 6. The entire device thereby achieves a safe stand without it special, additional fastenings required.

The use of a bendable, foldable or telescopic Compensation element 7 instead of a rigid mechanical compensation body has the advantage of easier assembly, in particular when assembling the complete device in housing with small receiving opening, as shown below with the second Embodiment will be explained in more detail in Fig. 4.

The electrical connections 9 of the electronic circuit board 4, in this embodiment two contacts Power supply and two contacts for data transmission by an implementation (not shown) by the Base 1 and the electric motor 2 to high-quality sliding contacts 24 fed to the rotating coupling piece 3. The sliding contacts 24 run on the entire circumference of the coupling piece 3 and are for example and preferably made of gold.

The two contacts for power supply are via a supply cable 10 connected to the network, which is also the electric motor 2 supplies the necessary energy. The two contacts to Data transmission is with a PC interface 11 in the base 1 connected to the device. At this PC interface 11 is a computer 12 with a terminal that can be connected at the same time networked several display devices of the type described can be.

In addition to controlling the device via a computer 12 can alternatively also use the device described above a remote control 13 can be controlled. For this is located stationary on the block of the electric motor 2, an infrared sensor 14, whose connections for simplicity to the PC contacts are laid for data transmission. The infrared sensor 14 can now be either fixed on the resting base or foot 1 or one Part of the base 1 as well as moving on a rotating Part, such as on the carrier 5 or the circuit board 4 be mounted. When attaching the infrared sensor 14 on a rotating part, the advantage is achieved that from all directions with the remote control data on the so-called Bullet display can be transmitted.

The frequency range of data transmission with remote control 13 is in principle not limited to the infrared range but through the use of commercially available remote controls on.

Since the remote control 13 in contrast to the computer 12 usually does not have a screen or other display elements To check the data entered works in the case of Data transmission with remote control 13 the display device with its LED's 6 itself as a display for checking data entry.

The display device further includes a measuring device 15 for exact measurement of the rotation speed of the LED arrangement 6 about the axis of rotation 21. The measuring device 15, which is shown in FIG drawn out enlarged, consists of a optoelectronic sensor 16 and a reflector 17. The off Photosensor 16 constructed transmitter and receiver is on the bottom the rotating circuit board 4 attached. The Reflector 17 is at the same distance from the axis of rotation 21 Photosensor 16 opposite, for example on the engine block 2, fixed fixed.

Alternatively to this is according to Figure 2 instead of reflection an active transmitter in the form of a stationary transmitter diode 22 is provided, while the receiver 23 spaced opposite on the rotating carrier 5 or on the underside of the rotating Circuit board 4 is attached.

The position of the reflector 17 marks, for example Zero crossing of the rotation. The transmitter of the photosensor 16 emits continuously or at least with a very rapid pulse sequence, which is a much higher frequency than the rotation of the LED array 6 should have one facing down Beam of light 18a. Whenever there is a reflector 17 and photosensor 16 face, i.e. once per rotation of the assembly, the light beam 18a is reflected by the reflector 17, and the reflected light beam 18b is from the receiver of the photosensor 16 added.

The active transmitter 22 and the operate in an equivalent manner Receiver 23 together.

From the signals recorded during each rotation, suitable signals can be used Software the speed of rotation of the circuit board 4 and thus the LED arrangement 6 around the axis of symmetry 21 of the Order can be determined. Because a precisely regulated display speed for a clearly legible, flicker-free generated Character and / or image sequence is essential, if necessary the display frequency corrected accordingly become. Instead of correcting the display frequency it is a setpoint if the fluctuations are not too great Rotational speed of the electric motor 2 is also conceivable Control of the LEDs 6 the actual value of the speed of rotation adapt. Exact synchronization is crucial of rotation speed and control of the LEDs 6.

The arrangement of the photosensor 16 and the reflector 17 is not limited to the type described above, it just has to be guaranteed be that a component of the measuring device 15 one component rotating with the LED arrangement 6 and the other Component is attached stationary. Furthermore, the measuring device 15 be arranged so that as little distracting as possible External influences influence the measurement of the rotational speed can. For this purpose, the distance between Photosensor 16 and reflector 17 chosen as small as possible.

For an exact measurement of the speed of rotation and therefore one optimal synchronization even with disturbing external influences To ensure the display device is software equipped, which enables such interfering effects at the Filter out the measurement of the rotational speed.

When a reflective or active light beam is incident 18b are from the receiver of the photosensor 16 or from the receiver 23 successive current pulses within a period of time generated. The increase in current from zero to one Value one now generally does not happen by leaps and bounds, but rather for a certain period of time. At the end of a current pulse the waste then takes place within a further period of time of the current from the value one back to the value zero. Ideally, both the pulse duration and the rise and descent times of two successive pulses are the same.

From the time interval T between two successive ones Current pulses can be used to calculate the frequency of the rotation from f = 1 / T. It is basically synonymous whether the temporal Distance between two starting points of the maximum current value, between two starting points of the rising flanks or between any two other well-defined points is measured.

Due to disturbing external influences, especially the incidence of light on the reflector 17 or directly on the receiver of the photosensor 16 or the receiver 23, the received signal and thus the generated current pulse deviate from the usual course. For example, if the rising edge of the second Current pulse is disturbed, then the time intervals changed by two successive current pulses, though the rotational speed of the arrangement remained constant. The above described synchronization of rotation speed and LED control would even worsen in this case the image quality of the character and / or image sequence.

Suitable software for the display device is used generated by the receiver of the photosensor 16 or by the receiver 23 Current pulses converted into square wave signals, ideally have no rising and falling edges. This Pulse shape filters out external interference in the received signals, see above that always an exact measurement of the rotational speed over f = 1 / T takes place, where T is the time interval between two following pulse stands.

With the software used, disruptive external influences of any kind are filtered out, provided they are not too are strong, i.e. a common pulse sequence for example no longer show.

In addition, this software also allows, with an otherwise regular pulse sequence, possibly one-off pulses to pass over. So it is pretended that the fancy too Pulse would be present, so that a constant Rotational speed is measured.

The entire arrangement described above with components 2-9, 14-17 and 20 is usually packaged 19 mounted. The housing 19 is essentially a spherical, cylindrical or other rotationally symmetrical housing. The spherical body 19 consists of a translucent or transparent material, e.g. acrylic glass, plastic, Glass or the like. The preferred ball body 19 has a diameter of about 30 cm and has on the other hand a smaller receiving opening 25 through which the arrangement described above introduced into the spherical body 19 becomes.

The circuit board 4 can in principle also outside of Housing 19 may be attached. In this case, the electrical Controls via the electrical connections 9 fed directly to the LEDs. The arrangement of the circuit board 4 within the housing 19 is a preferred design because all elements are complete in the housing 19 and the LED display device so that it is an autonomous unit. Furthermore the housing 19 provides protection for the circuit board 4 against dirt and harmful environmental influences.

In Fig. 3 is a second embodiment of the invention Display device shown. The same elements are included with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment 1 and 2 provided.

The second exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3 differs above all from the first embodiment described above in the way of attaching circuit board 4 and compensating element 7, 8 and the arrangement of the electrical connections.

On the drive shaft 20 of the electric motor 2 there are two fastening elements 3a and 3b attached, which the coupling piece 3 replace the first embodiment of FIG. 1. To the first fastening element 3a is the spring steel rod 7 of the Compensating element mounted while on the second fastener 3b the circuit board 4 with the control of the Device is provided. The compensating element 7, 8 is in Principle like the compensating element 7, 8 described above Fig. 1 is built and is therefore not repeated at this point described in more detail.

At the opposite end of the fastener 3b Circuit board 4 is analogous to the first embodiment the carrier 5 for the LEDs 6 attached.

The electrical connections 9 of the circuit board 4 are through a bushing 26 through the base 1, the electric motor 2 and the drive shaft 20 to high-quality sliding contacts 27 supplied, which are for example and preferably made of gold. The Implementation 26 is firmly connected to the base 1 and not rotatable. The sliding contacts 27 are round rod-shaped at the top End of implementation 26 attached to the entire circumference. The Power is drawn via high-quality sliding contacts 28 made of gold on the fastening element 3b of the circuit board 4.

Because of the special construction of the device according to the invention the receiving opening 25 of the spherical body 19 only has to as large as the base 1 or the diameter of the electric motor Be 2.

The assembly of the device in the spherical body 19 is shown below explained with reference to Figures 4a to 4h. Important and from It is a great advantage that the elements are essentially one are preassembled modules that are now technical in their entirety is simply inserted into the ball. 4 is exemplary the second embodiment of the invention according to 3, the assembly of the on the basis of FIGS. 1 and 2 described first embodiment is of course done analogous.

4a shows the two basic elements spherical body 19 with a receiving opening 25 and completely pre-assembled assembly from electric motor 2, circuit board 4, carrier 5 with LEDs 6 and Compensation element 7, 8. The fully assembled and in the operating state located ball indicator shows Fig. 4h, here the Arrow 29 the direction of rotation of the drive shaft 20 and with it the Direction of rotation of the LED carrier 5 disclosed.

In the first assembly step according to FIG. 4b, the carrier 5 is attached the LEDs 6 obliquely through the receiving opening 25 of the spherical body 19 out. The spherical body 19 becomes something according to FIG. 4c rotated so that the receiving opening 25 is aligned horizontally is. In this position, the carrier 5 is completely in brought the spherical body 19 and the subsequent circuit board 4 so far into the receiving opening 25 until you Collar hits the side of the electric motor 2 or only one has a small side distance to the electric motor 2. Now the Ball body 19, as shown in FIGS. 4d to 4g, by continuous rotation of its receiving opening 25 over the entire standing assembly tilted.

Since the spring steel rod 7 or the one described above is equivalent Bar element with its weighted down by 8 End piece sags constantly and additionally continue to elastically bent into contact with the electric motor 2 can be, the relatively small diameter of the Receiving opening 25 from slipped over the entire assembly to become. After completely overturned spherical body 19 according to FIG. 4g, the spring steel rod 7 straightens up again or folds up again and engages.

Fig. 4g shows the fully assembled ball display in the idle state. When the LED display device is operating, the electric motor rotates 2, the drive shaft 20, which via the coupling piece 3 or Fasteners 3a and 3b with the circuit board 4, the LED carrier 5 and the spring steel rod 7 is rotatably connected. The carrier 5 begins to rotate in the spherical body 19. Because of The spring steel rod is aligned with the increasing centrifugal force 7 or the equivalent rod element in the spherical body 19 to the horizontal position and forms in the operating state stabilization and equilibrium the device. That attached to the end of the spring steel rod 7 Weight 8 compensates for the weight of the LED arrangement used 5, 6. The entire LED ball display thus reaches one secure stand without special, additional fastenings requirement.

As already stated above, the measuring device 15 designed as an optoelectronic measuring device. Instead of the optoelectronic measuring device can also be one with a Hall generator trained measuring device may be provided from a Hall sensor as a receiver and a permanent magnet exists as a transmitter. These components are close together on the stationary or rotating component of the device across from.

The Hall sensor must not pass through the stray electrical field of the Electric motor 2 are disturbed. That's why you become one accordingly use insensitive Hall sensor or / and the Position or turn the Hall sensor so that it comes out of the electrical Stray field of the electric motor 2 comes.

Reference list

1

Base, pedestal

2nd

Electric motor

3rd

Coupling piece

3ab

Fasteners

4th

Circuit board

5

(LED) carrier

6

LEDs

7

Spring steel rod

8th

Weight

9

electrical connections

10th

(Power) supply cable

11

PC interface

12th

computer

13

remote control

14

Infrared sensor

15

Measuring device

16

optoelectronic sensor

16a

Channel

16b

receiver

17th

reflector

18a

radiated light beam

18b

reflected light beam

19th

Housing / spherical body

20th

drive shaft

21

Axis of symmetry

22

transmitter diode

23

receiver

24th

Sliding contacts

25th

Receiving opening

26

execution

27

Sliding contacts

28

Sliding contacts

29

Arrow (direction of rotation)

Claims (31)

1. A device for displaying alphanumeric symbols and/or graphic symbols comprising a rotationally symmetrical housing (19) of a translucent and/or transparent material and having an axis of symmetry (21); an electric motor (2) placed within said housing (19) and comprising a drive shaft (20); a support (5) corotatingly connected to said drive shaft (20) and rotating about said axis of symmetry and provided with at least one row of light emitting diodes or light emitting diode groups (6) which are oriented substantially perpendicularly to said axis of symmetry (21); and a circuit board (4) comprising an actuating circuit for said light emitting diodes or said light emitting diode groups (6),
   characterised in that

   the rotating speed of said support (5) is detected by an electronic detection means (15) being constituted of a transmitting means and a receiving means,

   said transmitting means and said receiving means are arranged in opposite relationship one at a rotating element of said device and the other at a stationary element of said device and with a small distance therebetween, and

   the signal detected by said receiving means is convertable into a pure square wave signal being free of disturbing environmental influences by means of software so that a synchronisation of actuating said light emitting diodes (6) with the exactly or nearly exactly detected rotating speed of said support (5) is performed, wherein a mechanical compensating element (7, 8) is provided in opposite relationship to said support with reference to said axis of symmetry (21).
2. A device according to claim 1 characterised in that said compensating element (7, 8) is a bar (7) of any cross section having a reducible operational length and raising to a substantially horizontal position in the operating condition.
3. A device for displaying alphanumeric symbols and/or graphic symbols comprising a rotationally symmetrical housing (19) of a translucent and/or transparent material and having an axis of symmetry (21); an electric motor (2) placed within said housing (19) and comprising a drive shaft (20); a support (5) corotatingly connected to said drive shaft (20) and rotating about said axis of symmetry and provided with at least one row of light emitting diodes or light emitting diode groups (6) which are oriented substantially perpendicularly to said axis of symmetry (21); and a circuit board (4) comprising an actuating circuit for said light emitting diodes or said light emitting diode groups (6),
   characterised in that
   a mechanical compensating element (7, 8) is provided in opposite relationship to said support (5) with reference to said axis of symmetry (21), and said compensating element (7, 8) is a bar (7) of any cross section having a reducible operational length and raising to a substantially horizontal position in the operating condition.
4. A device according to claim 3 characterised in that an electronic detection means (15) being constituted of a transmitting means and a receiving means is provided for detecting the rotating speed of said support (5) for synchronisation of actuating said light emitting diodes (6) with said rotating speed of said support (5), wherein said transmitting means and said receiving means are arranged in opposite relationship one at a rotating element of said device and the other at a stationary element of said device and with a small distance therebetween, wherein the signal detected by said receiving means is convertable into a pure square wave signal being free of disturbing environmental influences by means of software so that the synchronisation of actuating said light emitting diodes with the exactly or nearly exactly detected rotating speed of said support (5) is performed.
5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that said detection means (15) is an optoelectronic detection means.
6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that said detection means (15) as a Hall generator is provided with a Hall sensor constituting said receiving means coacting with a permanent magnet constituting said transmitting means, wherein said Hall generator and said permanent magnet are arranged in opposite relationship one at a rotating element of said device and the other at a stationary element of said device and with a small distance therebetween.
7. A device according to claim 5 characterised in that said optoelectronic detection means (15) is constituted of an optoelectronic transmitter and receiver constituting a photo sensor (16) and a reflecting means (17), wherein said photo sensor (16) and said reflecting means (17) are arranged in opposite relationship one at a rotating element of said device and the other at a stationary element of said device and with a small distance therebetween.
8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that said transmitting means (22) and said receiving means (23) or said photo sensor (16) and said reflecting means (17) or said Hall sensor and said permanent magnet, respectively, are arranged in opposite relationship one at a motor side driving element and the other at a support side driven element and with a small distance therebetween.
9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that said transmitting means is a transmitter diode (22).
10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that said circuit board (4) is corotatingly connected to a coupling portion (3, 3b) or to a drive output side of a coupling portion (3, 3b).
11. A device according to claim 10 characterised in that said coupling portion (3, 3b) is provided with high-quality sliding contacts (24, 28) for electrical connection (9) of said circuit board (4) to power supply and data communication.
12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that a leadthrough (26) is fixed to a stand (1) of the driving unit serving for receiving of electrical wirings (9) through said electric motor (2) and said drive shaft (20).
13. A device according to claim 12 characterised in that said leadthrough (26) is provided at its upper round rod shaped end and along its whole periphery with sliding contacts (24) being in electrical contact with said electrical wirings (9).
14. A device according to claim 11 or 13 characterised in that at least the effective surface of said sliding contacts (24, 28) is made of gold or copper graphite.
15. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that said software is adapted to recognise and omit single failing signals out of an otherwise regular pulse train of signals as being failure signals.
16. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that for inputting alphanumeric symbols and/or graphic symbols there is provided at least one interface (11, 14) between an input medium and said device.
17. A device according to claim 16 characterised in that one interface is a computer interface (11) for connecting a computer (12) comprising optionally a terminal and a keyboard or a mouse.
18. A device according to claim 16 or 17 characterised in that one interface is an infrared sensor (14) for receiving infrared signals from a remote control device (13).
19. A device according to claim 18 characterised in that said device serves as control display for alphanumeric symbols and/or graphic symbols input by said remote control device (13).
20. A device according to claim 18 characterised in that said infrared sensor (14) is installed stationary within said housing (19).
21. A device according to claim 18 characterised in that said infrared sensor (14) is installed on one of said rotating elements (5, 4) of said device.
22. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that said electric motor (2) is provided with an additional winding for generating a low voltage for the electrical componentries.
23. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that said electric motor (2) is mounted on a base, stand, pedestal or something like that (1) supporting said essentially spherical, cylindrical or otherwise rotationally symmetrically shaped housing (19).
24. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the front surfaces of said light emitting diodes (6) are bevelled for achieving an improved greater reading angle.
25. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that said coupling portion (3) serves for mechanical fixing by fitting said rotating elements (4, 5) on said drive shaft (20).
26. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that said circuit board (4) serves as a mechanical holding means for said support (5) and said mechanical compensating element (7, 8) is fixed on an end portion of said circuit board extending over said drive shaft (20).
27. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 26 characterised in that said bar (7) of said compensating element (7, 8) is a spring steel bar or a bar made of a material having comparable properties.
28. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 26 characterised in that said bar (7) of said compensating element (7, 8) is a folding out or telescopic bar being lockable in the operating state.
29. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 28 characterised in that a weight (8) of predeterminable extent is disposed at or near the free end of the bar (7) which is optionally displaceable and lockable in the longitudinal direction of said bar (7).
30. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the assembly of electric motor (2), drive shaft (20), circuit board (4), light emitting diode support (5) and compensating element (7, 8) constitutes a complete and operative preassemblable unit which is as a whole insertable into said housing (19) through a receiving opening (25).
31. A device according to any one of claims 6 to 30 characterised in that said Hall sensor is insensitive to the electric leakage of said electric motor (2) due to its constitution and/or its positioning.

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