Digital metering device with light-guide optics

Abstract

Considerable success has been achieved at present in the application of light-guide fibers in the field of science and technology. The application of light-guide fibers is particularly promising in information-measuring and computer techniques. One of the basic requirements specified for computing systems with digital metering consists of the case of reading the results of computations and measurements. In this respect, the most promising digital metering devices reproduce their computed (measured) results directly in the form of a group of figures displayed "in line" on a luminous panel [1]. Existing digital metering mechanisms with a linear display are made in the form of mechanical or electrooptical devices (stroboscopic, projection, multielement with incandescent and neon lamps, luminescent and mosaic devices, as well as devices with transparent plates illuminated at their ends, figure-indicating lamps, etc.). These devices have such drawbacks as complicated structures, utilization of moving elements, insufficient brightness, or reproduction of figures with generally accepted configurations, the necessity of using auxiliary decoding circuits, limited angular vision in obtaining readings, cumbersome construction, large size, etc. [2,8]. The digital display device made from light-guide fibers uses a simple code, does not require decoding circuits, and provides figures with a generally accepted outline and the possibility of reading them rapidly and conveniently at considerable distances within a wide angle of vision. The figures have an adequate definition and brightness, and the device is economical to run and has a long life. The principle of operation of a digital display device made from light-guide fibers is illustrated in the figure. Digits of a given order from 0 to 9 are located in a rectangle of width B and height H, so that the outtine of each of them is reproduced by luminous lines which consist of the ends of illuminated fibers placed in a strictly de