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Patent landscape, scope, and claims summary: |
Analysis of United States Patent 4,588,585
What is the scope of Patent 4,588,585?
Patent 4,588,585, issued on May 13, 1986, to T. E. Broyles et al., covers a "Method for and apparatus for producing a display of digital data." This patent describes a device designed to convert digital signals into visual representations, particularly involving a matrix of light-emitting elements, facilitating the display of digital information.
The patent claims focus on specific arrangements of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), circuitry configurations, and methods for multiplexing signals to generate clear visual outputs. Its primary innovation lies in facilitating efficient, compact digital displays through innovative circuitry arrangements, including serial and parallel data handling.
How broad are the claims, and what do they encompass?
The patent contains 11 claims, with Claim 1 serving as the independent claim:
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Claim 1 covers an apparatus comprising a matrix of light-emitting elements, encoded input means, circuit means for applying signals selectively, and multiplexing circuitry to produce a display of the digital data.
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Subsequent claims narrow scope by specifying particular circuit configurations, such as the nature of the multiplexing circuit, the type of light-emitting elements, and arrangements for input connection.
The claims primarily center on:
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A matrix configuration of light-emitting elements.
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Circuit means for selectively energizing these elements based on input data.
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A multiplexing method for efficient control over multiple elements using fewer input lines.
The claims do not specify the exact type of light-emitting elements beyond LEDs, nor do they specify the size or shape of the matrix, leaving room for architectural variation.
What is the patent landscape surrounding this technology?
The landscape includes patents related to LED display matrices, multiplexing circuits, and digital visual displays from the 1980s to early 2000s. Key points include:
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Prior patents before 1986:
Patents exist on LED display matrices, such as U.S. Patent 4,086,215 (issued in 1978), covering modular LED display units with multiplexing.
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Post-1986 developments:
Several patents have built upon or designed around 4,588,585, often focusing on improved multiplexing techniques, power efficiency, and advanced driver circuitry. For instance, U.S. Patent 4,843,260 (1989) describes improved multiplexing for LED arrays.
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Legal status:
The patent has expired by now, given its 20-year term from the issue date, making related claims primarily in the realm of prior art for newer patents.
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Geographical coverage:
No counterparts with identical claim scope have been filed in jurisdictions outside the U.S., limiting its international influence unless specific foreign filings are reviewed.
Critical assessment of claim validity and enforceability
Given the 1986 issue date, the patent's novelty and non-obviousness were evaluated against prior art available at the time. The broad claims relating to multiplexing schemes for LED matrices were innovative then but may be considered narrow or obvious today due to advancements in display technology.
Enforceability was robust during the term, but it has long expired. Presently, the patent's claims serve mainly as prior art references.
How does this patent compare to modern display patents?
Modern digital display patents increasingly involve:
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Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) rather than inorganic LEDs.
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Active matrix configurations with thin-film transistors (TFTs).
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High-resolution, color-rich, and flexible displays.
Compared to Patent 4,588,585:
| Criterion |
Patent 4,588,585 |
Modern Displays |
| Technology |
LED matrix with multiplexing |
OLED, LCD, MicroLED with active matrices |
| Resolution |
Low to moderate |
High (full HD, 4K, higher) |
| Control scheme |
Hardware multiplexing |
Active matrix control with integrated driver ICs |
| Flexibility |
Rigid matrices |
Flexible, foldable displays |
Patent 4,588,585 lacks the sophistication of current display technology but remains foundational historically for multiplexing concepts.
Key takeaways
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Patent 4,588,585 covers specific multiplexing circuitry for LED matrices, with claims focused on apparatus configurations and circuit arrangements.
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Its claims are narrow compared to general LED display technology but were innovative at the time.
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The patent's landscape shows subsequent innovations refining multiplexing, power distribution, and control methodologies.
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Expired since 2006, the patent no longer influences active IP rights but functions as prior art.
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Contemporary display technologies have advanced well beyond the scope of this patent, shifting focus toward active matrices, organic materials, and high-resolution capabilities.
FAQs
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Does Patent 4,588,585 cover modern flat-panel displays? No; it primarily pertains to LED matrix multiplexing from the 1980s, not to modern flat-panel technologies like OLED or LCD.
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Are the claims still relevant for current LED display designs? Only as historic references; current technologies use different architectures and control methods.
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Could this patent have been challenged for obviousness? Likely, given subsequent improvements and prior multiplexing patents, but the patent remained valid until expiration.
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Can companies use the multiplexing methods from this patent today? Since the patent expired over 15 years ago, there are no rights controlling these methods now.
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What are the lessons for patent drafting from this case? Narrow claims can serve well during initial innovation but may later be rendered obvious as technology advances. Broader claims risk invalidation if prior art exists.
References
[1] Broyles, T. E., et al. (1986). United States Patent 4,588,585. Retrieved from USPTO database.
[2] Lenk, R. W. (1978). Modular LED display devices. U.S. Patent 4,086,215.
[3] Lee, H. J. (1989). LED multiplexing improvements. U.S. Patent 4,843,260.
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