Display Apparatus

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a display apparatus and more particularly to a display apparatus adapted for use in a word-processor, a computer or the like.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The prior Art display apparatus used in a word-processor or the like displays white letters or white figures on a black background. The displayed white letters or white figures, when printed, are printed out in black letters or black figures on a white background (i.e. white paper). Such discord between white and black gives an operator an unnatural feeling.

Some programs have been proposed to eliminate the unnatural feeling to the the operator. Such programs reverse the colors between the background and figures of the image displayed on a display apparatus and thus make the displayed picture have black letters or black figures on a white background. However, such a solution uses a software program and therefore has disadvantages as (a) it necessitates making special software, (b) the software is very expensive, and (c) much loading time for software is necessary.

The present invention provides a display apparatus which has no such disadvantages.

It is an object of the invention to get a reversed picture which has negative colors of black and white as compared with colors of a normal picture, by an easy mechanical operation, without the necessity to make and load software.

Another object of the invention is to get a reversed picture which has complementary colors to colors of a normal picture and has negative relation of black and white to a normal picture.

A further object of the present invention is to get a reversed picture which has negative colors of black and white to a normal picture and has same colors except for black and white as a normal picture.

The display apparatus in accordance with the present invention can provide a reversed picture which has negative colors of black and white to a normal picture and of which ground color is variable.

The display apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises:

a signal source means for generating color signals,

an inverting circuit for changing said color signals responding with state of a switching means,

an output circuit for image signals for amplifying an output signal from said inverting circuit, and

a display device for displaying an output signal from said output circuit.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are block diagrams of the preferred embodiments of the display apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial block diagram of the display apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the block diagram illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are block diagrams of another embodiment of the display apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial block diagram of the display apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the block diagram illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the display apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial block diagram of the display apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of the block diagram illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a partial circuit diagram of another embodiment of the display apparatus of the present invention.

A first embodiment is described referring to a display apparatus which can yield a reversed picture which has negative colors of black and white to a normal picture and which has complementary colors to a normal picture.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the first embodiment of the display apparatus of the present invention is diagrammatically illustrated. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 designated a signal source, numeral 2 designates an inverting unit, numeral 3 designates an input circuit for image signal, numeral 4 designates an output circuit for image signal, numeral 5 designates a display device, and numeral 6 designates a switch for switching means.

In FIG. 1, an image signal from the signal source 1 is inverted by the inverting unit 2 if the switch 6 is open. This inverted signal is processed (e.g. amplified) at the input circuit 3 for the image signal and the output circuit 4 for the image signal. This output signal of the output circuit 4 is transduced into an image by the display device 5. The image signal from the signal source 1 is not inverted by the inverting unit 2 when the switch 6 is closed. This non-inverted signal, i.e., the normal signal is transduced into an image by the display device 5.

In FIG. 2, an image signal from the signal source 1 first is processed (e.g., amplified) by the input circuit 3. An output signal of the input circuit 3 is inverted by the inverting unit 2 when the switch 6 is opened. This inverted signal is transduced into an image by the display device 5 after being processed at the output circuit 4. The output signal of the input circuit 3 is not inverted at the inverting unit 2 when the switch 6 is closed. This non-inverted signal, i.e., normal signal is transduced into an image by the display device 5.

In FIG. 3, the inverting unit 2 and the switch 6 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are diagrammatically illustrated in detail. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 7 designates an input circuit, numeral 8 designates an indicating circuit, numeral 9 designates an inverting circuit, numeral 10 designates an output circuit, numeral 6 designates the switch for controlling inverting, numeral 11 designates an input terminal, and numeral 12 designates an output terminal. A signal applied to the input terminal 11 is amplified by the input circuit 7. The amplified signal is inputted into inverting circuit 9. The indicating circuit 8 outputs a command signal which commands an inverting operation of inverting circuit 9, when the switch 6 is open. An inverted signal or a non-inverted signal is selectively to the terminal 12 through the output circuit 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit diagram of the inverting circuit 9, the indicating circuit 8 and the switch 6. In FIG. 4, each of the input terminals 13a, 13b and 13c are independent from each other. The input terminals 13a, 13b and 13c correspond to output terminals 14a, 14b and 14c, respectively. Reference numerals 16a, 16b and 16c designate exclusive OR circuits (hereinafter referred to as EX.OR), numeral 17 designates a terminal connected a power supply, and numeral 18 designates a pull-up resistance.

This circuit changes color image signals for indicating black and white into negative color image signals, and changes color image signals other than those indicating black and white into complementary color image signals when switch 6 is open.

The color image signal consists of red, green and blue signals. For example, the color image signal indicating a black has red, green and blue signals each having low voltage level. The red signal is impressed on the terminal 13a, the green signal is impressed on the terminal 13b, and the blue signal is impressed on the terminal 13c. Each of output terminals 14a, 14b and 14c has an inverted voltage level to each corresponded input terminals 13a, 13b and 13c, because the terminals 16a, 16b and 16c of EX.OR gate 15a, 15b and 15c are low level when the switch 6 is open. Therefore, a color image signal indicating black (i.e., all input terminals 13a, 13b and 13c being low level) or white (i.e., all input terminals 13a, 13b and 13c being high level) is changed, negative color image signal indicating negative color against the color image signal. Other color image signals indicating colors other than black and white are changed to complementary color image signals indicating complementary colors to said other color image signal. Table 1 shows a relation between voltage levels at the input terminals 13a, 13b and 13c and the output terminal 14a, 14b and 14c, respectively.

When switch 6 is closed, this circuit does not change a signal indicating a color image. The output terminals 14a, 14b and 14c have the same voltage levels as input terminals 13a, 13b and 13c, which are impressed with red, green and blue signals of the color image signal, respectively, because terminals 16a, 16b and 16c of EX.OR 15a, 15b and 15c are at a high level when the switch 6 is closed.

The display apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment is easy to operate, because the display apparatus can reverse the color image signal using the inverting unit 2 and without using software. Also, the display apparatus can display letters in the same way as if black letters are printed on white paper. Therefore, the operator is given a feeling of naturalness. The display apparatus can display a positive picture of color negative film by inputting a color image signal of negative film which is generated by a TV camera or the like.

The second embodiment is directed to a display apparatus which can provide a partially reversed picture which has negative colors of black and white against a normal picture. The display apparatus changes the colors of black and white image and does not change images of other colors.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrate the second embodiment of the display apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, reference numeral 1 designates a signal source, numeral 3 designates an input circuit for an image signal, numeral 4 designates an output circuit for an image signal, numeral 5 designates a display device, numeral 6 designates a switch and numeral 19 designates an inverting unit illustrated in FIG. 7 in detail. Same blocks have a same reference numeral as FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

In FIG. 5, an image signal from the signal source 1 is inputted in the inverting unit 19. The inverting unit 19 detects image signals indicating black and white. The inverting unit 19 inverts the detected image signals indicating black and white in the case where the switch 6 is closed. The inverting unit 19 does not invert image signals indicating colors other than black and white. An output signal from the inverting unit 19 is processed (e.g., is amplified) at the input circuit 3 for the image signal and the output circuit 4 for the image signal. An output signal from the output circuit 4 is transduced into a monochromatic image having negative or positive tone, or a color image having positive color by the display device 5.

When switch 6 is open, none of the image signals from the signal source 1 are inverted by the inverting unit 2. This non-inverted signal is transduced into a monochromatic image having positive tone or a color image having positive color by the display device 5.

In FIG. 6, an image signal from the signal source 1 is first processed (e.g., amplified) by the input circuit 3. An output signal from the input circuit 3 is inputted in the inverting unit 19. The inverting unit 19 detects an image signal indicating a black and white. The inverting unit 19 inverts the detected image signals indicating black and white when the switch 6 is closed, to form a negative signal. The inverting unit 19, however, does not invert an image signal indicating a color image that is not black and white. An output signal from the inverting unit 19 is processed (e.g., amplified) by the output circuit 4. An output signal from the output circuit 4 is transduced into an image by the display device 5.

When switch 6 is open, none of the image signals from the signal source 1 are inverted by the inverting unit 2. This non-inverted signal is transduced into an image by the display device 5.

FIG. 7 diagrammatically shows the inverting unit 19 as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 and switch 6 in detail. A signal applied to an input terminal 20 is amplified by an input circuit 21. The amplified signal is inputted to inverting circuit 22. Also, the signal inputted to an input terminal 20 is distinguished between a monochromatic signal (i.e., a signal indicating black or white) and a color signal at a detecting circuit 23. The detecting circuit 23 outputs a detecting signal when the monochromatic signal is inputted. An indicating circuit 24 outputs a command signal which causes the inverting operation of inverting circuit 22, when the switch 6 is closed and the monochromatic signal is inputted. An inverted signal or a non-inverted signal is inputted to a terminal 26 through an output circuit 25.

FIG. 8 shows a circuit diagram of the inverting circuit 22, the indicating circuit 24, the detecting circuit 23 and the switch 6. Reference numerals 27a, 27b and 27c designate exclusive OR gates (hereinafter referred to as EX.OR gate) having two input terminals, numeral 27d designates NOR gate having two input terminals, numeral 27e designates an EX.OR gate having three input terminals, numeral 6 designates a switch, numerals 27f, 27g, 27h and 27i designate pull-up resistances, numeral 27m designates an input terminal impressed with a red signal of the color image signal, numerals 27n and 27o designate an input terminal impressed with green and blue signals respectively, and numeral 27p designates a terminal connected to a power supply. The input terminals 27m, 27n and 27o are connected to the signal source 1 or the input circuit 3 for image signal. Output terminals 27j, 27k and 27l are connected to the input circuit 3 for image signal or the output circuit 4 for image signal.

When switch 6 is closed, this circuit reverses inputted color image signal, indicating black or white into negative color image signals, but does not change inputted color image signal indicating other colors than black or white.

When the color image signal indicating black or white is impressed, the signal causes voltage levels of the input terminals 27m, 27n and 27o all high levels or all low levels, and makes voltage level of an output of the EX.OR gate 27e low level. The low level output of the EX.OR gate 27e produces high level output of the NOR gate 27d when the switch 6 is closed. The high level output of the NOR gate is impressed on input terminals of EX.OR gates 27a, 27b and 27c. Therefore, the inputted color image signals indicating black and white are changed into negative color image signals indicating negative color as compared with the original color image signal.

When a color image signal indicating a color other than black and white is impressed, the signal does not input voltage levels to the input terminals 27m, 27n and 27o of all high or all low levels (see Table 1) and therefore a voltage level of an output of the EX.OR gate 27e assumes a high level. The high output of the EX.OR gate 27e produces a low output of the NOR gate 27d. The low output of the NOR gate 27d is impressed on input terminals of EX.OR gates 27a, 27b and 27c. Therefore, the inputted color image signal indicating a color other than black and white appears on the output terminals 27j, 27k and 27l in the same voltage level.

In case where the switch 6 is open, the circuit shown in FIG. 8 changes none of the inputted color image signals. When the switch 6 is open, the pull-up resistace 27i makes an input terminal of the NOR gate 27d high voltage level. The high voltage level of the NOR gate 27d makes an output terminal of the NOR gate 27d low voltage level regardless of a voltage level of another input terminal of NOR gate 27d. The low output of the NOR gate is impressed on input terminals of EX.OR gates 27a, 27b and 27c. Therefore, all kinds of the inputted color image signals appear on the output terminals 27j, 27k and 27l in the same voltage level.

The display apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment operates very efficiently for inverting, because the display apparatus can reverse the image signal by the inverting unit 19 without using software. Also, the display apparatus can display letters as if black letters printed on white paper by pen. Further, the display apparatus can only reverse the monochromatic image signal other than the color image signal indicating colors other than black and white. Furthermore, the display apparatus can display a positive picture of a monochromatic negative film by inputting a monochromatic image signal which is generated by TV camera, etc.

A third embodiment is directed to a display apparatus which can get a partial reversed picture which has negative monochromatic colors and can change a color of the white part (e.g., a white background) obtained by reversing it into another color.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the third embodiment of the display apparatus of the present invention is diagrammatically described. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1 designates a signal source, numeral 3 designates an input circuit for an image signal, numeral 4 designates an output circuit for the image signal, numeral 5 designates a color display device, numeral 6 designates a switch, numeral 28 designates an inverting unit, numeral 29 designates a color changing unit for background color and numerals 30a, 30b and 30c designate variable resistances for red, green and blue.

In FIG. 9, an image signal from the signal source 1 is processed (e.g., amplified) by the input circuit 3. An output signal from the input circuit 3 is inputted in the inverting unit 28. The inverting unit 28 detects an image signal indicating black or white. The inverting unit 28 inverts the detected image signal indicating black or white when the switch 6 is closed. The inverting unit 28 does not invert an image signal indicating a color other than black and white. An output signal from the inverting unit 28 is inputted in the color changing unit 29. The inverted image signal indicating white is changed into an image signal indicating another color in accordance with resistance values of the variable resistances 29f, 29e and 29d for red, green and blue. An output signal from the color changing unit 29 is processed (e.g., amplified) by the output circuit 4. An output signal from the output circuit 4 is transduced into an image by the display device 5.

In case where the switch 6 is open, none of the image signals from the signal source 1 are inverted at the inverting unit 28. This non-inverted signal is not changed at the color changing unit 29. This non-inverted and non-changed signal is transduced into an image having positive colors and a non-changed background color by the display device 5.

In FIG. 10, the inverting unit 28 and the color changing unit 29 as shown in FIG. 9 are described in detail and diagrammatically illustrated. A signal inputted at an input terminal 37 is amplified by an input circuit 31. The amplified signal is inputted into inverting circuit 33. Also, the signal inputted to an input terminal 37 is distinguished between a monochromatic signal, i.e., a signal indicating black or white, and a color signal at a detecting circuit 32. The detecting circuit 32 outputs a detecting signal when the monochromatic signal is inputted. An indicating circuit 34 outputs a command signal which commands are inverting operation of the inverting circuit 22 and commands a color-changing operation of a color-changing circuit 35, when the switch 6 is closed and the monochromatic signal is inputted. The color-changing circuit 35 changes only a color image signal indicating white into another color image signal indicating another color. An inverted and changed signal or a non-inverted and non-changed signal is outputted at a terminal 38 through an output circuit 36.

FIG. 11 shows a circuit diagram of the inverting unit 28, the color changing unit 29 and the output circuit 4. Reference numerals 28a, 28b and 28c designate current limiting resistances, numerals 28d, 28e l and 28f designate exclusive OR gates (hereinafter referred to as EX.OR gate) having two input terminals, numeral 28g designates a NOR gate having two input terminals, numeral 28h desingates an EX.OR gate having three input terminals, numerals 28i, 28j and 28k designate signal input lines impressed with red, green and blue signals of the color image signal, respectively; numerals 28l, 28m, 28n and 28o designate pull-up resistances, numeral 28p designates a terminal connected to +5 V power supply, numeral 29a, 29b and 29c designate NPN transistors, numerals 29d, 29e and 29f designate variable resistances, numerals 4a, 4c, 4d, 4f, 4g and 4i designate resistances, numerals 4j, 4k and 4m designate signal output lines for red, green and blue signals of the color image signal, respectively, numeral 4m designates a terminal connected to +12 V power supply and, numerals 4n, 4o, 4p, 4g, 4r and 4s designate bias resistances for bases of the transistors. Numeral 28 designates the inverting unit, numeral 29 designates the changing color unit and numeral 4 designates the output circuit for the image signal.

The inverting unit 28 reverses an inputted color image signal indicating black or white into a negative color image signal, but does not change inputted color image signals except for indicating colors other than black or white when the switch 6 is closed. This operation of the inverting unit 28 is same as the inverting unit 19 described in the second embodiment.

When switch 6 is open, the inverting unit 28 does not reverse all kinds of inputted color image signals. This operation is also same as the inverting unit 19 described in the second embodiment.

The color changing unit 29 changes the inputted signal indicating white (which is used mostly as background) into another signal indicating another color. This unit operates only when an output of NOR gate 28g is a high level, that is, when the signal indicating white, which has been reversed at inverting unit 28, is inputted. The high voltage level of NOR gate 28g is impressed on the variable resistances 29d, 29e and 29f. Divided voltages at the variable resistances 29d, 29e and 29f are impressed on bases of the transistors 29a, 29b and 29c. Therefore, voltage values of the collectors of the transistors 29a, 29b and 29c are variable using the variable resistances 29f, 29e and 29d, respectively. The variable resistances 29f, 29e and 29d change the separating color balance of the inputted signal indicating white consisting the red, green and blue signal of high level, respectively. (See Table 1).

The output circuit 4 for image signal amplifies the output signal from the changing color unit 29. This output circuit 4 linearly amplifies the signal. The bases of the transistors 4b, 4e and 4h are impressed with bias voltages by the bias resistances 4n, 4o, 4p, 4q, 4r and 4s. An amplification factor of this circuit is given by [resistance value of resistance 4a]/[resistance value of resistance 4c]. The output signal from the output circuit 4 is impressed on the display device 5.

The display apparatus in accordance with the third embodiment can change the background color in a way to reduce fatigue to the operator.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the color changing unit 39 comprising variable resistances 39a, 39b, and 39c and emitter grounded transistors 39d, 39e and 39f. The variable resistances 39a, 39b and 39c are connected in parallel to the resistances 4c, 4f and 4i of the output circuit 4, respectively. The transistors 39d, 39e and 39f have collectors connected to said variable resistances 39a, 39b and 39c respectively and bases connected to the output terminal of the NOR gate 28g.

The color changing unit 39 changes the inputted signal indicating white (which is used mostly as background) into another signal indicating another color. This unit operates only when an output of NOR gate 28g is high level, that is, the signal indicating white, which has been reversed at inverting unit 28, is inputted. The high voltage level of NOR gate 28g is impressed on the bases of the transistors 39d, 39e l and 39f and bias transistors 39d, 39e 39f to on-states. Voltage values of the collectors of the transistors 4b, 4e and 4h can be varied by the variable resistances 39a, 39b and 39c, respectively, because amplification factors of the transistors 4b, 4e and 4h are variable by the variable resistance 39a, 39b and 39c, respectively.

In place of the color display device 5 used in above embodiments, a black and white display device may be substituted therefor to obtain substantially the same results. The embodiment using the black and white display device can display an image which has black letters on white background.

Further, in place of the color display device 5 used in above embodiments, a monochromatic display device, e.g., green display device, may be substituted therefor to obtain substantially the same results. The embodiment using the green display device can display an image which has black letter on green ground.