Display panel with three-dimensional effect

Abstract

At least one embodiment of the invention pertains to a display device having a first panel and a second panel, the first and second panels positioned substantially coplanar with each other and at a distance from each other to create a three dimensional effect of the images displayed on the first and second panels. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second panel includes an image that defines a frame through which an image on the first panel is visible or perceivable.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This non-provisional United States (U.S.) patent application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 200420103563.5 filed on Dec. 28, 2004. FIELD [0002] Various embodiments of the invention pertain to display devices. At least one embodiment of the invention pertains to an animated display device having multiple display panels arranged to create a three-dimensional illusion. BACKGROUND [0003] Display devices are often mounted in offices, shops, and / or homes to enhance the look and / or appearance of an area. Many times, these display devices are decorative items that hang from a wall and display an image, such as a nature scene, an ocean, a lake, a river, a waterfall, a mountain, beaches, and / or the desert. These images are typically printed on a flat of a display panel and fail to adequately convey a three dimensional feel or depth to the viewer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] One feature of the invention provides a display ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] One feature of the invention provides a display device having a first panel and a second panel, the first and second panels positioned substantially coplanar with each other and at a distance from each other to create a three dimensional effect of the images displayed on the first and second panels. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second panel includes an image that defines a frame through which an image on the first panel is visible or perceivable.

[0005] One embodiment of the invention provides a display apparatus comprising a housing structure, a light source mounted within the housing structure, a first display panel coupled to the housing structure and mounted in front of the light source. The first display panel having scenery thereon and permitting some light from the light source to pass through. A second display panel is coupled to the housing structure and mounted in front of the first display panel substantially coplanar with the first display panel. The second display panel has an image thereon that permits viewing of the scenery on the first display panel. To create a perception of depth and a three-dimensional effect, the first display panel and second display panel are positioned apart from each other a distance of between one-eighth (⅛) of an inch and twenty (20) inches. The spacing between the first display panel and second display panel varies depending on the overall all size of the display apparatus. Additionally, a movable object may be mounted within the housing structure that can create a moving effect within the scenery of the first display panel. The image on the second display panel may define a frame through which the scenery on the first display panel can be viewed. Additionally, the image on the second display panel may include one or more angled features (e.g., perspective lines) that contribute to create a three-dimensional effect when overlaid on the scenery of the first display panel. The second display panel may be spaced approximately half an inch to three-quarters of an inch from the first display panel. Moreover, features of the image on the second display panel may be proportionally larger than features of the scenery of the first display panel to contribute to the illusion of depth between the images. According to one embodiment of the invention, the image on the second display panel includes two windows partially opened towards the scenery on the first display panel to create a three-dimensional illusion. One embodiment of the invention may also include a sound unit mounted within the housing structure for storing pre-recorded sounds, an audio speaker mounted within the housing structure and communicatively coupled to the sound unit to receive sound signals from the sound unit and emit corresponding sounds, and a volume control coupled to the sound unit to permit selecting a desired volume level. According to various other embodiments of the invention, the display apparatus need not be animated to create the same depth effect.

[0006] Another embodiment of the invention provides a decorative display apparatus comprising a housing structure, a first display panel coupled to the housing structure and having a first image thereon. A second display panel is coupled to the housing structure and mounted in front of the first display panel, the second display panel mounted substantially coplanar with the first display panel. The first display panel and second display panel are positioned apart from each other at a distance of between one-eighth (⅛) of an inch and twenty (20) inches to create a perception of depth when viewing the first image on the first display panel. The second display panel has a second image thereon that permits viewing of the first image on the first display panel. The second image includes one or more angled perspective lines to enhance the perception of depth of the first image.

Problems solved by technology

These images are typically printed on a flat of a display panel and fail to adequately convey a three dimensional feel or depth to the viewer.

Images