Surface display units with opaque screen

Abstract

A surface display unit incorporates an opaque screen and an image panel. The opaque screen is disposed on the front side of the image panel which provides an optical image. The opaque screen generally hides the image panel while the surface display unit is not in use. When the image panel is activated to provide an optical image, the opaque screen provides a suitable level of transparency so that a viewer can observe the optical image with sufficient clarity. The opaque screen can provide optical enhancement, decorative texture, and / or mechanical support.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation application and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 15 / 572,346, filed May 10, 2016, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 365 of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US2016 / 031602 filed on May 10, 2016, which in turn claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 169,663 filed on Jun. 2, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 159,682 filed on May 11, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 159,477 filed on May 11, 2015, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to the field of surface display units and specifically to surface display units employing an opaque screen.BACKGROUND[0003]Surface display units are devices that display images, signs, symbols, and / or messa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes adding opaque screens to surface display units, which can be turned on or off to show images. The opaque screens can be used for decorative purposes or to hide the image panel when not in use. When the image panel is turned on, the opaque screen lets light through so viewers can see the image clearly. This technology enhances the display and provides a unique appearance.

Problems solved by technology

For example, inside surfaces of automobile (such as the dashboard, door panels, and backside surfaces of seats), televisions, monitors, household appliances or architectural structures may be subjected to accidental pushing, pressing, or rubbing by users, and may be subjected to temperature extremes, e.g. in the summer or in the winter in certain climates.

Further, sunlight can shine on surface display units (especially in an automobile and buildings) from time to time, reducing the clarity of the signal or message, or level of enjoyment of the viewer from time to time.

Images