Output Device

Abstract

An output device according to an embodiment of the present technology comprises one or more display panels, a support member, and an actuator. The one or more display panels are capable of displaying an image. The support member has a support part for supporting the one or more display panels. The actuator is disposed between the one or more display panels and the support part, and oscillates the one or more display panels. In this output device, an image is output by the one or more display panels. Further, the actuator is disposed between the one or more display panels and the support part of the support member, and the one or more display panels are oscillated. This makes it possible to output an image and audio with high quality.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to an output device capable of outputting images and audio. [Background technology]

[0002] In the speaker system described in Patent Document 1, an actuator is attached to a frame member or a front panel connected to a display panel. Images and sounds are output by driving the display panel and the actuator (see, for example, paragraphs

[0032] to

[0036] and

[0039] in the specification of Patent Document 1, and Figure 1).

[0003] In the audio output device described in Patent Document 2, an actuator is installed in a frame-shaped bezel attached to the periphery of a display panel. Images and audio are output by driving the display panel and the actuator (see, for example, paragraphs

[0014] ,

[0015] , and

[0022] in Figure 4 of the specification of Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4655243 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6237768 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art There is a demand for a technology that enables output devices capable of outputting images and audio with high quality.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present technology is to provide an output device capable of outputting high-quality images and sounds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an output device according to an embodiment of the present technology includes one or more display panels, a support member, and an actuator unit. The one or more display panels are capable of displaying images. The support member has a support portion for supporting each of the one or more display panels. The actuator section is disposed between the one or more display panels and the support section, and vibrates each of the one or more display panels.

[0008] In this output device, images are output by one or more display panels. An actuator unit is disposed between the display panel and the support unit of the support member, and vibrates the display panel. This makes it possible to output images and sounds with high quality.

[0009] The support member may support the one or more display panels via the actuator portion.

[0010] Each of the one or more display panels may have a display surface that displays the image and a rear surface opposite the display surface. In this case, the actuator unit may include one or more actuators provided for each of the one or more display panels and connected to the rear surface of each of the one or more display panels. The support unit may also fix and hold the one or more actuators.

[0011] The output device may further include a fixing mechanism for fixing the one or more actuators to the support.

[0012] The fixing mechanism may include a fastening member, in which case the one or more actuators may be fixed to the support by fastening with the fastening member.

[0013] The fixing mechanism may include a magnet, in which case the one or more actuators may be fixed to the support by the magnetic force of the magnet.

[0014] The one or more actuators may be electromagnetic, piezoelectric, or magnetostrictive actuators.

[0015] The one or more actuators may be electromagnetic actuators having a magnetic circuit, and in this case, the fixing mechanism may include a magnet connected to the electromagnetic actuator and having a magnetic pole orientation set according to the configuration of the magnetic circuit.

[0016] The magnet connected to the electromagnetic actuator may constitute the magnetic circuit.

[0017] The output device may further comprise a connection mechanism for connecting the one or more actuators to the display panel.

[0018] The one or more actuators may be electromagnetic actuators having a coil and a bobbin around which the coil is wound, in which case the connection mechanism may include a connection member that connects the bobbin to the display panel.

[0019] The one or more actuators may be configured to be detachable from the display panel.

[0020] The one or more actuators may be a plurality of actuators, in which case the actuator section may include a frame member that holds the plurality of actuators in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0021] Each of the plurality of actuators may be detachably screwed to the rear surface of the display panel, and in this case, the frame member may rotatably hold the plurality of actuators.

[0022] The one or more actuators may be connected to nodes of natural vibrations occurring in the display panel.

[0023] The output device may further include a reinforcing member connected to the rear surface of the display panel.

[0024] The output device may further include a detection unit and a drive control unit. The detection unit detects a vibration state of the display panel. The drive control unit generates a drive signal for driving each of the one or more actuators based on the detected vibration state of the display panel.

[0025] The one or more display panels may be a plurality of display panels each having a display surface for displaying the image, and the display surfaces may be arranged two-dimensionally. In this case, a structure for reducing friction may be configured between adjacent end faces of adjacent display panels among the plurality of display panels.

[0026] The one or more display panels may be a plurality of display panels each having a display surface for displaying the image, and the display surfaces may be arranged two-dimensionally. In this case, a structure for reducing a contact area may be configured between adjacent end faces of adjacent display panels among the plurality of display panels.

[0027] The one or more display panels, the actuator section, and the support member may be a display unit, and the output device may further include a plurality of display units. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display device according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the display unit as seen from the front. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a part of a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a display panel and a plurality of actuators. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion where an actuator of the display unit is installed. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the display unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example in which a first magnet is connected to an electromagnetic actuator. [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing configuration examples of an electromagnetic actuator and a connecting member. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a frame member. [Figure 11] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing examples of vibration modes of natural vibrations. [Figure 12] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a reinforcing member. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a drive control unit that drives an actuator. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of attaching a sensor to a display panel. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration for executing image-sound matching control. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an audio decoder. [Figure 17] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing examples of the configuration of a friction reduction structure and a contact area reduction structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] [Example of display device configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology. The display device 100 is a device capable of outputting images and sounds, and functions as an embodiment of an output device according to the present technology. In this disclosure, images include both still images and moving images (video).

[0031] The display device 100 includes a control unit 1 and a display unit 2. The control unit 1 has hardware necessary for configuring a computer, such as processors such as a CPU, a GPU, a DSP, etc., memories such as a ROM and a RAM, a storage device such as a HDD, etc. For example, the CPU or the like loads a program according to the present technology, which is pre-recorded in a ROM or the like, into a RAM and executes it, thereby controlling various operations, such as displaying an image by the display device 100. The configuration of the control unit 1 is not limited, and any hardware and software may be used. Of course, hardware such as FPGA or ASIC may also be used. The location where the control unit 1 is configured is also not limited, and it may be designed arbitrarily. The control unit 1 can also be called a system controller. The program is installed in the display device 100 via, for example, various recording media. Alternatively, the program may be installed via the Internet or the like. The type of recording medium on which the program is recorded is not limited, and any computer-readable recording medium may be used. For example, any computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may be used.

[0032] [Display] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display unit 2. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the display section 2 has a plurality of display units 3. Each of the multiple display units 3 has an image display surface 3a capable of displaying an image. As shown in Fig. 2, the multiple display units 3 are installed so that the image display surfaces 3a are arranged in a two-dimensional grid pattern. This makes it possible to display images on a large screen. The control unit 1 controls the operation of each of the plurality of display units 3 so that a desired image, such as one large image, is displayed on the image display surface 3a of each of the display units 3.

[0033] The display section 2 shown in Fig. 2 functions as a display system. Display units 3 configured as units can be arranged in any number and in any arrangement, and can be used as a scalable display system. The display unit 3 can also be called a cabinet or a display module. In this disclosure, the terms "unit" and "module" both refer to a single component, and there is no clear difference between them. Parts that are configured to be detachable / interchangeable and capable of performing a predetermined function are primarily referred to as units and modules.

[0034] 2, the left-right direction is defined as the X direction, the up-down direction is defined as the Y direction when viewing the display unit 2 from the front, and the depth direction (the direction perpendicular to the image display surface 3a) is defined as the Z direction. The arrow pointing in the X direction will be referred to as the right side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the left side. The arrow pointing in the Y direction will be referred to as the upward side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the downward side. The arrow pointing in the Z direction will be referred to as the forward side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the backward side. Of course, in application of the present technology, the orientation in which the display device 100 is used is not limited. 2, a total of 42 display units 3 are arranged, 7 in the X direction (horizontal direction) and 6 in the Y direction (vertical direction). The number of display units 3 is not limited. The present technology is also applicable to the case where there is one display unit 3. In other words, the present technology is applicable to the case where one or more display units 3 are arranged.

[0035] [Display unit] 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the configuration of the display unit 3. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the display unit 3 as viewed from the front along the Z direction. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a part of a cross section taken along line AA in FIG.

[0036] In this embodiment, the display unit 3 includes a plurality of display panels 5, a unit substrate 6, and an actuator section . The display panel 5 is capable of displaying an image. For example, the display panel 5 is realized by mounting light source elements on a display substrate (both not shown). For example, an LED panel on which minute LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are mounted as light source elements is used as the display panel 5. Alternatively, the display panel 5 may be an organic EL panel, an LD panel, or any other display panel having an arbitrary configuration. The shape and size of the display panel 5 are determined mainly by the shape and size of the display substrate. For example, arranging the display panel 5 at a predetermined position corresponds to arranging the display substrate included in the display panel 5 at a predetermined position.

[0037] 4, in this embodiment, the display panel 5 has a flat plate shape and functions as a so-called flat panel display. When viewed from the front, the display panel 5 has a rectangular shape. The display panel 5 has a display surface 5a that displays an image and a back surface 5b on the opposite side of the display surface. The multiple display panels 5 are installed so that the display surfaces 5a are arranged in a two-dimensional grid pattern. The image display surface 3a of one display unit 3 is composed of the multiple display surfaces 5a arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. The specific configuration of the display panel 5 is not limited and may be designed arbitrarily. For example, a reinforcing member or the like may be provided on the rear side of the display substrate. In this case, the display substrate and the reinforcing member form the rear part 5b of the display panel 5. The present technology is also applicable to the case where the display unit 3 includes one display panel 5. In other words, the present technology is applicable to the case where one or more display panels 5 are arranged.

[0038] The unit substrate 6 has a support portion 8 for supporting each of the plurality of display panels 5. The support portion 8 is prepared for each of the plurality of display panels 5, and is provided at a predetermined position relative to the rear surface portion 5b. In this embodiment, the support portions 8 are provided at the four corners of the rear surface portion 5b of the display panel 5. The unit substrate 6 corresponds to an embodiment of the support member according to the present technology. The unit substrate 6 can also be called a cabinet substrate or a cabinet member. The unit substrate 6 is made of a metal such as aluminum, etc. The material of the unit substrate 6 is not limited, and any material may be used.

[0039] The actuator section 7 is disposed between the plurality of display panels 5 and the support section 8, and vibrates each of the plurality of display panels 5. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the actuator section 7 is provided for each of the plurality of display panels 5 and includes one or more actuators 9 connected to the rear surface section 5 b of the display panel 5 . In this embodiment, four actuators 9 are arranged between the rear surface 5b and the support sections 8 provided at the four corners of the rear surface 5b. That is, four actuators 9 are connected to the four corners of the rear surface 5b. Therefore, the actuator section 7 has four actuators 9, the number of which is the number of display panels. The number of actuators 9 provided for each display panel 5 and connected to the rear surface portion 5b is not limited, and any number of actuators 9 equal to or greater than one may be connected. In addition, the positions at which the actuators 9 are connected are not limited, and may be designed arbitrarily.

[0040] For example, an electromagnetic (electrodynamic) actuator that has a permanent magnet, a voice coil, etc. and generates vibrations by the action of a magnetic circuit is used as the actuator 9. However, without being limited to this, any actuator may be used, such as a piezoelectric actuator that uses a piezoelectric element, or a magnetostrictive actuator that uses a magnetostrictive vibration element.

[0041] 4, the unit substrate 6 supports each of the plurality of display panels 5 via an actuator section 7. Furthermore, the support section 8 fixes and holds the actuator 9. Therefore, the support section 8 can also be said to be a component that supports the display panel 5 via the actuator 9. Furthermore, the support section 8 can also be said to be a component that fixes and holds the actuator 9 connected to the display panel 5. The specific configuration of the support section 8 is not limited, and any configuration that can support the display panel 5 via the actuator 9, in other words, any configuration that can fix and hold the actuator 9, may be employed.

[0042] A fixing mechanism may be used to fix the actuator 9 to the support 8 . The fixing mechanism has any configuration for fixing the plurality of actuators 9 to the support part 8. For example, the fixing mechanism may be configured to realize any fixing method, such as fastening with fastening members such as screws, adsorption by magnetic force, or mechanical connection such as fitting using snap fits (engaging claws). A connection mechanism may also be used to connect one or more actuators 9 to the display panel 5. The connection mechanism may have any configuration for connecting the actuators 9 to the display panel 5. Specific examples of the fixing mechanism and the connecting mechanism will be described later.

[0043] 4, a movable portion (movable end) 9a of the actuator 9 is connected to the display panel 5. A non-movable portion (fixed end) 9b of the actuator 9 is fixed to the support portion 8 of the unit substrate 6. The movable end 9a of the actuator 9 is displaced (vibrates) relative to the fixed end 9b, making it possible to vibrate the display panel 5. In this way, a vibration mechanism that vibrates the display panel 5 is configured by disposing the actuator 9 between the display panel 5 and the unit substrate 6. Then, a sound-generating mechanism is configured in which the display panel 5 itself is regarded as a diaphragm.

[0044] In this embodiment, the four actuators 9 vibrate the flat display panel 5 uniformly along the Z direction. This allows the display surface 5a to function as a radiation surface, radiating a wavefront close to a plane wave toward the viewer. As a result, the display surface 5a can function as a flat speaker. When a wavefront close to a plane wave can be formed by the display surface 5a, it has a different directivity from that of a cone-shaped diaphragm that forms a wavefront close to a spherical wave. An ideal plane wave has sharp directionality, and sound is emitted only forward, perpendicular to the radiation surface. Also, when considering a point away from the speaker, compared to a spherical wave, which radiates in a spherical shape and requires consideration of diffusion over distance, a plane wave has less attenuation of sound pressure over distance from the speaker (this is due only to attenuation due to the viscoelasticity of the air). Therefore, planar speakers are very effective when you want to project sound only to a specific area or when you want to project sound to listeners at a distance. Of course, the application of this technology is not limited to the case where a wavefront close to a plane wave is emitted.

[0045] A specific example of the configuration of the display unit 3 will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a display panel 5 and a plurality of actuators 9. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the location where the actuator 9 of the display unit 3 is installed.

[0046] 5, the display panel 5 has a display surface 5a and a rear surface 5b. The display panel 5 also has four end surfaces 5c, which are the top, bottom, left, and right side surfaces. Although not shown in the figure, a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a two-dimensional grid on the display surface 5a. For example, a group of LEDs of the three primary colors RGB is considered as one pixel, and the group of LEDs (RGB) is arranged two-dimensionally. Of course, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. As shown in Fig. 5B, ten actuators 9 are connected to the rear surface portion 5b. In the example shown in Fig. 5B, actuators 9 are connected to the four corners of the rear surface portion 5b. Two actuators 9 are connected near the center of each of the two long sides of the rear surface portion 5b. Furthermore, two actuators 9 are connected along the longitudinal direction at the center position in the short side direction of the rear surface portion 5b. The number and positions of the actuators 9 can be designed arbitrarily.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, an electromagnetic actuator 9 is used. The actuator 9 includes a fixed unit 12 and a movable unit 13 . The fixed unit 12 has a magnetic circuit made up of permanent magnets and magnetic members such as a yoke, pole pieces, and plates. A magnetic gap 14 is formed in the fixed unit 12. The movable unit 13 has a voice coil 15 and a driving bobbin 16 around which the voice coil 15 is wound.

[0048] The movable unit 13 is disposed relative to the fixed unit 12 so that the voice coil 15 is inserted into the magnetic gap 14 of the fixed unit 12 . Furthermore, the movable unit 13 is connected to the fixed unit 12 by a damper 17. The damper 17 connects the movable unit 13 to the fixed unit 12 in a manner that allows the movable unit 13 to be displaced. In other words, the damper 17 connects the movable unit 13 to the fixed unit 12 without blocking the vibration of the movable unit 13. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the fixed unit 12 and the movable unit 13 is configured to have a hollow cylindrical shape, and a screw hole 18 is formed in the central hollow portion.

[0049] An end of the driving bobbin 16 is connected to the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5 by a connection mechanism. In this embodiment, a connection member 19 that connects the drive bobbin 16 to the display panel 5 is used as the connection mechanism. The connection member 19 functions as a member for increasing the contact area for connecting the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5 and the drive bobbin 16. The connection member 19 can also be called a coupler. In this embodiment, a flat plate-shaped member with a through hole 19a formed in the center is used as the connecting member 19. An end of the drive bobbin 16 is inserted into the central through hole 19a, and the connecting member 19 is connected to the outer periphery of the drive bobbin 16. The connecting member 19 is connected to the rear surface portion 5b by adhesive or the like, thereby connecting the movable unit 13 to the rear surface portion 5b. The configuration of the connecting member 19 is not limited, and any configuration may be adopted. For example, a stepped member having a flange formed at the tip of a hollow cylindrical shape may be configured as the connecting member 19. The inner surface of the cylindrical shape is connected to the outer periphery of the driving bobbin 16. The upper surface portion of the flange is connected to the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5. Alternatively, a flat plate-shaped member is used as the connection member 19. The drive bobbin 16 is connected to the bottom surface of the connection member 19, and the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5 is connected to the top surface of the connection member 19. Alternatively, a circular or ring-shaped connecting member 19 may be fitted and connected to the inner periphery of the drive bobbin 16. The rear surface 5b of the display panel 5 is connected to the upper surface of the connecting member 19. Any other configuration may be adopted. The connection member 19 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, but any other material may be used.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the voice coil 15 and the driving bobbin 16 correspond to an embodiment of the coil and bobbin according to the present technology.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6, a support recess 21 is formed in the unit substrate 6. A fixing unit 12 of the actuator 9 is disposed in the support recess 21. A through hole 22 is formed in the center of the support recess 21. The fixing unit 12 is disposed in the support recess 21 so that the screw hole 18 formed in the center of the actuator 9 is positioned in this through hole 22. Screws 23 are fitted into screw holes 18 formed in the actuators 9 so as to pass through through holes 22 formed in the support recesses 21. This fixes the actuators 9 to the support recesses 21 of the unit substrate 6. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple actuators 9 are fixed to the unit substrate 6 by fastening with fastening members. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the support recess 21 corresponds to the support portion 8 shown in Fig. 3. A fixing mechanism is realized by a screw hole 18 formed in the center of the actuator 9, a through hole 22 formed in the support recess 21, and a screw 23. The support portion 8 and the support mechanism can be collectively regarded as a component that supports the display panel 5 via the actuator 9.

[0052] The fixing unit 12 may be configured so that its outer shape and size when viewed from the Z direction are substantially equal to those of the support recess 21 when viewed from the Z direction. The fixing unit 12 may then be fitted into the support recess 21 along the Z direction and attached. This allows the fixing unit 12 to be stably fixed to the unit substrate 6. In this case, the external shape of the fixing unit 12 and the support recess 21 when viewed from the Z direction is configured to have, for example, a hexagonal shape like a nut. This makes it possible to sufficiently prevent the fixing unit 12 from rotating when fixing the fixing unit 12 with the screw 23. This improves the workability when installing the fixing unit 12.

[0053] By driving the actuator 9, it is possible to vibrate the voice coil 15 and the driving bobbin 16 along the Z direction due to electromagnetic induction. As a result, it is possible to transmit the vibration along the Z direction to the display panel 5 via the connection member 19. The ten actuators 9 are driven in synchronization with one another. That is, the ten actuators 9 are driven so that the same vibration is transmitted to the display panel 5 along the Z direction. This allows the display panel 5 to vibrate uniformly, resulting in excellent acoustic characteristics.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the display unit 3. As shown in FIG. The display unit 3 shown in FIG. 7 uses an LED panel on which LEDs 25 are mounted as the display panel 5. An actuator 9 is connected to the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5. The configuration of the actuator 9 may be designed arbitrarily. A first magnet 26 is connected to the outer periphery on the bottom side of the actuator 9. Any method such as adhesion may be used as the connection method. A support recess 21 is formed in the unit substrate 6. A second magnet 27 is placed in the support recess 21. The second magnet 27 is fixed to the support recess 21 by any method such as adhesion. The magnetic poles of the first magnet 26 and the second magnet 27 are oriented so as to be attracted to each other by magnetic force. The first magnet 26 and the second magnet 27 are attracted to each other, thereby fixing the actuators 9 to the support recesses 21 of the unit substrate 6. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple actuators 9 are fixed to the unit substrate 6 by the magnetic force of the magnets.

[0055] 7, the support recess 21 corresponds to the support portion 8. The first magnet 26 and the second magnet 27 form a fixing mechanism. Instead of the first magnet 26, a magnetic material such as iron may be connected to the outer periphery of the bottom side of the actuator 9. Then, the actuator 9 may be fixed to the unit substrate 6 by the attraction between the magnetic material and the second magnet 27. Alternatively, instead of the second magnet 27, a magnetic material such as iron may be placed in the support recess 21. Then, the actuator 9 may be fixed to the unit substrate 6 by the attraction between the first magnet 26 and the magnetic material. Alternatively, the entire unit substrate 6 may be made of a magnetic material such as iron, and the first magnet 26 may be attracted to the unit substrate 6 itself, thereby fixing the actuator 9 to the unit substrate 6. In this case, a flat surface for fixing the first magnet 26, or a convex portion or concave portion for alignment may be formed on a part of the unit substrate 6. These flat surfaces, convex portions, etc. function as the support portion 8.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example in which a first magnet 26 is connected to the electromagnetic actuator 9. As shown in FIG. The electromagnetic actuator 9 has a yoke 29, a pole piece 30, and a magnet 31, and forms a magnetic circuit to vibrate the movable unit 13. 8, the magnetic pole orientation of first magnet 26 is set according to the configuration of the magnetic circuit. Specifically, the magnetic pole orientation of first magnet 26 is set so as to repel magnet 31 and prevent the magnetic force of the magnetic circuit from decreasing. This makes it possible to prevent the installation of first magnet 26 from adversely affecting the excitation force generated by actuator 9. The first magnet 26 is arranged in a direction that repels the magnet 31, and is therefore firmly fixed to the outer periphery of the bottom side of the yoke 29 by adhesive or the like. Of course, when an electromagnetic actuator 9 is used, it is also effective to fix the actuator 9 to the unit substrate 6 by a method other than fixing by magnetic force. Conversely, by appropriately setting the orientation of the magnetic poles of the first magnet 26, it is possible to fix the unit substrate 6 by magnetic force even when an electromagnetic actuator 9 is used.

[0057] The first magnet 26 may form a magnetic circuit of the electromagnetic actuator 9. That is, the first magnet 26 may be used as a member for forming a magnetic circuit. In this case, the first magnet 26 also functions as a part of the actuator 9. Conversely, it can be said that the members constituting the actuator 9 fix the actuator 9 to the unit substrate 6. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts, reduce the part costs, and so on, and to miniaturize the device. Of course, even when other types of actuators 9, such as piezoelectric actuators or magnetostrictive actuators, are used, the actuators 9 may be fixed to the unit substrate 6 using the members that make up the actuators 9. For example, a member made of a magnetic material is used on the bottom surface of the actuator 9, and is attracted to the second magnet 26. Such a configuration may be employed.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the electromagnetic actuator 9 and the connecting member 19. As shown in FIG. 9A and 9B, a fixed unit 12 is configured by a yoke 29, a pole piece 30, a magnet 31, and a frame 32. The bottom side of the yoke 29 is fixed to the unit substrate 6. The movable unit 13 has a voice coil 15 and a driving bobbin 16 . Two dampers 17 are provided between the frame 32 of the fixed unit 12 and the drive bobbin 16. The dampers 17 connect the movable unit 13 to the fixed unit 12 so that the movable unit 13 can vibrate.

[0059] 9A and 9B, the driving bobbin 16 is connected to the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5 by a connecting member 19. As shown in FIG. 9A, the connecting member 19 is configured as a stepped member having a hollow columnar portion 34 and a flange portion 35 connected to the end of the columnar portion 34. The inner surface of the columnar portion 34 is connected to the outer periphery of the drive bobbin 16. The upper surface of the flange portion 35 is connected to the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5. 9A, the driving bobbin 16 is fixed to the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5 via a connecting member 19 by adhesive or the like. This makes it possible to sufficiently suppress loss in the transmission of vibration (driving force). The connection member 19 can also be said to be a transmission member that transmits the vibration generated by the actuator 9 to the display panel 5.

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the connection member 19 has a female screw member 36 and a male screw member 37. The female screw member 36 is a flat plate-shaped member with a screw hole 36a formed in the center, and is connected to the rear surface portion 5b of the display panel 5. The male screw member 37 is a flat plate-shaped member with a through hole 37a formed in the center, and the through hole 37a is connected to an end of the drive bobbin 16. In addition, the male screw member 37 has a thread 37b formed on its outer periphery that fits into the screw hole 36a of the female screw member 36. 9B, the actuator 9 is configured as a module and is connected to the male screw member 37 (the male screw member 37 can be considered to be included in the module). The actuator 9 is rotated in a predetermined direction (for example, clockwise) to fit the thread 37b of the male screw member 37 into the screw hole 36a of the female screw member 36. This makes it possible to connect the actuator 9 to the back surface 5b of the display panel 5. The actuator 9 is rotated in the opposite direction (for example, counterclockwise) to release the engagement between the screw hole 36a of the female screw member 36 and the thread 37b of the male screw member 37. This makes it possible to remove the actuator 9 from the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5.

[0061] In this way, the actuator 9 may be modularized and configured to be detachable from the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5. This makes it possible to avoid having to replace the entire display unit 3 including the relatively expensive display panel 5, for example, when the actuator 9 breaks down. That is, it becomes possible to remove and replace only the broken actuator 9, thereby achieving a significant cost reduction. Note that the actuator 9 can be attached or detached after the connection between the actuator 9 and the unit substrate 6 is released. For example, this can be done after the engagement by the engaging member as shown in FIG. 6 or the magnetic attraction as shown in FIG. 7 is released. When the actuator 9 is configured to be detachable, it is desirable to minimize backlash and play to prevent transmission loss of driving force and the generation of abnormal noise. 9B, each of the plurality of actuators 9 is detachably screwed onto the rear surface portion 5b of the display panel 5. That is, the actuators 9 are connected to the display panel 5 by screw fastening. Of course, there are no limitations on the configuration or method for making the actuator 9 detachable from the display panel 5. Any configuration may be employed, such as any locking mechanism, fastening with a fastening member, or attraction by a magnet.

[0062] Furthermore, modularizing the actuator 9 and configuring the actuator 9 to be detachable from the display panel 5 is not limited to the case where an electromagnetic actuator 9 is used. It can also be realized for other types of actuator 9, such as a piezoelectric actuator or a magnetostrictive actuator. For example, when a piezoelectric element is used as the actuator 9, the piezoelectric element is connected by adhesive or the like to a detachable connecting member 19 (for example, a male screw member 37) as shown in Fig. 9B. Alternatively, the piezoelectric element is directly connected by adhesive or the like to a first magnet 26 (or a magnetic body) for realizing attraction by magnetic force as shown in Fig. 8. This enables modularization including a part of the connecting member 19 (for example, the male screw member 37), the piezoelectric element, and the first magnet 26 (or magnetic material). It also makes it possible to realize a configuration that is detachable from the display panel 5. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration that uses this piezoelectric element, it is possible to reduce the weight and thickness of the actuator 9. As a result, the display unit 3 can be made lighter and more compact.

[0063] [Frame members] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a frame member. When multiple actuators 9 are connected to each display panel 5, a frame member 39 may be used. The frame member 39 holds the multiple actuators 9 in a predetermined positional relationship. The frame member 39 can also be called a sub-frame within the display unit 3.

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the frame member 39 has a hollow outer frame portion 40 and a central rib portion 41. The outer frame portion 40 has an octagonal outer shape when viewed from the Z direction, and of the eight sides, every other four sides are formed with holding portions 42 that hold the actuator 9. A central rib portion 41 is connected to the inner side of the outer frame portion 40 so as to link the four holding portions 42 together. 10, four actuators 9 are connected to each display panel 5 at positions symmetrical about the center. By using a frame member 39, it is possible to modularize the actuator unit 7 including the four actuators 9, and it is possible to achieve high workability in connection of the actuator unit 7, etc.

[0065] Modularizing the actuator section 7 using the frame member 39 makes it possible to position the actuators 9 not only in the X and Y directions but also in the vibration direction (Z direction). When multiple actuators 9 are used, the positioning of each actuator 9 in the vibration direction is important to ensure uniform vibration parallel to the display surface 5a of the display panel 5. For example, if the positions of the midpoints (vibration centers) of the vibrations of the multiple actuators 9 vary, it becomes difficult to uniformly vibrate the display panel 5. This results in a deterioration of the acoustic characteristics. By using the frame member 39, it is possible to easily align the midpoints of vibration of each actuator 9. It is also easy to set each actuator 9 on the frame member 39 so that, for example, the plane connecting the ends of the actuators 9 on the display panel 5 side is at the midpoint of vibration of each actuator 9. As a result, it is possible to vibrate the display panel 5 uniformly, and it is possible to improve the acoustic characteristics. Furthermore, in order to uniformly vibrate the display panel 5, it is also important to match the vibration characteristics of each individual actuator 9. When modularizing using the frame member 39, if matching actuators 9 are appropriately selected and set, it becomes possible to easily realize a high-quality actuator unit 7 that can vibrate the display panel 5 uniformly and stably.

[0066] The actuator section 7 modularized using the frame member 39 can also be configured to be detachable from the display panel 5. For example, by configuring each actuator 9 held by the frame member 39 to be detachable from the display panel 5, it is possible to realize a modularized actuator unit 7 that is detachable. 9B, a configuration is adopted in which the actuator 9 is detachably screwed onto the display panel 5. In this case, the actuator 9 is rotatably held by a frame member 39. That is, the position in the vibration direction (Z direction) is fixed, but the rotation direction around the vibration direction is not restricted. This makes it possible to easily attach and detach the modularized actuator unit 7 by rotating each actuator 9. There are no limitations on the configuration for rotatably holding the actuators 9, and any configuration may be adopted. Furthermore, the configuration of the frame member 39 is not limited, and may be designed arbitrarily based on the number and mounting positions of the actuators 9, whether or not they are configured to be detachable, etc. Of course, the actuators 9 are not limited to being screwed to the display panel 5, and any configuration for holding each actuator 9 by the frame member 39 may be adopted according to any detachable configuration. The material of the frame member 39 is not limited, and any material may be used, such as a metal material such as aluminum.

[0067] [Installation position of actuator 9] The position where the actuator 9 is attached is the point (hereinafter referred to as the driving point) where vibration is applied to drive the display panel 5. Conversely, it is possible to set the position on the display panel 5 where it is desired to drive as the driving point, and connect the actuator 9 to the position of the set driving point. For example, one driving point may be set at the center of the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5. Alternatively, a plurality of driving points may be set to increase the driving force that vibrates the display panel 5.

[0068] Here, the setting of the driving points taking into consideration the division vibration of the display panel 5 will be described. The divided vibration means that different vibration components are generated in multiple regions of the display panel 5 due to the natural vibration, causing the display panel 5 to behave differently from a uniform vibration. When split vibration occurs in the display panel 5, it often forms a peak or dip in the sound pressure in the resonance band and also affects the directivity. For these reasons, suppressing split vibration is important for improving the performance of flat speakers.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mode of natural vibration. Ten vibration modes from the fundamental mode of a free-edge square plate are shown in Figure 11. The values ​​below the diagram are the relative frequencies from the fundamental mode. In the natural vibration mode shown in Figure 11, the lines inside the squares are nodes of the natural vibration, and the central part of the area bounded by the lines is an antinode of the natural vibration. For example, when the display panel 5 is vibrated uniformly, a natural vibration of a vibration mode such as that shown in FIG. 11 may occur depending on the frequency of the vibration.

[0070] Therefore, a driving point is set at the position of a node of the natural vibration generated in the display panel 5, and the actuator 9 is attached thereto. For example, setting a driving point at the position of a node of the natural vibration to be suppressed is advantageous for suppressing the divided vibration, and is advantageous for realizing uniform vibration of the display panel 5. Setting the driving points symmetrically about the center of the display panel 5 is also advantageous for suppressing the divided vibration. In order to realize the image display function of the display panel 5, a connector, an IC (integrated circuit) chip, etc. are often provided on the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5. In other words, devices other than the actuator 9 may also be provided on the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5. For example, in a design including such other devices, the actuator 9 is attached as close as possible to the node of the divided vibration, thereby making it possible to suppress the divided vibration. Of course, the number and positions of the driving points, that is, the number and mounting positions of the actuators 9 are not limited and may be set arbitrarily.

[0071] [Reinforcing material] In order to suppress the natural vibration (division vibration) of the display panel 5, a reinforcing member may be connected to the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5. By increasing the strength of the display panel 5 with the reinforcing member, it becomes possible to suppress the division vibration. It also becomes possible to increase the resonance frequency at which the natural vibration occurs. It is also effective to use a strong aluminum substrate as the material for the display panel 5 (display substrate). The wiring configuration of the display substrate is also designed so that the copper foil pattern is formed in the area where stress is concentrated during natural vibration. For example, by widening the width of the copper foil pattern, the strength of the area where stress is concentrated can be reinforced. This makes it possible to disperse stress and suppress divided vibration. For example, by widening the width of the copper foil pattern, it is possible to reinforce the area where stress is concentrated.

[0072] 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reinforcing member, when viewed from the direction in which the reinforcing member is connected to the rear surface part 5b of the display panel 5. In FIG. The reinforcing member 44 has a first reinforcing portion 45 and a second reinforcing portion 46 . The first reinforcing portion 45 has a holding hole 45a and is connected to the rear portion 5b of the display panel 5 at the position of the driving point DP. The actuator 9 attached to the position of the driving point DP is inserted into the holding hole 45a. In other words, the first reinforcing portion 45 is configured to be able to hold the periphery of the actuator 9. In this way, by reinforcing the vicinity of the driving point DP set on the rear surface portion 5b of the display panel 5, it is possible to increase the resonance frequency.

[0073] The second reinforcing portion 46 is configured to connect the first reinforcing portions 45 while being spaced apart from the rear surface portion 5b of the display panel 5. In other words, a gap is formed between the second reinforcing portion 46 and the rear surface portion 5b. The second reinforcing portion 46 functions as a beam-like reinforcing structure. In this way, by configuring a beam-like reinforcing structure that connects a plurality of driving points DP, it is possible to increase the resonance frequency. The reinforcing structure is configured to be spaced apart from the rear surface portion 5b. That is, a gap (air gap) is formed between the display panel 5 and the reinforcing structure. This makes it possible to prevent excessive weight increase and improves the weight-to-efficiency ratio. As a result, it is advantageous for increasing the resonant frequency. Furthermore, since the second reinforcing portion 46 is spaced apart from the display panel 5, it is possible to place other devices such as connectors and IC chips in that space. In other words, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in circuit configuration. The second reinforcing portion 46 is configured to face the node of the natural vibration generated in the display panel 5. The node of the natural vibration is then used as a vibration suppression point, and a vibration damping member made of a material with a damping effect is sandwiched between the second reinforcing portion 46 and the vibration suppression point. This configuration is also feasible, and it becomes possible to suppress the natural vibration component.

[0074] [Feedback control] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a drive control unit that drives the actuator 9. As shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of attaching a sensor to the display panel 5. In FIG. In this embodiment, the drive control unit 48 can perform feedback control based on the output of the sensor 49 .

[0075] The drive control unit 48 includes a drive signal generation unit 50 that generates drive signals for driving one or more actuators 9, a filter 51, an amplifier 52, and an optimization calculation unit 53. Each block shown in Fig. 13 is realized by the control unit 1 shown in Fig. 1. For example, the blocks shown in Fig. 13 may be realized as software blocks by a processor such as a CPU executing a predetermined program. Alternatively, dedicated hardware such as an IC (integrated circuit) may be used.

[0076] The drive signal generation unit 50 generates drive signals for driving each actuator 9. For example, assume that a plurality of actuators 9 are used for one display panel 5. In this case, the drive signal generation unit 50 generates drive signals that are synchronized with each other so that the actuators 9 generate vibrations of the same phase and amplitude. The filter 51 performs signal processing on the drive signal, such as changing the gain of the drive signal or applying an offset. The amplifier 52 outputs the drive signal processed by the filter 51 to the actuator 9 . The optimization calculation unit 53 performs optimization calculations based on the output of the sensor 49 and determines the filter characteristics of the filter 51 . Feedback control of the drive signal is performed for each actuator 9. That is, the filter 51, amplifier 52, and optimization calculation unit 53 are capable of generating and outputting an optimal drive signal for each actuator 9. Specifically, the drive signal is optimized so that each actuator 9 generates vibrations of the same phase and amplitude. Note that there are no specific limitations on algorithms or the like for the signal processing by the filter 51, the signal amplification by the amplifier 52, and the optimization of filter characteristics by the optimization calculation unit 53. Any algorithm or the like may be adopted.

[0077] For example, assume that an acceleration sensor is used as the sensor 49. In this case, as shown in Fig. 14A, the sensor 49 is mounted on the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5 near each actuator 9. This makes it possible to generate and output an optimal drive signal for each actuator 9 based on the detection result of the sensor 49.

[0078] It is assumed that an IMU sensor including a multi-axis acceleration sensor and a multi-axis gyro sensor is used as the sensor 49. In this case, the sensor 49 can be disposed in the center of the rear surface 5b of the display panel 5, for example. Based on the output of the sensor 49, it is possible to generate and output an optimum drive signal to each actuator 9.

[0079] 14C, it is also possible to configure the actuator 9 and the sensor 49 integrally. For example, when an electromagnetic actuator 9 such as those illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9 is used, the sensor 49 may be mounted in a hollow portion inside the driving bobbin 16. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the case where an electromagnetic actuator 9 is used, and even when another type of actuator 9 is used, the actuator 9 and the sensor 49 may be configured integrally. Furthermore, any configuration or method may be used as the configuration or method for configuring the actuator 9 and the sensor 49 integrally. By integrating the actuator 9 and the sensor 49, it becomes possible to modularize the entire system including the sensor 49. This makes it possible to significantly improve the workability of attaching the sensor 49.

[0080] In the sound generation mechanism according to the present technology, the diaphragm of a normal speaker is supported by the display panel 5 (display substrate), which may increase the weight and increase the influence of gravity and other factors that are constantly applied to the speaker. For example, when the display unit 2 is used with the Y direction shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as the vertical direction, gravity acts on the display panel 5 in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction (Z direction). When the display unit 2 is used at an oblique angle to the vertical direction, the gravity direction of the display panel 5 and the vibration direction of each actuator 9 intersect obliquely. Therefore, the plane direction connecting the centers of vibration of each actuator 9 also intersects obliquely with the gravity direction of the display panel 5. In such a case, the gravity component of the display panel 5 acting on each actuator 9 will not be uniform, which may cause rolling or the like, resulting in variations in the vibrations generated by each actuator 9.

[0081] 13, the drive control unit 48 is configured to execute feedback control of the drive signal based on the output of the sensor 49. This makes it possible to prevent variations in vibration caused by variations in the gravity component acting on each actuator 9. This makes it possible to vibrate the display panel 5 uniformly and stably, enabling it to exhibit high acoustic characteristics. The sampling rate of the sensor 49 is set to be equal to the frame rate of the drive by the actuator 9, that is, the frame rate of the acoustic signal. This makes it possible to execute feedback control with high accuracy. 13 and 14, the sensor 49 functions as a detector that detects the vibration state of the display panel, and the drive control unit 48 functions as a drive control unit that generates drive signals for driving each of one or more actuators based on the detected vibration state of the display panel.

[0082] [Image / Audio Matching Control] In this embodiment, an image can be displayed on the display panel 5, and sound can be output by vibrating the display panel 5. Therefore, it is possible to perform image-sound matching control, which synchronizes the display of an image with the output of sound, with high accuracy. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, it is easy to synchronize and output images and audio, such as outputting words from the mouth of the woman on the left in accordance with her speaking actions, outputting words from the mouth of the man on the right in accordance with his speaking actions, and outputting the sound of paper rustling in accordance with the action of the woman picking up a letter on the desk. It is also possible to vibrate the display panel 5 in the direction of the words being spoken, in line with the direction that the woman's or man's face is facing. Of course, it is also easy to output the sound of thunder outside a window using a display panel 5 that displays a window. In this way, highly accurate image-sound matching control can be performed, and high-quality applications that output images and sounds can be easily realized.

[0083] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system configuration for executing image-audio matching control. The control unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a demultiplexer 55, a video decoder 56, and an audio decoder 57. The display unit 2 also constitutes a plurality of control units 57. Each control unit 57 corresponds to a single unit that is the target of image-sound matching control. For example, the image-sound matching control may be performed with the display unit 3 shown in FIG. 2 or 3 as a single unit. In this case, one display unit 3 corresponds to one control unit 57. Alternatively, image-sound matching control may be performed for each display panel 5. In this case, one display panel 5 corresponds to one control unit 57. Alternatively, image / sound matching control may be performed by using each image element and acoustic element attached to the display panel 5 (display substrate) as a control unit 57. For example, a predetermined number of display panels 5 may be used as one control unit 57. Alternatively, a predetermined pixel region within the display panel 5 may be used as one control unit 57. In this case, instead of vibrating the display panel 5 uniformly, a configuration may be adopted in which each pixel region serving as a control unit 57 can be vibrated individually. Furthermore, the control unit for image display and the control unit for audio output are not limited to a one-to-one correspondence. For example, image display is performed in units of display panels 5, and audio output is performed in units of display units 3. Such image-audio matching control is also possible.

[0084] The control unit 1 receives content data. The content data is divided into audio data and video data by a demultiplexer 55. The video data and audio data are decoded by a video decoder 56 and an audio decoder 57, and transmitted as a video output signal and an audio output signal to each control unit 57 configured in the display unit 2 via signal lines 58a and 58b. The video output signal and the audio output signal are transmitted separately to each control unit 57. This makes it possible to easily transmit, for example, audio-related audio data to a control unit 57 that is displaying video images related to the audio. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, when a person displayed on the left side moves to the right while clapping his hands, it is possible to easily realize a control such that an audio output signal including the sound of clapping is output to the control unit 57 that is outputting the video output signal of the person moving to the right. It is also possible to transmit a video output signal related to the control unit 57 that is outputting the video output signal of the person to a control unit 57 located nearby. As a result, it is possible to easily realize high-quality image-audio matching control. The video output signal can also be called an image signal. The audio output signal can also be called an audio signal. A drive signal for driving the actuator 9 is generated based on the audio output signal. Of course, a drive signal may be generated and output as the audio output signal.

[0085] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the audio decoder 57. 16, the audio decoder 57 is configured with a channel audio renderer 59, an object audio renderer 60, and a scene-based audio renderer 61. Therefore, the audio decoder 57 is compatible with channel audio, object audio, and scene-based (Ambisonics) audio. Based on the channel audio received as audio data, the channel audio renderer 59 generates an audio output signal to be output to each control unit 57. For example, based on an audio signal based on a channel included in the channel audio, it is possible to control the output of an audio output signal according to an object (such as a person or object) to be displayed. Based on the object audio received as audio data, the object audio renderer 60 generates an audio output signal to be output to each control unit 57. For example, by processing the audio signal included in the object audio separately from the metadata indicating the position, it is possible to control the output of the audio output signal according to the object (e.g., person, object, etc.) to be displayed. Based on the scene-based audio received as audio data, the scene-based audio renderer 61 generates an audio output signal to be output to each control unit 57. For example, by processing a first or higher order Ambisonics signal included in the scene-based audio, it is possible to control the output of an audio output signal according to a displayed object (e.g., a person, an object, etc.). Of course, the audio decoder 57 can also handle audio data of various formats generated as 3D audio data, and can also realize 3D spatial audio based on the 3D audio data.

[0086] A relay substrate may be used to transmit the video output signal and the audio output signal from the control unit 1. The display panel 5 and the relay substrate may be connected by a flexible substrate, a harness, or the like. This allows the video output signal and the audio output signal to be transmitted to the display panel 5 without interfering with the vibration of the display panel 5. The present technology can be applied to the relay substrate as part of the unit substrate 6 shown in Fig. 4 etc. That is, the actuator 9 may be disposed between the relay substrate and the display panel 5 to drive the display panel 5.

[0087] [Friction reduction structure / contact area reduction structure] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the friction reduction structure and the contact area reduction structure. 17, assume that a plurality of display panels 5 are used, with their display surfaces 5a arranged two-dimensionally. In such a case, for example, when each of the plurality of display panels 5 is driven individually to output sound, there is a possibility that problems such as abnormal noise or damage may occur due to contact between adjacent display panels 5. That is, there is a possibility that problems may occur due to contact between the adjacent end faces 5c (see FIG. 5) of the adjacent display panels 5 among the plurality of display panels 5. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 17A, a structure 63 that reduces friction between adjacent end faces 5c (hereinafter referred to as friction reduction structure) is formed. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 17B, a structure 64 that reduces the contact area between adjacent end faces 5c (hereinafter referred to as contact area reduction structure) is formed. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as the generation of abnormal noise.

[0088] In the example shown in FIG. 17A, the end surface 5c is coated with a low-friction material 65, thereby forming a low-friction structure 63. An example of the low-friction material 65 is PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). PTFE is a polymer of tetrafluoroethylene, and is a fluororesin (fluorocarbon resin) consisting only of fluorine atoms and carbon atoms. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and any low-friction material such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) may be used. Furthermore, any configuration other than coating with low-friction material 65 may be adopted as a configuration for realizing low-friction structure 63.

[0089] 17B, ​​the contact area reducing structure 64 is configured by forming protrusions 66 on the end face 5c. The shape and number of the protrusions 66 are not limited and may be designed arbitrarily. Furthermore, any configuration other than the formation of the protrusions 66 may be adopted to realize the contact area reducing structure 64. 17A and the contact area reducing structure 64 shown in FIG.

[0090] As described above, in the display device 100 according to this embodiment, an image is output by one or more display panels 5. In addition, an actuator section 7 is disposed between the display panel 5 and the support section 8 of the unit substrate 6, and vibrates the display panel 5. This makes it possible to perform image-sound matching control with high precision, and to output images and sounds with high quality.

[0091] Furthermore, in the display device 100, the display panel 5 is supported on the unit substrate 6 via the actuators 9. Therefore, there is no part that determines the relative position between the display panel 5 and the unit substrate 6 other than the part having the actuators 9. As a result, the entire display panel 5 can be moved in parallel without interfering with the vibration of the display panel 5, making it possible to reproduce high-quality sound, including wide-band sound. For example, suppose a portion supporting the display panel 5 is configured in addition to the portion having the actuator 9. In this case, the supporting portion is fixed, so the display panel 5 vibrates in a partially deflected state. In this case, it becomes difficult to reproduce wideband sound. Furthermore, when deflection occurs, the sound directionality becomes complex. Therefore, when outputting sound using multiple display panels 5, complex processing is required to align the wavefront. By applying this technology, such complex processing becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, as described above, by suppressing the divided vibrations (natural vibrations), it is possible to prevent extreme drops in sound pressure at the divided vibration frequencies (resonant frequencies), and it is possible to achieve high acoustic characteristics.

[0092] In video content that combines images and sound, image-sound consistency plays a very important role in immersing the viewer in the content. In many contents, the audio of actors' lines and sound effects must be presented so that their position matches the position of the actors and effects in the video. For this reason, movie theaters have placed speakers in a way that is suitable for playing back this content. Specifically, in movie theaters, images are projected onto a screen using a projector, and because the screen allows sound to pass through, speakers are placed on the opposite side of the screen from the audience, and the sound is played through the screen. On the other hand, LED displays (LED panels) that can present high-definition, wide-dynamic-range images have been developed, but these displays cannot transmit sound like screens, and speakers cannot be placed in the same direction as the image display area, making it difficult to match the image and sound. Furthermore, LED displays are self-luminous, so they are less susceptible to degradation of image quality due to the influence of light sources in the surrounding environment than screens. LED displays also do not require the placement of image projection devices such as projectors, which require optical considerations. Therefore, they are extremely useful devices for applications such as digital signage on the street and interactive content with viewers. By applying this technology, it becomes possible to perform highly accurate picture-sound matching control using an LED display. As a result, it is possible to improve the immersive feeling of video content, for example, and improve the recognizability of content. It will also be possible to achieve high advertising effectiveness through digital signage, and it will also be possible to realize high-quality teleworking (telecommuting), etc. In addition, it will be possible to provide high-quality applications that output images and audio. Furthermore, since there is nothing to attenuate the sound or disturb the wavefront, such as a screen used in a movie theater, it is possible to generate any wavefront, making it possible to realize new sound field expressions that have never been seen before.

[0093] <Other embodiments> The present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other embodiments can be realized.

[0094] The output device according to the present technology may be able to operate in cooperation with another output device capable of outputting images, sounds, etc. Furthermore, the output device according to the present technology may be separately equipped with an output device capable of outputting images, sounds, etc., and the output devices may perform operations in cooperation with each other. For example, an external speaker communicably connectable with an output device according to the present technology is operated in cooperation with the output device according to the present technology, or a speaker incorporated in the output device according to the present technology is operated in cooperation with one or more display panels according to the present technology capable of outputting sound by vibration. This makes it possible to realize realistic sound output and provide a high-quality viewing experience.

[0095] There are no limitations on the fields or devices to which this technology can be applied. For example, this technology can be applied to any device that can output images and audio and is used in any field, such as a replacement for a movie theater screen, digital signage, home television, or various display devices. The display device 100 according to this embodiment can also be called a video presentation device or an audio presentation device. In addition, it can also be called a signal processing device, focusing on the fact that it performs signal processing for outputting images and sounds.

[0096] The display device, display unit, display panel, actuator, unit substrate, connection mechanism, fixing mechanism, frame member, reinforcing member, configuration of the system after image-sound matching, flow of feedback control, image-sound matching control, etc., described with reference to the drawings are merely one embodiment and can be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the present technology. In other words, any other configuration, algorithm, etc. for implementing the present technology may be adopted.

[0097] In this disclosure, when the word "abbreviated" is used, this is used merely to facilitate understanding of the explanation, and there is no special meaning in whether or not the word "abbreviated" is used. That is, in the present disclosure, concepts that define shape, size, positional relationship, state, etc., such as "center," "central," "uniform," "equal," "same," "orthogonal," "parallel," "symmetrical," "extended," "axial direction," "cylindrical," "cylindrical," "ring-shaped," and "annular," are concepts that include "substantially center," "substantially central," "substantially uniform," "substantially equal," "substantially the same," "substantially orthogonal," "substantially parallel," "substantially symmetrical," "substantially extended," "substantially axial direction," "substantially cylindrical," "substantially cylindrical," "substantially ring-shaped," "substantially annular," and the like. For example, this also includes states that fall within a specified range (for example, a range of ±10%) based on criteria such as "perfectly centered," "perfectly central," "perfectly uniform," "perfectly equal," "perfectly the same," "perfectly perpendicular," "perfectly parallel," "perfectly symmetrical," "perfectly extended," "perfectly axial," "perfectly cylindrical," "perfectly cylindrical," "perfectly ring-shaped," and "perfectly annular." Therefore, even if the word "abbreviated" is not added, the concept expressed by adding "abbreviated" may be included. Conversely, a state expressed by adding "abbreviated" does not exclude a complete state.

[0098] In this disclosure, expressions using "than", such as "greater than A" and "smaller than A", are expressions that comprehensively include both concepts that include equivalent to A and concepts that do not include equivalent to A. For example, "greater than A" is not limited to cases that do not include equivalent to A, but also includes "A or greater." Furthermore, "smaller than A" is not limited to "less than A" but also includes "A or less." When implementing the present technology, specific settings and the like may be appropriately adopted from the concepts included in "greater than A" and "smaller than A" so as to achieve the effects described above.

[0099] It is also possible to combine at least two of the features of the present technology described above. That is, the various features described in each embodiment may be arbitrarily combined without distinction between the embodiments. Furthermore, the various effects described above are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be achieved.

[0100] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) one or more display panels capable of displaying images; a support member having a support portion for supporting each of the one or more display panels; an actuator unit disposed between the one or more display panels and the support unit, and vibrating each of the one or more display panels; An output device comprising: (2) The output device according to (1), The support member supports the one or more display panels via the actuator portion. Output device. (3) The output device according to (2), each of the one or more display panels has a display surface that displays the image and a rear surface opposite to the display surface; the actuator unit includes one or more actuators provided for each of the one or more display panels and connected to the rear surface of each of the one or more display panels; The support portion fixes and holds the one or more actuators. Output device. (4) The output device according to (3), further comprising: A fixing mechanism for fixing the one or more actuators to the support part is provided. Output device. (5) The output device according to (4), the fixing mechanism includes a fastening member; The one or more actuators are fixed to the support by fastening with the fastening members. Output device. (6) An output device according to (4) or (5), the fixing mechanism includes a magnet; The one or more actuators are fixed to the support by the magnetic force of the magnet. Output device. (7) An output device according to any one of (3) to (6), The one or more actuators are electromagnetic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, or magnetostrictive actuators. Output device. (8) An output device according to any one of (3) to (7), the one or more actuators are electromagnetic actuators having a magnetic circuit, The fixing mechanism includes a magnet connected to the electromagnetic actuator, the magnet having a magnetic pole oriented in accordance with the configuration of the magnetic circuit. Output device. (9) The output device according to (8), The magnet connected to the electromagnetic actuator constitutes the magnetic circuit. Output device. (10) The output device according to any one of (3) to (9), further comprising: a connection mechanism for connecting the one or more actuators to the display panel; Output device. (11) The output device according to (10), the one or more actuators are electromagnetic actuators and include a coil and a bobbin around which the coil is wound; The connection mechanism includes a connection member that connects the bobbin to the display panel. Output device. (12) An output device according to any one of (3) to (11), The one or more actuators are configured to be detachable from the display panel. Output device. (13) An output device according to any one of (3) to (12), the one or more actuators are a plurality of actuators; The actuator section has a frame member that holds the plurality of actuators in a predetermined positional relationship. Output device. (14) The output device according to (13), each of the plurality of actuators is detachably screwed to the rear surface of the display panel; The frame member rotatably holds the plurality of actuators. Output device. (15) An output device according to any one of (3) to (14), The one or more actuators are connected to nodes of natural vibrations generated in the display panel. Output device. (16) The output device according to any one of (1) to (15), further comprising: a reinforcing member connected to the rear surface of the display panel; Output device. (17) The output device according to any one of (1) to (16), further comprising: a detection unit that detects a vibration state of the display panel; a drive control unit that generates a drive signal for driving each of the one or more actuators based on the detected vibration state of the display panel; An output device comprising: (18) An output device according to any one of (1) to (17), the one or more display panels are a plurality of display panels each having a display surface for displaying the image, and the display surfaces are arranged two-dimensionally; A structure for reducing friction is formed between adjacent end faces of adjacent display panels among the plurality of display panels. Output device. (19) An output device according to any one of (1) to (18), the one or more display panels are a plurality of display panels each having a display surface for displaying the image, and the display surfaces are arranged two-dimensionally; A structure for reducing a contact area is formed between adjacent end faces of the adjacent display panels among the plurality of display panels. Output device. (20) An output device according to any one of (1) to (19), the one or more display panels, the actuator unit, and the support member as a display unit, The output device further comprises a plurality of display units. Output device. (21) The output device according to (18), The structure for reducing friction is configured by coating the end surface with a low-friction material. Output device. (22) The output device according to (19), The structure for reducing the contact area is configured by forming a convex portion on the end surface. Output device. (23) An output device according to any one of (1) to (22), The one or more display panels are LED panels. Output device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 3...Display unit 5...Display panel 5a…Display surface 5b…Back part 5c...end face 6...Unit board 7...Actuator 8...Support part 9...Actuator 12...Fixed unit 13...Mobile unit 15...Voice coil 16...Drive bobbin 18...Screw hole 19...Connecting member 39...Frame member 44...Reinforcing member 48...Drive control unit 49...Sensor 63…Low friction structure 64...Contact area reduced structure 65…Low friction material 66...Convex part 100…Display device

Claims

1. a plurality of display panels capable of displaying images; a support member having a support portion for supporting each of the plurality of display panels; an actuator unit disposed between the plurality of display panels and the support unit, and configured to vibrate each of the plurality of display panels; An output device comprising:

2. 2. The output device according to claim 1, The support member supports the plurality of display panels via the actuator portions. Output device.

3. 3. The output device according to claim 2, each of the plurality of display panels has a display surface that displays the image and a rear surface opposite to the display surface; the actuator unit includes one or more actuators provided for each of the plurality of display panels and connected to the rear surface of each of the plurality of display panels, The support portion fixes and holds the one or more actuators. Output device.

4. 4. The output device according to claim 3, further comprising: a fixing mechanism for fixing the one or more actuators to the support portion; Output device.

5. 5. The output device according to claim 4, the fixing mechanism includes a fastening member; The one or more actuators are fixed to the support by fastening with the fastening members. Output device.

6. 5. The output device according to claim 4, the fixing mechanism includes a magnet; The one or more actuators are fixed to the support by the magnetic force of the magnet. Output device.

7. 4. The output device according to claim 3, The one or more actuators are electromagnetic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, or magnetostrictive actuators. Output device.

8. 5. The output device according to claim 4, the one or more actuators are electromagnetic actuators having a magnetic circuit, The fixing mechanism includes a magnet connected to the electromagnetic actuator, the magnet having a magnetic pole oriented in accordance with the configuration of the magnetic circuit. Output device.

9. 9. The output device according to claim 8, The magnet connected to the electromagnetic actuator constitutes the magnetic circuit. Output device.

10. 2. The output device according to claim 1, further comprising: a connection mechanism for connecting the one or more actuators to the display panel; Output device.

11. 11. The output device according to claim 10, the at least one actuator is an electromagnetic actuator and includes a coil and a bobbin around which the coil is wound; The connection mechanism includes a connection member that connects the bobbin to the display panel. Output device.

12. 4. The output device according to claim 3, The one or more actuators are configured to be detachable from the display panel. Output device.

13. 4. The output device according to claim 3, the one or more actuators are a plurality of actuators; The actuator section has a frame member that holds the plurality of actuators in a predetermined positional relationship. Output device.

14. 14. The output device according to claim 13, each of the plurality of actuators is detachably screwed to the rear surface of the display panel; The frame member rotatably holds the plurality of actuators. Output device.

15. 4. The output device according to claim 3, The one or more actuators are connected to nodes of natural vibrations generated in the display panel. Output device.

16. 4. The output device according to claim 3, further comprising: a reinforcing member connected to the rear surface of the display panel; Output device.

17. 2. The output device according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit that detects a vibration state of the display panel; a drive control unit that generates a drive signal for driving each of the one or more actuators based on the detected vibration state of the display panel; An output device comprising:

18. 2. The output device according to claim 1, the plurality of display panels each have a display surface for displaying the image, the display surfaces being arranged two-dimensionally; A structure for reducing friction is formed between adjacent end faces of adjacent display panels among the plurality of display panels. Output device.

19. 2. The output device according to claim 1, the plurality of display panels each have a display surface for displaying the image, the display surfaces being arranged two-dimensionally; A structure for reducing a contact area is formed between adjacent end faces of the adjacent display panels among the plurality of display panels. Output device.

20. 2. The output device according to claim 1, the plurality of display panels, the actuator unit, and the support member as a display unit, The output device further comprises a plurality of display units. Output device.

Images