Display device, signal processing method, and signal processing program

Abstract

A display device according to the present disclosure comprises: a display unit including a panel that displays an image; and an output control unit that is disposed on the rear surface of the panel and performs control so as to output sound from the panel by driving a vibrator that vibrates the panel. The vibrator includes a vibration element, a first member to which the vibration element is attached, and a support member serving as a leg part for attaching the first member to a substrate constituting the panel, the support member fixing the first member to the substrate.

Description

Display device, signal processing method, and signal processing program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, a signal processing method, and a signal processing program.

[0002] A flat panel speaker has been proposed for use in a display device such as a television, which includes a flat panel and a vibrator that vibrates the flat panel. The flat panel speaker outputs sound by generating vibrations in the flat panel using the vibrator.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 209225

[0004] In panel speakers such as flat panel speakers, the vibrator is fixed to the substrate that constitutes the panel by any means. Therefore, the acoustic characteristics of the panel speaker are greatly influenced by the substrate to which it is fixed. In other words, with conventional panel speakers, the acoustic characteristics are determined by the structure and physical properties of the substrate that actually vibrates, making it difficult to flexibly adjust the sound quality.

[0005] The present disclosure proposes a display device, a signal processing method, and a signal processing program that solve these problems and enable flexible adjustment of sound quality.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display unit including a panel that displays images, and an output control unit that is arranged on the back surface of the panel and controls the panel to output sound by driving a vibrator that vibrates the panel. The vibrator includes a vibrating element, a first member to which the vibrating element is attached, and a support member that serves as a leg for attaching the first member to a substrate that constitutes the panel and fixes the first member to the substrate.

[0007] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of mounting a vibration unit to an LED substrate; FIG. 2 is a side view (1) illustrating the structure of a vibration unit according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a side view (2) illustrating the structure of a vibration unit according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a side view (3) illustrating the structure of a vibration unit according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a structure relating to bonding of a vibration unit according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a structure relating to bonding of a vibration unit according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of mounting a vibration unit to an LED substrate according to an embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shape of a plate of a vibration unit according to an embodiment; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in which a vibration unit and different materials are combined; FIG. 10 is an example of a side view showing the structure of an LED substrate; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a plurality of LED substrates; FIG. 12 is an example of a side view (1) illustrating a vibration damping structure of an LED substrate; FIG. 13 is an example of a side view (2) illustrating a vibration damping structure of an LED substrate; FIG. 14 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer that realizes the functions of a display device.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0009] The present disclosure will be described in the following order: 1. Embodiments 1-1. Configuration of a display device according to an embodiment 1-2. Configuration examples of a vibration unit 1-2-1. Bridge structure 1-2-2. Adhesion examples 1-2-3. Mounting examples 1-2-4. Plate shape examples 1-2-5. Combination of different materials 1-2-6. Structural examples of an LED board 1-2-7. Structural examples of multiple LED boards 1-2-8. Vibration control of an LED board 2. Other embodiments 3. Effects of a display device according to the present disclosure 4. Hardware configuration

[0010] (1. Embodiment) (1-1. Configuration of Display Device According to Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a display device 100 according to an embodiment. The display device 100 includes a panel 150, which is a display unit that displays an image. The display device 100 also includes a vibration unit 10 that is disposed on the back surface of the panel 150 and vibrates the panel 150. The panel 150 may be a flat panel having a planar shape or a curved panel having a curved shape, and the shape of the panel 150 is not limited.

[0011] The vibration unit 10 includes vibration elements such as piezo elements and other components for fixing the vibration elements to the panel 150. Although only one vibration unit 10 is shown in Fig. 1 for ease of explanation, a plurality of vibration units 10 may be provided in the display device 100. The configuration of the vibration unit 10 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2 and subsequent figures.

[0012] The panel 150 is a display for displaying images, which is configured by combining a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) substrates attached to a frame, for example. Note that the configuration of the panel 150 is not limited to this example, and any configuration may be used as long as the panel is a member that can be vibrated by the vibration unit 10.

[0013] The display device 100 is an information processing device that controls and outputs video and audio signals. For example, the display device 100 controls video signals to display video on a panel 150. The display device 100 also controls the vibration of the vibration unit 10, thereby outputting audio from the panel 150 that is vibrated by the vibration unit 10.

[0014] 1, the display device 100 includes a control unit 130. The control unit 130 adjusts the sound output from the panel 150 by signal control processing and the like executed by the control unit 130.

[0015] The control unit 130 is realized by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. executing a program (for example, a signal processing program according to the present disclosure) stored inside the display device 100 using a random access memory (RAM) etc. as a working area. The control unit 130 is also a controller, and may be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0016] The control unit 130 has an output control unit 131 that adjusts the sound output by controlling the vibration of the vibration unit 10. In other words, the output control unit 131 controls the sound output from the panel 150 included in the display device 100.

[0017] For example, the output control unit 131 controls input and output (e.g., power input to a vibrating element) of a circuit including a delay unit (delay circuit), a gain adjustment unit, an equalizer, an HPF (High-Pass Filter), etc., in order to control the vibration of the vibration unit 10. Note that the configuration of the output control unit 131 is not limited to this example, and any configuration may be used as long as it realizes the function of controlling the vibration of the vibration unit 10.

[0018] (1-2. Configuration example of vibration unit) (1-2-1. Bridge structure) Using Fig. 2, a structure when the vibration unit 10 is attached to the LED board 200, which is a component of the panel 150, will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of attaching the vibration unit 10 to the LED board 200. Fig. 2 shows a state in which the vibration unit 10 is attached to the LED board 200.

[0019] As described above, in the past, when a panel speaker was constructed, the vibration unit 10 was fixed directly to the LED board 200, and sound was output by vibrating the LED board 200. In this case, the sound quality of the output sound was determined by the physical properties of the material of the LED board, the arrangement of components on the LED board 200, and so it was difficult to flexibly adjust.

[0020] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to the present disclosure, rather than directly attaching the vibration unit 10 to the LED board 200, a so-called bridge structure is adopted in which the vibration unit 10 is fixed above the surface of the LED board 200 using a support member. This allows the display device 100 to adjust the sound quality of the panel speaker by adjusting the support member (material, height, etc.) that serves as the bridge for the vibration unit 10 and the support method using the bridge (method of fixing to the LED board 200, bridge spacing, etc.). For example, by employing a bridge structure, the display device 100 can distribute power to lower frequencies by resonating the plates that make up the bridge structure. Furthermore, according to the configuration of the present disclosure, the vibration unit 10 can be attached while avoiding components such as a driver IC that are incorporated into the LED board 200, thereby enabling flexible changes to the arrangement of the vibration unit 10 and the circuit arrangement within the LED board 200.

[0021] Such a structure will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and subsequent drawings. Fig. 3 is a side view (1) showing the structure of the vibration unit 10 according to the embodiment.

[0022] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the vibration unit 10 includes a vibration element 20 and a shim plate 30. The shim plate 30 is a component that is generally used in combination with the vibration element 20 to adjust for height and gap misalignments that occur during the processing and installation of the vibration element 20, and to protect the vibration element. The shim plate 30 is generally made of a very thin metal plate or the like, approximately a few millimeters thick, but the material is not limited to this and any material may be used. The vibration element 20 and the shim plate 30 are fixed together with an adhesive such as adhesive tape 40.

[0023] The vibration unit 10 is also combined with a bridge plate 50 using adhesive tape 40. In the example of Fig. 3, a support material 60 for connecting to the LED board 200 is fixed to the bridge plate 50. In this manner, the shim plate 30 is adhered to the bridge plate 50, which is the second member, with adhesive tape 40. Note that in typical implementations, the vibration element 20 and the shim plate 30 are combined and installed in this manner, but the shim plate 30 is not essential, and the vibration element 20 may be directly adhered to the bridge plate 50.

[0024] The support member 60 is a connecting member, such as a boss, that is used to fasten components together. The support member 60 is made of a metal such as aluminum or steel, but the material is not limited to these, and any material may be used.

[0025] That is, the support material 60 is a support member that serves as a leg for attaching the bridge plate 50 (or shim plate 30) to the LED board 200 that constitutes the panel 150, and plays a role in raising and fixing the bridge plate 50 above the LED board 200. Note that the support material 60 is desirably molded to have a height higher than the members arranged on the LED board 200 in order to avoid interference between the members on the LED board 200 and the vibration unit 10.

[0026] 3, the vibration unit 10 is attached to a bridge plate 50, and then attached to the LED board 200 via a support material 60 so as to straddle the ICs 300 and the like arranged on the LED board 200. The bridge plate 50 is fixed to the support material 60 with fixing devices such as screws.

[0027] The vibration unit 10 transmits force through the connection between the bridge plate 50 and the LED board 200 (the support material 60 in the example of FIG. 3 ), thereby vibrating the entire LED board 200 and generating sound.

[0028] By adopting such a bridge structure, the display device 100 can adjust the sound quality by varying the mounting structure of the bridge plate 50 and the material of the support member 60. Furthermore, without adopting a bridge structure, the only option is to position the vibration unit 10 on the LED board 200 at a location where the vibration element 20 can be mounted flat. On the other hand, with a bridge structure, for example, adjusting the height of the support member 60 can avoid interference between the IC 300 and the vibration unit 10, allowing for more flexible mounting of the vibration unit 10 on the LED board 200. In this way, the display device 100 allows the vibration unit 10 to be positioned at any desired location and allows for adjustment of the position on the LED board 200 from which vibration is applied, thereby enabling sound quality adjustments that may occur due to changes in position. Note that "fixing the vibration unit 10 floating" above the LED board 200 does not necessarily mean that there is an air gap. For example, the vibration unit 10 may be supported by a more rigid support member (a so-called bridge girder) and a less rigid member (a member filling the space between the bridges) to form a bridge structure. As an example, the vibration unit 10 may be attached to the LED substrate 200 in such a manner that a more rigid (hard) adhesive tape is used as a support member, and a less rigid (soft) adhesive tape, adhesive, or the like is filled between the support members. In other words, the "legs" according to the present disclosure may be any members that support the bridge structure, and the form thereof is not limited.

[0029] The bridge structure according to the embodiment can be modified in various ways. This will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a side view (2) showing the structure of the vibration unit 10 according to the embodiment.

[0030] 4, the vibration unit 10 uses the shim plate 30 as a bridge plate to combine the vibration element 20 and the support member 60. In this case, the shim plate 30 is fixed to the support member 60 by a fixing device such as a screw.

[0031] According to this structure, the display device 100 can be easily installed because it does not require the bridge plate 50. Furthermore, in this structure, the absence of the bridge plate 50 changes the rigidity and the like of the vibration unit 10 compared to the example in Fig. 3, which can bring about changes in the sound quality.

[0032] An example of another bridge structure will be described below. Fig. 5 is a side view (3) showing the structure of the vibration unit 10 according to the embodiment.

[0033] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the support material connecting the LED board 200 and the vibration unit 10 is made of the same material as the bridge plate 50 and is molded integrally with the bridge plate 50. In other words, the vibration unit 10 is configured by combining the bridge plate 50, which is molded integrally as a support material, with the vibration element 20. In this structure, the rigidity, etc. of the vibration unit 10 changes compared to the example in Fig. 3 due to the bridge plate 50 being molded integrally, which can bring about a change in sound quality.

[0034] (1-2-2. Adhesion Examples) Next, examples of methods for adhering the vibrating element 20 to other members in the vibration unit 10 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The examples in Figures 3 to 5 show examples in which the vibrating element 20 and other members are adhered using adhesive tape 40, but the sound quality can also be changed by changing the adhesion method, such as the fixing location or shape of the adhesive tape 40.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a diagram (1) showing the structure relating to the bonding of the vibration unit 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 shows a plan view, a side view, and an elevation view of the vibration unit 10. Note that in Figs. 6 and 7, the shim plate 30 is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0036] In the example of Figure 6, the vibrating element 20 and the bridge plate 50 are bonded over their entire surfaces with adhesive tape 40. By bonding the entire surface of the vibrating element 20 in this way, the bonding area is increased, allowing the vibrating element 20 to transmit the force to the LED board 200 without losing the vibration force. This allows the vibrating element 20 to vibrate, for example, objects with higher hardness. Furthermore, when the adhesive tape 40 is bonded over the entire surface, the weight of the adhesive tape 40 increases, improving the vibration damping effect of the vibration unit 10. This reduces reverberation and distortion in the output sound.

[0037] On the other hand, in the embodiment, a method may be employed in which the adhesive tape 40 is attached to only a portion of the vibrating element 20 rather than the entire surface thereof. Fig. 7 is a diagram (2) showing the structure relating to adhesion of the vibrating unit 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 shows an example in which the adhesive tape 40 is attached only to a portion of the vibrating element 20 (three adhesive tapes 40 are attached in the short direction in the example of Fig. 7) rather than to the entire surface thereof.

[0038] In this way, by adhering only a portion of the vibrating element 20, the area of ​​the adhesive tape 40 can be reduced compared to when the entire surface is adhered, which reduces the weight and creates a state in which vibration is less suppressed. Therefore, the vibrating element 20 can transmit vibration to the LED substrate 200 more efficiently.

[0039] In the method of adhering the vibrating element 20 to another member, not only the area to which the adhesive tape 40 is applied but also the thickness of the adhesive tape 40 may be changed.

[0040] The thinner the adhesive tape 40, the greater the force transmitted to the bridge plate 50 when the vibrating element 20 is vibrated. In other words, the thinner the adhesive tape 40, the smaller the damping (attenuation rate) in force transmission. On the other hand, the thicker the adhesive tape 40, the smaller the force transmitted to the bridge plate 50 when the vibrating element 20 is vibrated. In other words, the thicker the adhesive tape 40, the greater the damping in force transmission. For example, the display device 100 can suppress reverberation of the output sound by increasing the damping. Furthermore, the display device 100 can vary the force transmitting vibration by adjusting the thickness of the adhesive tape 40, which makes it possible to change the frequency of the output sound, for example.

[0041] The display device 100 can also change the sound by changing the material of the adhesive tape 40. For example, the display device 100 can adjust the damping of the vibration unit 10 by changing the viscosity or specific gravity of the material of the adhesive tape 40, thereby affecting the reverberation characteristics of the sound. The display device 100 can also adjust the driving force of the vibration element 20 by changing the hardness of the material of the adhesive tape 40, thereby affecting the output and frequency of the sound.

[0042] 6 and 7 , the vibrating element 20 may be configured such that the flat portion of the vibrating element 20 is bonded to the entire surface of the bridge plate 50 (or shim plate 30) with adhesive tape 40, or the flat portion of the vibrating element 20 is bonded to a portion of the bridge plate 50. For example, the designer can adjust the area, thickness, material, etc. of the adhesive tape in accordance with the sound quality required for the sound output from the display device 100.

[0043] In the embodiment, adhesive tape 40 is shown as a member used to adhere the elements of the vibration unit 10, but the adhesive member is not limited to this, and adhesives, etc. may also be used. Furthermore, the method for fixing the elements of the vibration unit 10 is not limited to adhesion, and any method may be used as long as the elements are attached by some means and can be fixed to each other.

[0044] (1-2-3. Mounting Example) Next, a construction example when mounting the vibration unit 10 on the LED substrate 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a diagram (1) showing an example of mounting the vibration unit 10 according to the embodiment to the LED substrate 200. Fig. 8 shows a plan view of the structure when the vibration unit 10 is mounted and fixed to the LED substrate 200. Fig. 8 shows an example in which the vibration unit 10 is mounted to the LED substrate 200 with four fixing screws 65 arranged at the four corners.

[0046] 9 is a diagram (2) showing an example of mounting the vibration unit 10 according to the embodiment to the LED substrate 200. In Fig. 9, in addition to the four corners of the vibration unit 10, two additional fixing points are added near the center of the vibration element 20 in the longitudinal direction. That is, in the example of Fig. 9, the vibration unit 10 is mounted to the LED substrate 200 at six points.

[0047] 10 is a diagram (3) showing an example of mounting the vibration unit 10 according to the embodiment to the LED substrate 200. In addition to the example of FIG. 8, four additional fixing points are added near the vibration element 20 in the example of FIG. 10. That is, in the example of FIG. 10, the vibration unit 10 is mounted to the LED substrate 200 at eight points.

[0048] 8 to 10 , in the embodiment, it is possible to freely change the number and positions of fixing points when attaching the vibration unit 10 to the LED substrate 200. The reason why such changes are possible is that the vibration unit 10 has a bridge structure, which allows for flexible selection of the attachment method.

[0049] By increasing or decreasing the number of fixing points, the display device 100 can produce various changes in the sound it outputs. For example, compared to the six-point fixing shown in FIG. 9 , the four-point fixing shown in FIG. 8 allows for a longer distance between the fixing points, resulting in stronger resonance at lower frequencies. Furthermore, compared to the six-point fixing, the eight-point fixing shown in FIG. 10 reduces the distance between the fixing points, increasing the rigidity of the vibration unit 10, thereby suppressing unnecessary vibrations and reducing the bass range of the output sound. On the other hand, reducing the number of fixing points makes it easier for the bridge plate 50 in the vibration unit 10 to resonate, increasing the bass range of the output sound.

[0050] Even if the number of fixing points is the same, the display device 100 can adjust the sound quality in the same way by adjusting the positional relationship between the fixing screws 65 and the vibrating elements 20 .

[0051] As described above, the bridge plate 50 may be fixed to the support member 60 with the number of fixing screws 65 determined based on the sound quality required for the sound output from the panel 150. For example, the designer can adjust the number of fixing screws 65 to fix the vibration unit 10 with six fixing screws 65 to output a well-balanced sound, or to fix the vibration unit 10 with a greater number of fixing screws 65 to output a sound that includes more of the high-pitched range.

[0052] (1-2-4. Examples of Plate Shapes) Next, examples of the shape of the plate in the vibration unit 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Note that the plate is a surface member that is adhered to the vibration element 20 in the vibration unit 10, and corresponds to the bridge plate 50 in the structures shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, and corresponds to the shim plate 30 in the structure shown in Fig. 4.

[0053] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of the shape of the plate of the vibration unit 10 according to the embodiment. In Fig. 11A, the vibration unit 10A has a plate with a notch near the location where it is fixed to the LED substrate 200. In Fig. 11B, the vibration unit 10B has a plate with a notch near the location where it is fixed to the LED substrate 200, and is longer in the longitudinal direction than the vibration unit 10A. In Fig. 11C, the vibration unit 10C has a plate with a notch near the location where it is fixed to the LED substrate 200, and is longer in the lateral direction than the vibration unit 10A.

[0054] In this way, the display device 100 can output sound using the vibration unit 10 having plates of various shapes. The resonance frequency of the LED board 200 vibrated by the vibration unit 10 is adjusted by changing the shape of the plate.

[0055] The shape of the plate is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 11 and can be any shape. The plate may also be configured to have approximately the same area as the vibrating element 20. In this case, the vibrating unit 10 can be attached to the LED substrate 200 by a planar fixing method such as a countersunk head screw, and the vibrating element 20 can be arranged directly above the plate.

[0056] The plate can be freely changed in terms of not only its shape but also its material and thickness. The sound quality can change, for example, depending on the physical properties (e.g., Young's modulus, ductility, etc.) of the plate's material. For example, the plate's material can be changed to aluminum, steel, etc., and the change in physical properties due to such a change can change the sound quality of the output sound. Furthermore, changes in the material's physical properties can also change the impact sound of the output sound. Visualizing the vibration mode using a laser Doppler, etc., is also effective in selecting the optimal material in combination with the object to be vibrated. The sound quality of the output sound can also change depending on the plate's thickness.

[0057] As described above, the bridge plate 50 may be molded into a shape determined based on the quality of sound required to be output from the panel 150. By changing the length, rigidity, shape, etc. of the bridge plate 50, the designer can make the panel 150 output sound with the desired quality of sound.

[0058] (1-2-5. Combination of Different Materials) Next, a configuration in which the vibration unit 10 is combined with a different material will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which the vibration unit 10 is combined with a different material.

[0059] 12, the vibration unit 10 includes a material 400 that is made of a different material from the bridge plate 50 in addition to the structure shown in FIG.

[0060] As described above, the vibration unit 10 may further include a material 400 that is bonded to the bridge plate 50 with an adhesive and is made of a different material from the bridge plate 50. In this way, by attaching a different material to the back of the plate, the vibration unit 10 can change the physical properties of the plate, thereby changing the sound output. For example, by combining the bridge plate 50 with the material 400, the vibration unit 10 can obtain damping and bending characteristics that differ from the physical properties of the bridge plate 50 alone. The material 400 may be, for example, embossed copper tape.

[0061] (1-2-6. Structural Example of LED Board) Next, a structural example of the LED board 200 that is subjected to vibration by the vibration unit 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is an example of a side view showing the structure of the LED board 200.

[0062] 13 , the LED substrate 200 is fixed to the radiator plate 220 via double-sided tape 230. The radiator plate 220 is attached to the housing cabinet 210.

[0063] Because the vibration unit 10 vibrates the LED substrate 200 to output sound, the output sound of the display device 100 can be changed, for example, by changing the material used to secure the LED substrate 200 to the radiator plate 220 or the housing cabinet 210. For example, changing the double-sided tape 230 or the like that secures the LED substrate 200 to the radiator plate 220 or the housing cabinet 210 to a more flexible material can prevent the radiator plate 220 or the housing cabinet 210 from vibrating unnecessarily, thereby reducing the distortion of the output sound. Note that if the fastening is not performed with the double-sided tape 230 but with screws, pins, or the like, a similar effect can be achieved by inserting, for example, grommets, rubber washers, or the like.

[0064] As described above, by fixing the LED substrate 200 flexibly (floating structure) instead of firmly fixing it, the display device 100 can change the output sound.

[0065] (1-2-7. Structural Example of Multiple LED Boards) Next, a structural example of multiple LED boards 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the structure of multiple LED boards 200.

[0066] Generally, in an LED display or the like that constitutes the panel 150, it is considered ideal to have a structure in which a plurality of LED boards 200 are lined up without any gaps, as shown in Fig. 14. The vibration unit 10 vibrates each of these plurality of LED boards 200, but this may cause adjacent LED boards 200 to come into contact with each other, resulting in vibration problems.

[0067] For this reason, the display device 100 may employ a sliding structure that reduces friction between the LED substrates 200. That is, the panel 150 may be configured by connecting multiple LED substrates 200 using a sliding means. For example, the display device 100 may apply a highly sliding tape, a specific coating, or a highly sliding chemical to the substrate edges between the LED substrates 200. This allows the display device 100 to limit the transmission of unnecessary sound vibrations, thereby reducing the distortion of the output sound. The display device 100 may also reduce distortion by changing the material of the LED substrates 200 themselves, or by improving the sliding properties of components that contact surfaces other than the substrate edges during tiling.

[0068] 15 and 16, an example of vibration suppression processing for the LED board 200 that is subjected to vibration by the vibration unit 10 will be described. FIG. 15 is an example (1) of a side view showing the vibration suppression structure of the LED board 200.

[0069] As described above, it is desirable to suppress unnecessary vibrations in the LED board 200 that is vibrated by the vibration unit 10. For this reason, the display device 100 can employ a structure in which the vibration unit 10 installed in the housing cabinet 210 is covered with a vibration-damping material 250.

[0070] 16 is a side view example (2) showing the vibration damping structure of the LED substrate 200. FIG. 16 shows in detail the internal structure of the vibration damping material 250 shown in FIG.

[0071] 16, the vibration element 20 (i.e., the vibration unit 10) is attached to the LED substrate 200 so as to be covered with a vibration-damping material 250. For example, the vibration-damping material 250 is made of a material with a relatively high specific gravity, such as an asphalt sheet.

[0072] In this way, the vibration unit 10 is arranged on the back surface of the panel 150 while being covered with the vibration-damping material 250. Specifically, the display device 100 can suppress reverberation of the LED board 200 and improve distortion by covering the vibration unit 10 with the vibration-damping material 250, such as an asphalt sheet, attached to the back surface of the LED board 200 to be vibrated. Note that the display device 100 can adjust the output sound by adjusting, for example, the material, shape (thickness, etc.), and attachment position of the vibration-damping material 250 in accordance with the material of the LED board 200.

[0073] (2. Other Embodiments) The processing according to each of the above-described embodiments may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments.

[0074] For example, the vibration unit 10 according to the embodiment is capable of not only vibrating the panel 150 but also vibrating other objects to drive them as speakers.

[0075] 14 does not necessarily need to be combined with the vibration unit 10 having the bridge structure according to the embodiment, but may be combined with a vibration element having a structure other than the bridge structure. In this case, the display device 100 can be configured as a panel speaker that reduces friction between the LED boards 200 to prevent unnecessary vibrations and achieves appropriate audio output.

[0076] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. Furthermore, the information, including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings, can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0077] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0078] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0079] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0080] (3. Effects of the Display Device According to the Present Disclosure) As described above, the display device according to the present disclosure (display device 100 in the present embodiment) includes a display unit including a panel (panel 150 in the present embodiment) that displays an image, and an output control unit (output control unit 131 in the present embodiment) that is arranged on the back surface of the panel and controls the panel to output sound by driving a vibrator (vibration unit 10 in the present embodiment) that vibrates the panel. The vibrator also includes a vibrating element (vibration element 20 in the present embodiment), a first member (shim plate 30 or bridge plate 50 in the present embodiment) to which the vibrating element is adhered, and a support member (support member 60 in the present embodiment) that serves as a leg for attaching the first member to a substrate (LED substrate 200 in the present embodiment) that constitutes the panel and that fixes the first member to the substrate.

[0081] As described above, the display device according to the present disclosure employs a so-called bridge structure in which a vibrator for vibrating the panel is fixed to the substrate via a support member. This allows the display device to transmit vibrations via a plate portion or support member, rather than directly to the substrate using an attached vibrator. Therefore, sound quality can be adjusted by, for example, changing the physical properties of these components. Furthermore, the bridge structure allows the vibrator to be placed anywhere on the substrate, improving the degree of freedom in placement.

[0082] The first member is fixed to the support member by a fixing device (a fixing screw 65 in this embodiment).

[0083] Alternatively, the first member may be attached to the second member (bridge plate 50 in this embodiment) by an attachment member (adhesive tape 40 in this embodiment), in which case the second member is fixed to the support member by a fastener.

[0084] The support member may be made of the same material as the second member and may be molded integrally with the second member.

[0085] In this way, the display device can employ various types of bridge structures, which allows for flexible changes in the components and arrangement of the display device.

[0086] The support member may be formed to have a height greater than that of the components disposed on the substrate, thereby preventing interference between the vibrator and components such as ICs on the substrate and enabling the vibrator to be disposed at any desired position in the display device.

[0087] Furthermore, the vibrating element may be configured such that the flat surface of the vibrating element and the entire surface of the first member are bonded by an adhesive member, or the flat surface of the vibrating element and a part of the first member are bonded by an adhesive member.

[0088] The second member may also be fixed to the support member by a number of fixing devices determined based on the sound quality required for the sound output from the panel.

[0089] The second member may also be molded into a shape determined based on the sound quality required for the sound output from the panel.

[0090] The vibrator may further include a third member (material 400 in this embodiment) that is adhered to the second member by an attachment member and that is made of a different material from the second member.

[0091] In this way, the display device can change the materials and configurations of the various components that make up the vibrator in accordance with the sound quality of the sound that is to be output. This allows the display device to perform detailed sound quality adjustments on panel speakers, which have traditionally been difficult to adjust due to their fixed configuration and layout.

[0092] The panel may also be made up of a plurality of substrates that are connected to each other using a slidable means.

[0093] The vibrator may also be arranged on the rear surface of the panel in a state where it is covered with a vibration-damping material (vibration-damping material 250 in this embodiment).

[0094] In this way, by increasing the slidability between the LED substrates, the display device reduces interference between the substrates and reduces unnecessary vibrations, thereby improving the quality of the sound output.

[0095] (4. Hardware Configuration) Information devices such as the display device 100 according to the above-described embodiments are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in FIG. 17 , for example. The display device 100 according to the embodiments will be described below as an example. FIG. 17 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 1000 that realizes the functions of the display device 100. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1300, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1400, a communication interface 1500, and an input / output interface 1600. The components of the computer 1000 are connected by a bus 1050.

[0096] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each component based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400. For example, the CPU 1100 loads the programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400 into the RAM 1200 and executes processing corresponding to the various programs.

[0097] The ROM 1300 stores boot programs such as a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) that is executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started, and programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000 .

[0098] HDD 1400 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records programs executed by CPU 1100 and data used by such programs. Specifically, HDD 1400 is a recording medium that records a signal processing program according to the present disclosure, which is an example of program data 1450.

[0099] The communication interface 1500 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to an external network 1550 (e.g., the Internet). For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from other devices and transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication interface 1500.

[0100] The input / output interface 1600 is an interface for connecting the input / output device 1650 and the computer 1000. For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from input devices such as a keyboard or a mouse via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also transmits data to output devices such as a display, a speaker, or a printer via the input / output interface 1600. The input / output interface 1600 may also function as a media interface for reading programs and the like recorded on a predetermined recording medium. Examples of media include optical recording media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) and PDs (Phase Change Rewritable Disks), magneto-optical recording media such as MOs (Magneto-Optical Disks), tape media, magnetic recording media, and semiconductor memories.

[0101] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the display device 100 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes a signal processing program loaded onto the RAM 1200 to realize functions of the control unit 130, etc. Furthermore, data such as the signal processing program according to the present disclosure is stored in the HDD 1400. The CPU 1100 reads and executes program data 1450 from the HDD 1400, but as another example, the CPU 1100 may obtain these programs from another device via an external network 1550.

[0102] Note that the present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) A display device comprising: a display unit including a panel that displays images; and an output control unit that is arranged on the back surface of the panel and controls a vibrator that vibrates the panel to output sound from the panel by driving the vibrator, wherein the vibrator includes: a vibrating element; a first member to which the vibrating element is attached; and a support member that serves as a leg for attaching the first member to a substrate that constitutes the panel and fixes the first member to the substrate. (2) The display device according to (1), wherein the first member is fixed to the support member by a fixing fixture. (3) The display device according to (1) or (2), wherein the first member is attached to a second member by an attachment member, and the second member is fixed to the support member by a fixing fixture. (4) The display device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first member is attached to the second member by an attachment member, and the support member is made of the same material as the second member and molded integrally with the second member. (5) The display device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the support member is molded to a height greater than that of a member disposed on the substrate. (6) The display device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the vibrating element is bonded by an adhesive member to the entire surface of the first member or to a part of the first member at its flat surface. (7) The display device according to (3) or (4), wherein the second member is fixed to the support member by the number of fixing devices determined based on the sound quality required for sound output from the panel. (8) The display device according to (3) or (4), wherein the second member is molded into a shape determined based on the sound quality required for sound output from the panel. (9) The display device according to (3) or (4), wherein the vibrator further includes a third member attached to the second member by an attachment member, the third member being made of a different material from the second member.(10) The display device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the panel is constituted by a plurality of the substrates, the substrates being connected to each other using a means having sliding properties. (11) The display device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the vibrator is arranged on the back surface of the panel in a state where it is covered with the vibration-damping material. (12) A signal processing method including: a computer including: a display unit including a panel that displays images; and a vibrator including a vibrating element, a first member to which the vibrating element is attached, and a support member that serves as a leg for attaching the first member to a substrate that constitutes the panel and that fixes the first member to the substrate, the computer being arranged on the back surface of the panel, and controlling the vibrator that vibrates the panel to output sound from the panel by driving the vibrator. (13) A signal processing program for causing a computer having: a display unit including a panel that displays an image; and a vibrator including a vibrating element, a first member to which the vibrating element is attached, and a support member that serves as a leg for attaching the first member to a substrate that constitutes the panel and fixes the first member to the substrate; to function as a computer having an output control unit that is arranged on the back surface of the panel and controls the panel to output sound by driving the vibrator that vibrates the panel.

[0103] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Vibration unit 20 Vibration element 30 Shim plate 40 Adhesive tape 50 Bridge plate 60 Support material 100 Display device 130 Control unit 131 Output control unit 150 Panel 200 LED substrate

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a display unit including a panel for displaying images; and an output control unit arranged on the rear surface of the panel and controlling the panel to output sound by driving a vibrator that vibrates the panel, wherein the vibrator includes: a vibration element; a first member to which the vibration element is attached; and a support member that serves as a leg for attaching the first member to a substrate that constitutes the panel, and that fixes the first member to the substrate.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first member is fixed to the support member by a fixing device.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first member is attached to a second member by an attachment member, and the second member is fixed to the support member by a fixing device.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first member is attached to a second member by an attachment member, and the support member is made of the same material as the second member and is molded integrally with the second member.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is molded to have a height greater than that of a member disposed on the substrate.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration element is bonded by an adhesive material such that a flat portion of the vibration element and the entire surface of the first member are bonded together, or a flat portion of the vibration element and a part of the first member are bonded together.

7. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the second member is fixed to the support member by a number of fixing devices determined based on the sound quality required for the sound output from the panel.

8. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the second member is molded into a shape determined based on the sound quality required for the sound output from the panel.

9. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the vibrator further includes a third member attached to the second member by a mounting member, the third member being made of a material different from that of the second member.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the panel is formed by connecting a plurality of the substrates together using a slidable means.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the vibrator is disposed on the rear surface of the panel and is covered with the vibration-damping material.

12. A signal processing method comprising: a computer comprising: a display unit including a panel for displaying images; and a vibrator including a vibration element, a first member to which the vibration element is attached, and a support member that serves as a leg for attaching the first member to a substrate constituting the panel and fixes the first member to the substrate; the computer controlling the panel to output sound by driving the vibrator, which is placed on the back surface of the panel and vibrates the panel.

13. A signal processing program for causing a computer comprising: a display unit including a panel for displaying images; and a vibrator including a vibration element, a first member to which the vibration element is attached, and a support member that serves as a leg for attaching the first member to a substrate constituting the panel and fixes the first member to the substrate; and an output control unit that is disposed on the rear surface of the panel and controls the panel to output sound by driving the vibrator that vibrates the panel.

Images