3D TV Display System with Presence Sensor for Glasses Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retail displays of 3D televisions lack an efficient mechanism to automatically switch between 2D and 3D media content based on the presence of 3D glasses, potentially confusing customers and wasting energy by continuously displaying 3D content when no one is using it.

Innovation Solution

A wall fixture with a 3D display system that includes a 3D television and a display shelf with a glasses holder, using a presence sensor to detect when 3D glasses are removed, triggering the TV to switch from 2D to 3D content and back to 2D after a predetermined time or upon return of the glasses, ensuring only viewers with glasses experience 3D imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If 3D media content is continuously displayed to enable potential 3D viewing, then 3D viewing capability is maintained, but energy is wasted when no one is using the display

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D viewing capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The display system dynamically switches between 2D and 3D modes based on real-time detection of glasses presence. The presence sensor continuously monitors whether 3D glasses are in the holder, and the system adapts its operation accordingly - displaying 3D content only when glasses are detected, and switching to 2D content when glasses are absent, thereby eliminating energy waste while maintaining 3D capability on demand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the presence sensor detects glasses presence and sends signals to the media player, which then adjusts content display mode accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures 3D content is displayed only when needed (when glasses are present), automatically reducing energy consumption while preserving 3D viewing capability when required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If 3D media content is displayed without verifying glasses presence, then 3D content is available, but customers may be confused about when to wear glasses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomer understandingVSAvoidcontent mode information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display system automatically detects glasses presence through the sensor and autonomously switches between 2D and 3D content modes without requiring customer intervention or manual selection. This self-service mechanism eliminates customer confusion by ensuring 3D content is displayed only when glasses are present, making the system's behavior intuitive and self-explanatory

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The presence sensor continuously monitors for glasses before 3D content is displayed. The system performs preliminary detection of glasses presence and prepares the appropriate content mode in advance, ensuring that 3D content is only presented when the customer is ready with glasses, thereby preventing confusion and maintaining clear information about content mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If a presence sensor is added to detect glasses, then automatic mode switching is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic mode switchingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual customer action (physically placing glasses in the holder) with an automated sensing system. The presence sensor uses optical or electromagnetic fields to detect glasses presence automatically, substituting mechanical detection with a non-contact sensing mechanism that enables automatic mode switching while adding minimal physical components to the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances customer experience by automatically switching content modes and conserves energy by reverting to 2D mode when 3D glasses are not in use, preventing unauthorized 3D viewing and optimizing display usage.

Implementation Method 1

In response to receiving an indication from a presence sensor that the 3D glasses previously located in the glasses holder of the display shelf have been removed from the glasses holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8994798B23D TV display system with sensor detecting an optical tool
Publication Date: 2015.03.31 TARGET BRANDS INC
  • US8994798B2 patent drawing
  • US8994798B2 patent drawing
  • US8994798B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wall fixture supports at least one display screen and a display shelf. The display shelf is located adjacent the display screen and includes a holder for housing a pair of three-dimensional (3D) glasses that are tethered to the holder The display screen displays two-dimensional (2D) media content. In response to receiving an indication from a presence sensor that the 3D glasses located in a glasses holder of the display shelf have been removed from the glasses holder, 3D media content is displayed on the display monitor.