Acoustic Devices in Non-Display Areas for Orientation-Adaptive Sound

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image display apparatuses do not effectively utilize non-display areas for acoustic functionality, limiting user convenience in terms of sound input and output, especially when the device is turned upside down.

Innovation Solution

The image display apparatus incorporates acoustic devices on non-display areas with opening parts in the protection member, allowing for flexible positioning and operation as both speakers and microphones, with a gravity sensor determining device orientation to manage acoustic signal transmission and voltage application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If acoustic devices are disposed only on the upper portion of the device, then the speaker can output sound in one direction, but the device cannot function normally when turned upside down and the non-display area is not effectively utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice orientation adaptabilityVSAvoidacoustic device positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic devices are disposed on both the front and rear non-display areas, enabling them to function as speakers or microphones regardless of device orientation. This multi-position configuration allows the same acoustic devices to serve multiple functions (speaker/microphone) in different orientations, achieving universality without adding complex switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-sided (upper portion only) acoustic device placement to multi-sided (front and rear non-display areas) placement. This spatial dimensionality change enables the acoustic devices to utilize both front and rear surfaces, allowing normal functionality in any device orientation without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If opening parts are defined by opening the protection member in both directions perpendicular to the plane, then sound can pass through from both front and rear surfaces, but the protection member structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound input/output flexibilityVSAvoidprotection member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protection member is segmented into multiple parts: a front protection member with a first opening part, a rear protection member with a second opening part, and a side protection member. This segmentation allows each part to be independently formed with its own opening, simplifying the overall structure while enabling sound passage from both front and rear surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating complex openings through the entire protection member, the patent inverts the approach by forming separate opening parts in the front and rear protection members. This inverted structure allows sound to pass through from both surfaces without requiring complex through-openings, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving bidirectional sound functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If acoustic devices are disposed on non-display areas, then user convenience is improved for calls and music, but the display area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall and music functionalityVSAvoiddisplay area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by placing acoustic devices specifically in the non-display areas (front and rear portions) while maintaining the display panel's integrity in the central display area. This localized placement ensures that acoustic functionality is added without compromising the display area, as the non-display areas are already designated for auxiliary functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables normal call and music functionality regardless of device orientation, enhancing user convenience by allowing sound input and output through both front and rear surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a gravity sensor determining device orientation to manage acoustic signal transmission and voltage application

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity sensing: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

allowing for flexible positioning and operation as both speakers and microphones, with opening parts defined to corresponding to the acoustic devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound transmission: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS9609764B2Image display apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is an image display apparatus. The image display apparatus includes a display panel displaying an image through a display area, a plurality of acoustic devices disposed on a non-display area around the display area, a protection member accommodating the display panel and the acoustic devices, and a plurality of opening parts defined to corresponding to the acoustic devices, the plurality of opening parts being defined by opening the protection member of the non-display area in both directions perpendicular to a plane.