Bezel Indicator Lighting for Limited Display Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limited region in modern television sets, due to thinned frames, poses a challenge in effectively expressing various states and operations of display devices.

Innovation Solution

A display device and control method that utilize an LED indicator unit, which is controlled to change luminance and color patterns in response to user interactions and proximity of other devices, allowing for the expression of different states within a limited area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the frame part is thinned to achieve a narrow-framed design, then the aesthetic appearance and modernity of the display device is improved, but the region available for arranging indicators and expressing device states is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe thicknessVSAvoidindicator arrangement region
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the bezel region surrounding the display panel as an additional dimension for information expression. By arranging multiple indicators with different functions (power indicator, communication indicator, recording indicator, etc.) along the bezel perimeter, the system expands the limited two-dimensional frame area into a functional ring interface that can convey multiple device states simultaneously without increasing overall device thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs color-coded indicators and lighting elements within the bezel to differentiate various device states and functions. Each indicator can display different colors or lighting patterns to represent different operational modes, enabling rich information expression within the constrained spatial region through optical property variations rather than spatial expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple indicators are arranged in a limited frame region, then the device can express more operational states, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate expression capabilityVSAvoidindicator system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal indicator system where the bezel structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural frame and the mounting platform for multiple indicators. The control unit provides centralized management for all indicators, and the power supply unit efficiently distributes power to multiple elements. This multi-functional integration allows the system to express diverse device states without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges several separate indicator functions into an integrated bezel assembly. Instead of having separate indicator modules distributed throughout the device, all indicators (power, communication, recording, etc.) are combined into a single organized arrangement along the bezel perimeter, with shared control and power supply circuits, thereby reducing spatial redundancy and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If the frame part is thinned, then the overall device size is reduced, but the visibility and user recognition of device states becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe areaVSAvoiddevice state visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent compensates for reduced frame area by enhancing the optical properties of the indicators. Different colors, brightness levels, and lighting patterns are used to represent various device states, making the indicators more visually distinct and recognizable despite the smaller overall frame area. The use of LED or EL lighting elements provides high-contrast, energy-efficient visual feedback that maintains visibility in the thinned frame design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the bezel region into multiple distinct indicator zones, each dedicated to specific device state information. This segmentation allows users to quickly locate and interpret different types of information (power status, communication status, recording status) without confusion, maintaining effective information communication despite the reduced overall frame dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 the effective expression of various states and operations of a display device within a limited region, enhancing user recognition and interaction through dynamic lighting patterns and images.

Implementation Method 1

an LED indicator that indicates operations and states of the television set using lighting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2800359B1Display device, display control method, and program
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 SATURN LICENSING LLC
  • EP2800359B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2800359B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2800359B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present technology relates to a display device, a display control method, and a program that enable various states of the device to be expressed in a limited region. A television receiver set includes an indicator unit including an indicator disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit and configured to be lit at a predetermined luminance and an operation detection unit configured to detect an operation of a user, and an indicator control unit configured to control lighting of the indicator. When an operation of the user performed with respect to the indicator unit is detected, the indicator control unit causes the indicator to be lit. The present invention can be applied to a display device such as a television receiver set.