Curved Display Bending Control Based on Viewer Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices, particularly OLEDs, face challenges in dynamically changing curvature to enhance user immersion and adapt to different viewing conditions, as they lack a flexible backlight system, limiting their ability to adjust curvature based on user distance or content arrangement.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a bending module and controller that allows for switching between flat, first bending, and second bending modes based on user distance, number of remote controllers, or content arrangement, using a combination of mechanical links and a guide shaft to adjust curvature, and providing an interface for automatic or manual mode switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display module uses a fixed flat structure, then the manufacturing process is simple and structural stability is maintained, but the user immersion and viewing angle adaptation are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurvature adaptationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display module transitions from a fixed flat structure to a dynamic structure that can change curvature states. The bending module enables the display to switch between flat mode and multiple bending modes (first bending mode, second bending mode) based on user distance and viewing conditions, making the structure adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is divided into functional modules: a display module that can change curvature, a bending module located at the center of the rear surface to enable curvature changes, and a controller to manage mode switching. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component while achieving overall adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If the display module switches curvature mode quickly, then the response speed is improved, but the user may experience discomfort from sudden transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching speedVSAvoiduser discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides beforehand cushioning by detecting user distance and anticipating the need for curvature adjustment before the user actually experiences suboptimal viewing conditions. The controller proactively switches curvature modes based on detected distance thresholds, preventing viewing discomfort before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by detecting user distance (via sensors or remote controller position) and using this information to automatically adjust the display curvature. The controller continuously monitors viewing conditions and adjusts the bending module accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that responds to user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If the display module uses manual curvature adjustment, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the automation and user convenience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic curvature adjustmentVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device performs self-service by automatically detecting user distance and adjusting its own curvature without requiring manual user input. The controller autonomously determines when to switch between flat mode and bending modes based on detected viewing conditions, making the system self-regulating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves multiple functions: it manages curvature mode switching, detects user distance or remote controller position, determines optimal curvature modes based on content type (full-screen vs. split-screen), and coordinates the bending module operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

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

4Illumination intensity

If the display module maintains a fixed curvature, then the structural stability is preserved, but the viewing angle optimization for different user distances is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle optimizationVSAvoidcurvature flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the curvature parameter of the display module based on detected viewing conditions. The controller adjusts the curvature radius parameter by switching between flat mode (infinite radius) and bending modes (finite radii), optimizing the viewing angle and immersion for different user distances and content types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4212984B1Display device and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4212984B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4212984B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4212984B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes a main body provided with a display module on which an image is displayed, a bending module located at a center of a rear surface of the main body, and a controller. The controller includes controlling the bending module to change a curvature of the display module to any one of a flat mode in which the display module is flat, a first bending mode in which the display module has a first curvature, and a second bending mode in which the display module has a second curvature. Here, the second curvature is a maximum curvature of the display module. The controller further includes switching the display module to any one of the flat mode, the first bending mode, and the second bending mode based on a distance to a remote controller.