Double-Sided Display With Common Backlight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double-sided displays require increased space and energy consumption due to the use of two independent screens, and often lack independent brightness control and the ability to display different information on each side, compromising resolution and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A double-sided display design featuring two matrix displays with a flat backlighting element that emits light in opposite directions, allowing for independent brightness control and the display of different information on each side, while minimizing energy usage and thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two independent displays are used to achieve double-sided readability, then both sides can display different information independently, but space requirements increase and energy consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent display capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two displays into a single integrated unit with a shared backlight system. The backlight element serves both displays simultaneously, reducing total energy consumption compared to two independent displays. The controller independently manages each display's content while the backlight provides common illumination, achieving energy savings through resource sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two independent displays are used to achieve double-sided readability, then both sides can display different information independently, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent display capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two displays into a single integrated structure where the displays are positioned on opposite sides of a shared backlight element. This configuration allows both displays to function independently for displaying different information while occupying significantly less space than two separate display units would require.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by stationary object

If a common backlight is used for both sides, then space and energy are saved, but independent brightness control is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidbrightness control
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the backlight control system into two independently controllable channels while using a single physical backlight element. The controller can adjust brightness levels separately for each display side, providing independent brightness control despite the shared backlight hardware. This segmentation enables operational flexibility while maintaining the energy efficiency of a common backlight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Use of energy by stationary object

If a common backlight is used for both sides, then space and energy are saved, but the thickness is reduced which may affect display quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddisplay quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a controllable backlight element that can dynamically adjust its light output characteristics. The controller modulates the backlight intensity and distribution to optimize display quality for each side independently, ensuring reliable visual performance despite the compact integrated structure. This dynamic control compensates for any potential quality compromises from the reduced thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design reduces energy consumption by up to 50%, saves space, and allows for independent brightness adjustment on each side, enabling the display of the same or different information on both sides, enhancing clarity and aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide plate (30) and LED light elements (31) attached to opposite end faces of the light guide plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

reflector elements (32), which deflect the light coming from the lighting elements directionally

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3327494B1Double-sided screen with common backlight
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 ANNAX GMBH
  • EP3327494B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3327494B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3327494B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Double-sided screen comprising two planar displays (2) each with a front and a back, a backlighting element (3) wherein the displays (2) are spaced apart from each other with their backs facing each other and the backlighting element (3) is arranged in the space defined by the displays, and the backlighting element (3) is capable of controlled light emission in two opposite directions.