Electronic device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Showcase refrigerators with liquid crystal displays lack dynamic control over light sources to effectively manage visibility and demonstration effects, particularly when objects approach or remain stationary in front of the observation window.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a controller that selectively drives light sources within and outside an observation window, adjusting brightness and illumination patterns to enhance demonstration effects and reduce glare, including the use of light guide plates and multiple light sources positioned strategically to optimize image visibility and object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are continuously driven at high brightness, then visibility and demonstration effect are improved, but energy consumption increases and glare occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of light sources based on real-time detection of object proximity. The controller adjusts the operating state of light sources between first state (high brightness for visibility) and second state (low brightness or off for energy saving) according to whether objects are detected near the observation window, making the illumination system adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides light sources into different groups with different functions: light sources within the observation window area (for demonstrating internal contents) and light sources outside the observation window area (for overall illumination). The controller can independently control each group's brightness and operation state, allowing localized optimization of energy consumption while maintaining visibility where needed
2Illumination intensity
If light sources within the observation window are driven brightly, then internal contents visibility is improved, but glare and over-illumination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different illumination strategies to different spatial zones: light sources positioned within the observation window area are controlled to provide focused illumination for viewing internal contents, while light sources outside this area provide supplementary illumination. The controller adjusts brightness levels independently for each zone, ensuring adequate visibility without creating glare in the observation area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial illumination by selectively activating only the necessary light sources based on detection results. When objects are detected, the controller activates light sources within the observation window area at appropriate brightness levels, rather than illuminating the entire space, thus providing sufficient visibility while avoiding excessive light that causes glare
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are driven simultaneously, then demonstration effect is improved, but energy consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light source system into multiple independently controllable groups: light sources within the observation window area and light sources outside this area. The controller can selectively activate different segments based on detection results, creating versatile demonstration effects without requiring all light sources to operate simultaneously, thus managing complexity through modular control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control sequences where the controller adjusts light source operation states based on real-time object detection. The system transitions between different illumination patterns (first state and second state) to create adaptable demonstration effects, making the control system flexible rather than rigid despite managing multiple light sources
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
The solution provides improved visibility of internal contents and advertisement images by dynamically controlling light sources, reducing glare and enhancing the demonstration effect when the door is opened or an object approaches, while maintaining energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source disposed in at least a portion of a corner area of the door
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including a main body; a door attached to the main body; an observation window provided in at least a partial area of the door, the observation window including a display panel; at least one internal light source located within the observation window; at least one external light source located at an area outside of the observation window; and a controller configured to operate a first state to turn on the at least one internal light source such that an image displayed on the display panel is viewable from an outside of the electronic device, and operate a second state to turn on the at least one external light source such that an inside of the electronic device is viewable from the outside of the electronic device.