Image display device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional showcases with display functions have limited usability of the back side of transparent displays due to the placement of drive circuits behind the displays, restricting the use of the rear area.

Innovation Solution

An image display device with a display panel switchable between image display and transmissive modes, featuring a frame unit with a protruding upper frame to support the driver circuit, allowing the driver to be positioned on the bottom side of the upper frame, and an illumination unit to enhance visibility of the back side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the driver circuit is disposed behind the transparent display on the inner side relative to the lateral side, then the display function is achieved, but the usable range of the back side of the transparent display is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusable range of back sideVSAvoiddriver circuit placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit is relocated from a conventional lateral placement to the upper side of the display panel, utilizing the vertical dimension above the display area. This dimensional shift allows the back side of the transparent display to be fully accessible while maintaining all driver functions, effectively resolving the space conflict between driver placement and back side usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the driver circuit is placed behind the display panel, then the display can function, but the back side cannot be easily used for placing objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveback side usabilityVSAvoiddriver circuit accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit is extracted from its conventional position behind the display panel and relocated to the upper side of the panel. This extraction removes the obstruction from the back side space, allowing objects to be freely placed and viewed behind the transparent display while the driver circuit continues to function from its new location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Illumination intensity

If the display panel is made transparent for viewing objects behind it, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but the driver circuit becomes visible and compromises aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransparency for viewingVSAvoiddriver circuit visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit is extracted from the rear space behind the transparent display and relocated to the upper side of the panel. This removal eliminates the visual obstruction caused by the driver circuit, allowing the transparent display to maintain full aesthetic appeal while enabling unobstructed viewing of objects placed behind it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11315912B2Image display device

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An image display device according to the present disclosure includes: a display panel; a frame unit; and a driver. The display panel is switchable between an image display mode in which an image is displayed and a transmissive mode in which the display panel is in a transmissive state where an object behind the display panel is visible in a front view of the display panel. The frame unit includes an upper plate disposed along an upper edge of the display panel and protruding rearward. The driver includes a circuit unit which drives the display panel. The driver is supported by the upper plate on a bottom side of the upper plate.