Multi-panel Display Optical Fiber Plate for Seamless Image Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-panel display devices experience image discontinuity at junction areas due to non-active bezel areas, which are not covered by images, especially when viewing angles exceed a certain degree, leading to exposure of bezels and a lack of seamless image display.

Innovation Solution

A plate-type optical member with optical fibers and resin support is integrated into the multi-panel display device, where optical fibers receive light from active areas and output it to non-active areas, including bezel regions, using fibers with input and output surfaces aligned to cover junction lines and provide magnification to ensure continuous image display across the panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a multi-panel display device is used to create a large-scale display, then the display area is increased, but image discontinuity occurs at junction areas due to non-active bezel areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidimage continuity at junctions
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An optical member comprising optical fibers is introduced as an intermediary element between the active display area and the non-active bezel area. The optical fibers transmit light from the active area through the optical member to the bezel area, effectively mediating the image transmission across the junction regions and eliminating the visual discontinuity caused by the bezel structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical member extends in the thickness direction (z-axis) relative to the display panel plane, creating a three-dimensional light transmission path. By positioning the optical member at a predetermined distance from the display panel and utilizing its thickness, the system achieves light transmission over the non-active bezel area without interfering with the two-dimensional display image quality.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the viewing angle increases beyond a certain degree, then more of the display area is visible, but the non-active bezel areas become exposed causing image discontinuity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle rangeVSAvoidimage continuity at junctions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The optical member is strategically positioned and configured to provide different optical functions in different regions. The light conduits are arranged to specifically target and illuminate the non-active bezel areas where image discontinuity occurs, while maintaining normal display functionality in the active areas. This localized optical enhancement ensures image continuity is improved precisely where needed without affecting other regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If an optical member is added to compensate for image discontinuity, then image continuity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage continuity at junctionsVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits light from the active display area to the non-active bezel area, compensates for image discontinuity at junctions, and maintains a flat profile that integrates with the display device form factor. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single component, the solution improves image continuity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

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

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 effectively compensates for image discontinuity at junction areas, providing a seamless image display even at high viewing angles by transmitting light over non-active areas, including bezels, thus eliminating the visibility of bezels and ensuring a continuous image across the multi-panel display.

Implementation Method 1

The optical member includes a plurality of light conduits of a first refractive index and cladding portions surrounding the light conduits. The cladding portions have a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The light conduits include input surfaces receiving lights from active areas of the display devices and output surfaces transmitting the received light.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3147704B1Multi-panel display device with a plate-type optical member comprising optical fibers
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3147704B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3147704B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3147704B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a plate-type optical member for a multi-panel display device in which a plurality of individual display devices are joined and which includes junction area in which non-active areas of the individual display devices are arranged, the plate-type optical member includes plural optical fibers that have input ends opened to the lower part of the plate-type optical member and output ends opened to the upper part of the plate-type optical member and a resin support that supports the optical fibers. It is possible to guarantee image continuity in panel junction areas by disposing the plate-type optical member on the front surface of the multi-panel display device.