Side-Viewable Illumination for Wall-Mounted Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wall-mounted display units typically have limited off-axis viewing angles, making it difficult for users to observe status changes, such as color or light patterns, from positions other than directly in front of the unit, especially in hallways where viewing angles can approach 90 degrees or more.
Innovation Solution
A side-viewable illumination system for wall-mounted displays, comprising a face plate, a back plate with transparent or translucent sides, and light-emitting devices positioned to direct light through the back plate sides, allowing light to be visible at angles parallel or acute to the face plate plane, with a reflective coating on the bezel edge to enhance visibility from 180 degrees or more.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display unit uses traditional front-facing illumination, then the display is clearly visible from the front, but the viewing angle is limited and users cannot observe status changes from side positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional front-facing illumination to side-facing illumination by positioning light-emitting devices on the side of the display unit. This dimensional change allows light to be emitted laterally rather than only from the front, enabling users to view status changes from side positions and expanding the viewing angle to include off-axis directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light-emitting devices positioned at different locations on the side of the display unit. This segmentation allows the light to be distributed across multiple points, creating a broader illumination pattern that can be viewed from various angles, including side and off-axis positions.
2Loss of information
If the display unit is mounted on a wall in a hallway, then it can be viewed from the front, but users positioned down the hall at angles approaching 90 degrees cannot observe status changes
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning light-emitting devices on the side of the display unit rather than only the front, the illumination is directed laterally toward the hallway. This dimensional change in light emission direction enables users positioned down the hall at angles approaching 90 degrees to observe status changes, preventing information loss for remotely positioned users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional front illumination is used, then the display is easily viewed from the front, but the total viewing angle is limited to about 180 degrees or less
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple discrete light-emitting devices positioned at different locations on the side of the display unit. This segmentation allows each light source to contribute to a specific portion of the expanded viewing angle, collectively achieving a total viewing angle of about 180 degrees or more while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
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
Enables users to observe status changes and alerts from wider angles, including 180 degrees, improving visibility in hallways and other areas where direct viewing is not possible, by projecting light signals that can be seen from both sides, enhancing monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light-emitting device associated with the back plate rear face and positioned such that light emitted by the light-emitting device at least partially passes through the back plate sides
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of light from the at least one light-emitting device directed toward the display device opening edge is reflected away from the display device opening edge and back toward the bezel edge
Data Source
AI summary
A monitor display unit mounted on a surface and in electronic communication with a system or device to be monitored, comprising a face plate, a back plate having at least a portion of a side edge being translucent or transparent, a logic controller, and at least one light-emitting device in electronic communication with the controller. Actuation of the light-emitting device causes light to pass through the side edge of the back plate, thereby being visible to a viewer at an angle that can be generally parallel to the surface on which the display unit is mounted.