Overlay Solar Panel Anti-Reflection Layout for Display Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Specular reflection on the back surface of power generators in solar panels can cause overlapping or bright areas next to dark areas, reducing the visibility of the display and creating an unnatural appearance.

Innovation Solution

A solar panel design with a transmissive area and power generators, including an anti-reflector on the display-facing surface to prevent light reflection, with the transmissive area corresponding to the display area and a larger area than the non-transmissive power generation area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a metal electrode layer is disposed on the surface of thin-line power generators facing the display, then power generation efficiency is improved, but specular reflection occurs causing overlapping images and bright areas that reduce display visibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoiddisplay visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A light-absorbing layer is introduced as an intermediary between the metal electrode layer and the display panel. This intermediate layer absorbs reflected light before it can reach the display, preventing the harmful specular reflection while allowing the metal electrode layer to remain for efficient power generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful specular reflection from the metal electrode layer is converted into a beneficial effect by adding the light-absorbing layer. The reflected light that would otherwise degrade display visibility is now absorbed and converted into heat, eliminating the visual interference while preserving the electrical function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Power

If power generators are disposed over the display area, then electric power generation is enhanced, but reflection of light reduces the visibility of displayed information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric power generationVSAvoidvisibility of displayed information
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The light-absorbing layer serves as a mediator that allows the power generator to be positioned directly over the display area for maximum power generation, while simultaneously absorbing reflected light to maintain display visibility. This intermediary enables both functions to coexist without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If a light-reflective layer is used to increase luminosity of images on display, then display brightness is improved, but overlapping images and bright areas appear due to specular reflection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay luminosityVSAvoidimage clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The light-absorbing layer acts as a mediator that prevents the specular reflection responsible for overlapping images and bright areas, while allowing the display to maintain its luminosity through other means such as backlighting or emissive display elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design maintains display visibility while enhancing power generation efficiency by preventing unwanted reflections and ensuring a natural appearance.

Implementation Method 1

anti-reflector that is provided on a display-panel-facing surface of the power generator facing the display panel to prevent reflection of light on the power generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

anti-reflector that is provided on a display-panel-facing surface of the power generator facing the display panel to prevent reflection of light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

power generator that generates electric power from light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4053647B1Solar panel, electronic instrument, and electronic timepiece
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • EP4053647B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4053647B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4053647B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A solar panel 5 disposed overlapping a viewing side of a display panel 41 is provided with: transmission regions 52 through which light is transmitted; electricity generating portions 51 which generate electricity by means of light; and light absorbing layers 515 which are formed on the surfaces of the electricity generating portions 51 that face the display panel 41, and which serve as reflection preventing portions preventing the reflection of light that is incident on the electricity generating portions 51, among the light that has passed through the transmission regions 52 and has been reflected by the display panel 41. As a result, the visibility of the display portion 4 is not impaired, and electricity can be generated more efficiently.