Transparent Display Driver Layout for Unobstructed Rear Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image display devices with transparent displays have limited usability of the back side due to the placement of the drive circuit behind the display, restricting the use of the transparent display's rear area.

Innovation Solution

The image display device is configured with a display panel that can switch between transmissive modes, featuring a frame unit and driver placement that allows the back side of the display panel to be easily used, including an illumination unit to illuminate the rear area and a heat dissipator to manage heat generated by the driver, while the driver is supported by the frame unit to prevent visibility and facilitate object placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the drive circuit is disposed behind the transparent display on the inner side relative to the lateral side of the showcase, then the drive circuit can be integrated into the display structure, but the usable range of the back side of the transparent display is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of drive circuitVSAvoidusable area of back side
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive circuit is repositioned from a horizontal placement behind the display to a vertical placement on the side surface of the showcase. This dimensional change allows the back side of the transparent display to be fully utilized while maintaining drive circuit integration through the side mounting structure

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

2Device complexity

If the drive circuit is placed behind the display panel, then the display structure is compact, but the back side of the display panel cannot be easily used for object placement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact display structureVSAvoidusability of back side
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drive circuit is extracted from the space behind the display panel and relocated to the side surface of the showcase. This extraction removes the obstruction from the back side area, enabling easy placement and viewing of objects while preserving the compact overall structure through efficient space utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the drive circuit is positioned on the side surface of the showcase, then the back side of the display panel becomes accessible, but additional structural components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of back sideVSAvoidstructural components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side surface of the showcase serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mounting structure for the drive circuit and as part of the overall display housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated mounting brackets or supports, achieving back side accessibility without increasing structural 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

This configuration enhances the usability of the back side of the display panel by allowing objects to be placed and viewed without obstructing the driver, while maintaining the display's functionality and aesthetic appeal, and reduces the device's horizontal size by stacking circuit boards vertically.

Implementation Method 1

featuring a frame unit and driver placement that allows the back side of the display panel to be easily used, including an illumination unit to illuminate the rear area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from illumination unit: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a heat dissipator to manage heat generated by the driver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Heat Sink

Data Source

PatentEP3949809B1Image display device
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3949809B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3949809B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3949809B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image display device (10) according to the present disclosure includes: a display panel (12); a frame unit (14); and a driver (16). The display panel (12) is switchable between an image display mode in which an image is displayed and a transmissive mode in which the display panel (12) is in a transmissive state where an object (200) behind the display panel (12) is visible in a front view of the display panel (12). The frame unit (14) includes an upper plate (28) disposed along an upper edge of the display panel (12) and protruding rearward. The driver (16) includes a circuit unit (42) which drives the display panel (12). The driver (16) is supported by the upper plate (28) on a bottom side of the upper plate (28).