Transparent LCD Backlighting for Retail Display Case Advertising
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Retail display cases face limitations in additional point-of-sale advertising due to space constraints, and existing solutions do not effectively utilize the transparent glass to enhance product visibility and advertising without cluttering the retail area.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a transparent liquid crystal display (LCD) sandwiched between glass substrates within the display case door or front glass assembly, with LEDs positioned along the edges to provide backlighting and controlled illumination based on the door's open or closed status, using an electrical processor unit to manage LED power and video signal input via CAT-V cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional advertising materials are placed in the retail area, then product awareness is improved, but the retail space becomes cluttered and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves advertising from the traditional horizontal retail floor space to the vertical surface of the display case glass. By integrating the LCD display into the glass surface, advertising content is presented in a different spatial dimension (on the glass surface rather than on separate signs or displays in the retail area), thus providing additional advertising space without occupying valuable retail floor space.
2Area of stationary object
If transparent LCD is positioned on display case glass, then advertising space is improved, but the glass structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the display case glass assembly: the glass serves as both the transparent barrier of the display case and as the substrate for the LCD advertising display. The LCD is integrated between the glass layers, merging the structural function of the glass with the advertising function of the LCD, thereby utilizing existing glass structure rather than adding separate advertising elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The display case glass assembly is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the transparent enclosure for the display case, provides structural support, and serves as the substrate for the LCD advertising display. This multi-functionality allows the same glass structure to fulfill both containment and advertising purposes, reducing the need for additional separate components.
3Illumination intensity
If LEDs are positioned within door assembly for backlighting, then LCD visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the LED backlighting system based on door position. The LEDs are controlled to turn on when the door is closed (when advertising visibility is most important) and turn off or reduce intensity when the door is open (when natural ambient light provides sufficient illumination). This dynamic adjustment optimizes energy consumption by providing backlighting only when and where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses door position sensors to provide feedback control for the LED backlighting. The control system monitors the door state (open or closed) and automatically adjusts the LED illumination accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy usage based on actual viewing conditions.
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
Enhances product visibility and advertising by providing uniform and increased luminance within the display case while maintaining a clutter-free environment, with adjustable LED lighting that complements traditional lighting sources and supports seamless product viewing.
Implementation Method 1
transparent LCDs may be positioned along with the transparent glass and could display additional advertising materials while still allowing a patron to view the products inside the display case
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of LEDs may be positioned within the door assembly to provide additional illumination of the interior of the display case
Implementation Method 3
reflecting and refracting off the products within the display case
Implementation Method 4
reflecting and refracting off the products within the display case
Data Source
AI summary
A point-of-sale advertising system for use with a display case having a front glass sheet positioned in front of a cavity for accepting goods, the system containing a transparent LCD positioned behind the front glass sheet, and a plurality of LEDs positioned adjacent to one pair of opposing edges of the LCD and arranged so that light which is emitted from the LEDs is directed backwards towards the cavity. Further embodiments may also contain a door assembly and frame surrounding the front glass sheet and LCD, a switch positioned to determine when the door assembly is open or closed, and electrical circuitry adapted to turn off the LEDs when the door is open and turn on the LEDs when the door is closed.