Window-Based Display Device Eliminates Backlight Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-sized liquid crystal display (LCD) devices face challenges with high power consumption and increased research and development costs due to the need for large-sized backlight units, which are power-intensive and difficult to manufacture effectively.
Innovation Solution
A display device that eliminates the need for a backlight unit by using a window to transmit natural or artificial light, with a display panel comprising substrates and a light-sensitive LC layer, allowing image display without the requirement for a backlight source, and optionally incorporating an auxiliary light source and sensors to maintain consistent light intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large-sized backlight unit is used to meet the requirement of large-sized LCD devices, then the display size is increased, but power consumption increases and lighting time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the backlight unit entirely from the display device structure. Instead of using a traditional LCD with a backlight, the invention uses a display panel that directly modulates ambient light passing through a window, eliminating the power-intensive backlight component while maintaining display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device utilizes ambient light from the natural environment (sunlight, indoor lighting) as its light source. The window and display panel work together to modulate this freely available ambient light, allowing the display to 'serve itself' without requiring an external power-intensive illumination system.
2Area of stationary object
If a large-sized backlight unit is used to meet the requirement of large-sized LCD devices, then the display size is increased, but research and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting and removing the backlight unit from the system, the patent eliminates the complex manufacturing processes associated with assembling and integrating large backlight assemblies. The simplified structure of window + display panel is significantly easier and less costly to manufacture at large sizes.
3Illumination intensity
If a backlight unit is used to generate light for the LCD device, then the display can function in low-light environments, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the backlight unit and associated control circuits, power management systems, and thermal management components. The simplified structure consists only of a window and a display panel that modulates ambient light, dramatically reducing structural complexity.
4Area of stationary object
If the length of the lamp in a large-sized backlight unit is increased to meet display size requirements, then the display area is increased, but lighting time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating the lamp-based backlight system entirely, the patent removes the inherent delay associated with lamp warm-up and lighting time. Ambient light is immediately available when the window is exposed to light sources, providing instant display activation.
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 solution reduces power consumption, simplifies the device structure, lowers manufacturing costs, and enables efficient image display in various environments, including large-sized displays, by leveraging natural and artificial light sources, thereby enhancing cost efficiency and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a window for transmitting first light generated from a natural light source
Implementation Method 2
a display element on the first substrate; and a frame for enclosing edges of the first and second substrates, the display panel displaying an image using the first light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a display device that does not require a backlight unit coupled to a display panel. The display device displays an image using natural light by disposing a display panel on the window. An auxiliary light source can be disposed to complement a change of the natural light. The display device can further include a sensor for sensing a change of the natural light, and a controller for controlling the auxiliary light source in response to a signal sensed by the sensor to obtain constant brightness set to the display panel. Therefore, since the display device does not require a backlight unit and a driving circuit unit for driving the backlight unit, the display device has reduced power consumption, a slim and lightweight profile, and a simple structure. Also, the display device complements a change of the natural light using the auxiliary light source to obtain constant light intensity, so that image quality of the display panel can be enhanced.