Hidden display and clock audio apparatus including same
First Claim
1. A hidden display comprising:
- at least one light emitting display element; and
a display panel having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface of the display panel being in contact with the at least one light emitting display element such that light emitted from the light emitting display element is optically coupled into the display panel, the outside surface of the display panel including a display region for displaying illuminated information formed by the light optically coupled into the display panel, wherein the display panel is transparent to at least a portion of the light from the light emitting display element optically coupled into the display panel such that the light from the light emitting display element is visible on the outside surface as the illuminated information, and wherein the display is opaque to ambient light impinging upon the outside surface such that the light emitting display element is not visible behind the outside surface when the light emitting element does not emit light, and wherein the outside surface provides a diffuse reflection of ambient light such that a substantial portion of ambient light is reflected without creating a mirror-like effect.
12 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A hidden display may be used in an apparatus to display information to a user. The display hardware is generally hidden within the apparatus and illuminated information appears on an outside surface of the apparatus to display the information. The hidden display may couple light into a display panel from the inside of the apparatus to provide the illuminated information on the outside surface of the display panel. The display panel may provide diffuse reflection of ambient light on the outside of the display panel such that the display hardware is not visible behind the display panel but without providing a mirror-like reflection. The display may be used in a variety of different apparatuses or devices including, but not limited to, clocks and clock audio devices.
20 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A hidden display comprising:
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at least one light emitting display element; and a display panel having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface of the display panel being in contact with the at least one light emitting display element such that light emitted from the light emitting display element is optically coupled into the display panel, the outside surface of the display panel including a display region for displaying illuminated information formed by the light optically coupled into the display panel, wherein the display panel is transparent to at least a portion of the light from the light emitting display element optically coupled into the display panel such that the light from the light emitting display element is visible on the outside surface as the illuminated information, and wherein the display is opaque to ambient light impinging upon the outside surface such that the light emitting display element is not visible behind the outside surface when the light emitting element does not emit light, and wherein the outside surface provides a diffuse reflection of ambient light such that a substantial portion of ambient light is reflected without creating a mirror-like effect. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus comprising:
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a housing; display driver circuitry; and a hidden display integral with at least one side of the housing, the hidden display comprising; at least one light emitting display element; and a display panel having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface of the display panel being in contact with the at least one light emitting display element such that light emitted from the light emitting display element is optically coupled into the display panel, the outside surface of the display panel including a display region for displaying illuminated information formed by the light optically coupled into the display panel, wherein the display panel is transparent to at least a portion of the light from the light emitting display element optically coupled into the display panel such that the light from the light emitting display element is visible on the outside surface as the illuminated information, and wherein the display is opaque to ambient light impinging upon the outside surface such that the light emitting display element is not visible behind the outside surface when the light emitting element does not emit light, and wherein the outside surface provides a diffuse reflection of ambient light such that a substantial portion of ambient light is reflected without creating a mirror-like effect. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A clock comprising:
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a housing; control circuitry located within the housing configured to control at least clock functions and display functions; and a hidden display integral with at least one side of the housing, the hidden display comprising;
at least one light emitting display element; and
a display panel having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface of the display panel being in contact with the at least one light emitting display element such that light emitted from the light emitting display element is optically coupled into the display panel, the outside surface of the display panel including a display region for displaying illuminated information formed by the light optically coupled into the display panel, wherein the display panel is transparent to at least a portion of the light from the light emitting display element optically coupled into the display panel such that the light from the light emitting display element is visible on the outside surface as the illuminated information, and wherein the display is opaque to ambient light impinging upon the outside surface such that the light emitting display element is not visible behind the outside surface when the light emitting element does not emit light, and wherein the outside surface provides a diffuse reflection of ambient light such that a substantial portion of ambient light is reflected without creating a mirror-like effect. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification