Patent Description:
TOLED is a display technology that uses transparent electrodes and light emitting materials. TOLED embeds OLED technology in thin, transparent glass or plastic substrates that are capable of emitting light from the top or bottom, or both. Because TOLED displays that emit from both top and bottom are <NUM>% transparent when not in use, they could be incorporated into many useful applications.

As an example, the TOLED displays can be used in shopping windows (or other architectural glasses, flat or curved). The shopping windows show the product on the inside as well as show text or advertisements on the glass. For example, there could be a pair of shoes behind the window and at the same time the window has information scrolling across it like prices, special deals, or advertisement video clips. This type of showcase is becoming more popular as see-through screens are becoming cheaper and more available.

Currently, several bonding methods exist to install displays onto architectural glass. However, they all share the trait that the installation is permanent. Trying to remove a display from architectural glass when installed with current available bonding methods is a very risky process, which most of the time leads to damage to the display, the glass, or both. Due to the shorter use life that TOLEDs possess (~<NUM> years) in comparison with architectural glass (~<NUM>+ years), it is imminent that TOLED maintenance or replacement will be a necessity for the user. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a system and method to semi-permanently install TOLED displays on architectural glass (such as windows) in a reworkable/removable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Furthermore, it would be advantageous to have a system and method to install the TOLED assembly on a support structure rather directly on the architectural glass so that the TOLED assembly could be installed on or attached to any surface that is structurally sound to support the proposed TOLED assembly. More specifically, it would be advantages to have hinges to facilitate the rotation of the TOLED display to different positions and to provide relatively easy removal of the TOLED display when mounted to a structural frame (e.g., a window frame). In addition, it would be advantageous to have a versatile mounting system that allows for the attachment of leg stands to enable the use of the TOLED assembly in a table top configuration. Also, it would be advantageous to have a system and method to construct the TOLED assembly with transparency control medium to facilitate transparency control.

<CIT> discloses a system and method for removable or semi-permanent installation of a transparent organic lighting diode (TOLED) display with transparency control. In one embodiment, the system includes a TOLED display that includes a TOLED panel with a front side and a back side, a cover glass coupled to the front side of the TOLED panel, and an electrochromic (EC) glass coupled to the back side of the TOLED panel to provide transparency control of the TOLED panel. The system further includes a top hinge assembly and a bottom hinge assembly used to rotatably couple the TOLED display.

<CIT> discloses systems, apparatuses, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media related to a display construct coupled to a structure. The display construct is configured to facilitate media display and is at least partially transparent.

A system for removable or semi-permanent installation of a transparent organic lighting diode (TOLED) display with transparency control according to claims <NUM>-<NUM> is disclosed. Various embodiments provide a system for removable or semi-permanent installation of a transparent organic lighting diode display, and an unlock key card according to claim <NUM>. In one embodiment, the system includes a TOLED display that includes a TOLED panel with a front side and a back side, a cover glass or a touch sensor coupled to the front side of the TOLED panel, and a transparency control medium coupled to the back side of the TOLED panel to provide transparency control of the TOLED panel, wherein the transparency control medium is an electrochromic (EC) glass, a Suspended Particle Device (SPD) film, or a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film. The system further includes a versatile hinge assembly coupled to the TOLED display to enable the TOLED display to be used in a table top or desktop configuration or to be mounted to a support structure.

<FIG> shows an exemplary installation <NUM> of a video wall consisting of multiple TOLED displays 105a and 105b in portrait mode on an architectural glass or window according to one exemplary embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an exemplary installation <NUM> of multiple TOLED displays 205a and 205b in landscape mode on an architectural glass or window according to one exemplary embodiment.

<FIG> shows an exemplary frame-less installation system <NUM> with multiple TOLED displays 305a and 305b in portrait mode on an architectural glass or window according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, the frame-less installation system <NUM> allows for narrow borders between the TOLED displays 305a and 305b that would provide a better overall image. In one embodiment, multiple TOLEDs (in either landscape or portrait) can be combined into a video wall, as long as the glass and the supporting frame are big enough to fit the displays.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary installation <NUM> with one TOLED panel <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. In general, hinge assemblies 405a and 405b facilitates installation and removal of the TOLED panel <NUM> on the architectural glass or window support structure (or mullion). The optical bonding <NUM> combines the cover glass and the TOLED cell into a single robust part. In one embodiment, the electronics (which used to power and control the TOLED panel) <NUM> could be housed inside the window's frame or mullion <NUM>. The cover glass <NUM> with thru holes is bonded to the TOLED panel <NUM> and then mounted (e.g., screwed) on the window's frame or mullion <NUM> via hinge assemblies 405a and 405b.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of a TOLED display assembly <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. The TOLED display assembly <NUM> includes a top hinge assembly 510a and a bottom hinge assembly 510b used to mount the assembly <NUM> onto an architectural glass or window support structure (or mullion). Hinge screws or fasteners <NUM> are used to attach the hinge assemblies 510a and 510b to the main bracket <NUM>. Various alternative hinge assemblies are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, and are described in further detail below. Main bracket screws or fasteners <NUM> passes through holes on the cover glass <NUM> and grommets <NUM> to bind the cover glass <NUM> together with the TOLED panel <NUM> and the gasket wall <NUM>, and to fasten these components to the main bracket <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view and an exploded view of a hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> includes retractable threaded pin <NUM> for engagement or disengagement of the hinge mechanism <NUM>, a bottom portion (or hinge base) <NUM> with cavities 615a and 615b to allow a flush mount when using rivet nuts, and mounting screws <NUM> for mounting the hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> on a supporting structure (such as a mullion supporting a window).

<FIG> shows a side view of the hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> includes a top portion (or hinge mechanism) <NUM> with thread holes <NUM> for attaching to the TOLED panel or display bracket (shown as element <NUM> in <FIG>), and a rotation stop portion <NUM> to prevent the hinge mechanism (or top portion) <NUM> from rotating past zero degree.

<FIG> shows another side view of the hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the bottom portion (or hinge base) <NUM> of the hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> includes cavity <NUM> to allow the hinge mechanism <NUM> to rotate. Furthermore, the top portion (or hinge mechanism) <NUM> of the hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> has a curved surface to blend the profile of the hinge mechanism <NUM> with the flat display surface.

When using the hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> to mount a TOLED display assembly (shown as element <NUM> in <FIG>), the hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> allows a TOLED display assembly to be rotated to various positions, such as a close (or zero degree) position as shown in <FIG>, a partially open position as shown in <FIG>, or an open (or ninety degrees) position as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an installation of a video wall with four (<NUM>) TOLED screens on a window using the hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) according to one exemplary embodiment. As installed, the TOLED screens <NUM> could be rotated and raised up (as shown in <FIG>) to allow each maintenance of each individual TOLED screen and to also allow access to the window for various purposes (such as cleaning the window). As shown in <FIG>, flush hinges <NUM> allow side by side mounting for video wall style applications. As shown in blown up portion <NUM>, a glass holder piece <NUM> could be inserted near the intersection corners of the TOLED screen to add rigidity to the video wall.

<FIG> illustrates an installation where the electronic boards assembly <NUM> used to control the TOLED screens are installed onto the mullion <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. The timer controller board <NUM>, the on-screen display board (IR receiver) <NUM>, and the analog to digital board <NUM> are mounted on the metal bracket <NUM>, and the mounted electronic board assembly is inserted into the metal tray <NUM> which is then inserted into the mullion cavity <NUM>. The enclosure cover <NUM> is mounted on the mullion <NUM> to cover the mullion cavity <NUM>. In one embodiment, the mullion <NUM> has holes <NUM> for rivet nuts or other types of fasteners that are used to fasten the enclosure cover <NUM> onto the mullion <NUM>. Depending on the dimensions of the mullion, the electronic board assembly may protrude from or sit flush in the mullion. The control box design can be adjusted for both scenarios by changing the enclosure cover <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an installation of a TOLED screen <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown in blown-up corner portions <NUM> and <NUM>, the installation uses an exemplary hinge stop <NUM> to hold the TOLED screen <NUM> in place. The hinge stop <NUM> has a bottom portion <NUM> with a cut-out portion <NUM> to receive a corner of the TOLED screen <NUM>. A top portion <NUM> of the hinge stop <NUM> is then inserted to hold the TOLED screen <NUM> in place.

<FIG> illustrate an installation of a TOLED display assembly <NUM> onto a window <NUM> using a magnetic hinge according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, a metal flat bar <NUM> is bonded to the window with optical bond or double sided tape. As shown in <FIG>, a magnetic film <NUM> is applied to back of the TOLED display assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the TOLED display assembly is attached via magnetic force to the metal flat bar <NUM> on the window <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a one-way TOLED display assembly <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the one-way TOLED display provides visible image and background from the front of the display, while there is no visible content or background from the back of the display. As shown in <FIG>, the front of the one-way TOLED assembly <NUM> includes a front optical bond layer <NUM> used to bond the TOLED panel <NUM> to the front cover glass <NUM> which is then attached to the front metal enclosure. The back of the one-way TOLED assembly <NUM> includes a back optical bond layer <NUM> used to bond a private coating/film to the TOLED panel <NUM>. A rear metal enclosure <NUM> is used to bind the rear cover glass <NUM> with the TOLED panel <NUM> (along with the bonded private coating/film <NUM>). The private coating/film <NUM> blocks visibility of content or background from the back of the display.

In general, TOLED panels are usually brighter when viewed from the front than from the back. This has to do with the way OLED technology works, where each pixel consists of a discrete LED pointed towards the front. Although traces of an image can still be slightly seen from the back of the TOLED panel, the image is dull and difficult to see from the back of the TOLED. However, the image can still be seen from the back of the TOLED panel when observed carefully. A privacy film or a light mirror-like tint can be applied to the back of the T. OLED panel to remove or block any traces of the image, thus making the TOLED panel transparent only one-way (from the front).

In one embodiment, to achieve the one-way transparency TOLED, a silver reflective mirror film with a light <NUM>% to <NUM>% tint (or lower, depending on the end user application) could be applied to the back of the T. The mirror like appearance of the film reflects (or deflects) incoming light and makes it difficult to see the TOLED image content from the back of the TOLED.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of an alternative hinge assembly <NUM> with a hex key <NUM> to disengage a hinge pin for removal of the TOLED display assembly according to one exemplary embodiment not according to the claimed invention. The hinge assembly <NUM> includes a hinge <NUM>, a hinge base <NUM>, and a hinge base lid <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> is attached to the TOLED panel as shown in <FIG>. The hinge <NUM> has a lip surface <NUM> to clamp the cover glass in place, and a rounded surface <NUM> that matches the cover glass notch relief radius. The hinge <NUM> includes cavities <NUM> to receive ball-nose catches or detents <NUM>. Once embedded in the hinge <NUM>, the ball nose catches or detents <NUM> designed to engage spring plungers <NUM> to temporarily lock the hinge <NUM> in place and prevent the hinge (and the TOLED panel) from rotating. A rotation lock set screw <NUM> can be used to further lock the hinge and prevent the hinge from rotating.

As shown in <FIG>, the hinge base <NUM> can be mounted onto the window's frame or mullion (shown as element <NUM> in <FIG>) using rivet nuts <NUM> and mounting screws <NUM>. A pin-in-slot mechanism <NUM> allows a hinge pin <NUM> to extend through a hole of the hinge base <NUM> to engage and retain the hinge <NUM> (and the TOLED panel). The pin-in-slot mechanism <NUM> also allows to the hinge pin <NUM> to be retracted to disengage the hinge <NUM> so that the TOLED panel could be removed. The pin-in-slot mechanism <NUM> includes a hinge pawl <NUM> and a dowel pin <NUM> used to attach the hinge pin <NUM> to the hinge pawl <NUM>. Torsion springs <NUM> maintain constant engagement of the hinge pin <NUM>. A lock set screw can be used to lock the hinge pin <NUM> in place. A set screw <NUM> is inserted in the hinge pawl <NUM>, and has an indented end to receive the hex key <NUM>. The hex key <NUM> is used to activate the pin-in-slot mechanism <NUM> to extend the hinge pin <NUM> to engage and retain the hinge <NUM> (and the TOLED panel) or to retract the hinge pin <NUM> to disengage the hinge <NUM> so that the TOLED panel could be removed.

As further shown in <FIG>, the hinge base lid <NUM> could be attached to the hinge base <NUM> using screws <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an assembled hinge assembly <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. Hex key <NUM> is inserted into the hinge assembly <NUM> to activate the pin-in-slot mechanism (shown as element <NUM> in <FIG>) for retracting or extending the hinge pin (shown as element <NUM> in <FIG>).

<FIG> is a top view of the hinge assembly <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. The relief cut and rounded corners <NUM> enable an approximately <NUM>-degree rotation of the hinge <NUM> in the range of about -<NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees.

<FIG> is a back view of the hinge assembly <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. The back of the hinge assembly includes circular cavities <NUM> for flush mounting against the window's frame or mullion (shown as element <NUM> in <FIG>). The flat surface <NUM> allows side-to-side mounting for video wall applications.

<FIG> is a side view of the hinge assembly <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. The flat surface <NUM> allows side-to-side mounting for video wall applications.

<FIG> illustrates various hinge rotation positions of the hinge assembly <NUM> from a top view perspective according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown in the left illustration of <FIG>, when the hinge (or hinge mechanism) <NUM> is at an approximately zero degree position, the spring plungers (shown as element <NUM> in <FIG>) engage the catches or detents (shown as element <NUM> in <FIG>) to temporarily lock the hinge (or hinge mechanism) <NUM> in place and prevent the hinge <NUM> (and the TOLED panel) from rotating. The middle illustration of <FIG> shows the hinge (or hinge mechanism) <NUM> at an approximately <NUM>-degrees position. At an approximately <NUM>-degrees position, the spring plungers disengage and allow the hinge <NUM> (and the TOLED panel) to rotate. The middle illustration of <FIG> shows the hinge <NUM> at an approximately <NUM>-degrees (or minus <NUM>-degrees) position, where the spring plungers engage the catches or detents to temporarily lock the hinge (or hinge mechanism) <NUM> in place and prevent the hinge (and the TOLED panel) from rotating.

<FIG> illustrates various hinge pin engage/disengage positions of the hinge assembly <NUM> from a side view perspective according to one exemplary embodiment. The left illustration of <NUM> shows the hinge pin <NUM> in a retracted position. The middle illustration of <NUM> shows the hex key <NUM> being moved in a clock-wise direction to partially extend the hinge pin <NUM>. The right illustration of <NUM> shows the hex key <NUM> being further move in a clock-wise direction to fully extend the hinge pin <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> and discussed in the above text describing the figures, in one embodiment, a privacy coating/film <NUM> could be applied to block visibility of content or background from the back of the TOLED panel. <FIG> illustrates an alternative embodiment where a transparency control medium <NUM> can be used to provide transparency control to the TOLED panel according to one exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, the transparency control medium <NUM> can be electrochromic (EC) glass, Suspended Particle Device (SPD) film, or Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film. As shown in <FIG>, the front of the TOLED assembly <NUM> includes the front cover glass <NUM> attached to the TOLED panel <NUM>. The front of the TOLED assembly <NUM> also includes a metal cover <NUM> for electronics. In the back of the TOLED assembly <NUM>, the transparency control medium <NUM> is attached to the back of the TOLED panel <NUM>.

Content displayed on TOLEDs is generally difficult to see when there is a bright background or any other source of bright light behind the display. In particular, for TOLEDs installed on windows facing the outside of a building, the image on the screen would typically be washed out by the background. The incorporation of a transparency control medium (as illustrated in <FIG>) such as electrochromic (EC) coated glass, a Suspended Particle Device (SPD) film or a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film allows TOLED transparency to be regulated in a controlled manner. In general, when content needs to be visible on the TOLED panel, the transparency control medium can be tinted to partially block some of the background light. When the TOLED display is turned off or needs to be transparent, the transparency control medium can be disabled or un-tinted. Furthermore, certain transparency control mediums such as Electrochromic coated glass or Suspended particle device films can be partially tinted to closely match the environment lighting conditions. The transparency control medium of choice can be controlled with ambient light sensors, timers or even manually overridden as needed. The TOLED and the transparency control medium are mechanically coupled together via an optical bonding process. However, their functionality is independent of each other, i.e., one can be in an ON state while the other remains in an OFF state and vice versa.

EC glass can generally block up to <NUM>% of ultraviolet (UV) light which would help to extend the life of the TOLED panel when installed on a window exposed to direct sunlight. By incorporating or integrating the EC glass into the TOLED assembly (shown as element <NUM> in <FIG>), the transparency can be controlled regardless of where the TOLED panel (shown as element <NUM> in <FIG>) is used (e.g., on a table top, or mounted on a window, etc.).

EC glass generally requires a low voltage (< <NUM>. 3v) electric current applied to it in order to start the tinting process. By regulating the voltage of the electric current, different tinting levels of the EC glass can be achieved. When no electric current is applied, the tinting on the EC glass disappears. Typical EC glass has a transmittance range of <NUM>% (not tinted) to <NUM>% (fully tinted).

<FIG> illustrate exemplary installations of a TOLED display with electrochromic transparency control capabilities installed on a conventional office window. Different tinting states are shown according to one exemplary embodiment. <FIG> shows a TOLED display with transparency control that has its TOLED element turned OFF and its EC glass element set to zero percent tint (full transparency), installed on a conventional window, resulting in approximately <NUM> percent overall transparency. <FIG> shows a TOLED display with transparency control that has its TOLED element turned ON and its EC glass element set to zero percent tint (full transparency), installed on a conventional window, resulting in approximately <NUM> percent overall transparency. As shown in <FIG>, even though the TOLED display is turned on, the content on the TOLED display is washed out and difficult to see due to the bright background condition and the lack of tinting on the TOLED's EC glass.

<FIG> shows a TOLED display with transparency control that has its TOLED element turned ON and its EC glass element set to ~<NUM> percent tint (<NUM>% of max possible transparency), installed on a conventional window, resulting in approximately <NUM> percent overall transparency. As shown <FIG>, the TOLED display is turned ON, and the content on the TOLED display is slightly more visible (less washed out) because the EC glass on the back of the TOLED is partially tinted.

14E shows a TOLED display with transparency control that has its TOLED element turned ON and its EC glass element set to ~<NUM> percent tint (<NUM>% of max possible transparency), installed on a conventional window, resulting in less than <NUM> percent overall transparency. As shown in FIG. 14E, the content on the TOLED display is quite visible because there is significant tinting on the TOLED's EC glass element (~<NUM>%). The visibility of the content on the TOLED display is higher in <FIG> than in <FIG> since the EC glass in <FIG> has a higher tint level. 14F shows a TOLED display with transparency control that has its TOLED element turned OFF and its EC glass element set to ~<NUM> percent tint (<NUM>% of max possible transparency), resulting in less than <NUM> percent overall transparency. As shown in FIG. 14F, the TOLED display is turned OFF, and transparency is somewhat obscured (especially in comparison to the transparency shown in <FIG> with zero percent tint) due to the higher tint level on the EC glass.

Similar to like EC glass technology, Suspended Particle Device (SPD) films can be incorporated to the back of a TOLED display as a transparency control medium to achieve a transparency controllable TOLED display.

Suspended Particle Device (SPD) films can operate with alternate current and voltages in the range of <110V AC. Typical transmittance of SPD films is <NUM>-<NUM>% in their ON state and <<NUM>% in their OFF state. Current must be constantly applied for the SPD Film to remain in its transparent or un-tinted state. In one embodiment, SPD films may have a response (switching) time of about <NUM> seconds when switching between their OFF (no transmittance) state and their ON (max transmittance) state. SPD Films can generally block up to <NUM>% of ultraviolet (UV) light which would help to extend the life of the TOLED panel when installed on a window exposed to direct sunlight.

Similar to SPD films, Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) films can be used as a transparency control medium. PDLC films can operate with alternate current and voltages in the range of about <NUM>-70V AC. PDLC films can have a typical maximum transmittance of about <NUM>-<NUM>%. PDLC Films can generally block up to <NUM>% of ultraviolet (UV) light which would help to extend the life of the TOLED panel when installed on a window exposed to direct sunlight. The thickness and overall morphology of the PDLC film may have a significant effect in the overall maximum and minimum transmittance of the film. This could potentially allow for the use of different thickness of PDLC films dependent of the intended application of a specific TOLED display. For instance, a TOLED display meant for indoor use could be coupled to a thin PDLC film which would allow for superior transmissivity at the cost of lower transparency control, which is not as critical for indoor environments as it is for outdoor use where the environment is usually very bright and full transparency control is a must to facilitate the visibility of the TOLED display content under any lightning conditions.

<FIG> illustrates possible different ways that the TOLED display or monitor could be installed and used. As shown in <FIG>, the TOLED display or monitor could be used in a desktop or tabletop configuration, or could be mounted on a window in portrait or landscape mode. <FIG> shows parts or components (including stand legs and mounting hinges) that could be used with a versatile mounting system in a desktop configuration or in a window mount configuration.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an exemplary versatile mounting system in a desktop configuration with leg stands attached to the TOLED display. <FIG> shows an exemplary TOLED display in its desktop configuration.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary versatile mounting system in a window mount configuration with mounting hinges attached to the TOLED display. <FIG> shows the TOLED display in a window mount configuration with mounting hinges attached to the mounting points of the versatile mounting system. <FIG> shows an exemplary TOLED display in its window mount configuration.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an exemplary configuration where multiple TOLED displays are installed in portrait mode using the mounting hinges shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the TOLED displays are shown in their normal "closed" position, acting as an interactive door for the showcase exhibit. In <FIG>, the TOLED displays are shown in their rotated configuration (or "opened" position), which allows the user to access the merchandise inside the showcase exhibit behind the TOLED display.

Projective Capacitive Touch (PCAP) is an established technology used on smartphones (e.g. iPhones). A PCAP panel generally consists of a pair of sensor films laminated to the rear of a cover glass and an integrated circuit (IC) controller to allow a computing device to interface with the PCAP panel. PCAP panels are typically bonded or attached to the front of displays. There are other touch technologies in the marketplace, including resistive, infrared, acoustic, etc..

<FIG> shows an exemplary TOLED display assembly <NUM> with no PCAP touch capability. As shown in <FIG>, the TOLED display assembly <NUM> includes the cover glass <NUM>, a first bond layer <NUM>, a TOLED panel <NUM>, a second bond layer <NUM>, and an EC glass <NUM>. <FIG> shows an exemplary TOLED display assembly <NUM> with PCAP touch capability. As shown in <FIG>, the cover glass (shown as element <NUM> in <FIG>) is replaced with a PCAP touch panel <NUM>, which includes a cover glass, sensor, and a PCAP IC controller <NUM> to control and/or drive the PCAP touch panel <NUM>. In addition to the PCAP touch panel <NUM>, the TOLED display assembly includes a first bond layer <NUM>, a TOLED panel <NUM>, a second bond layer <NUM>, and an EC glass <NUM>.

With the addition of the PCAP touch panel <NUM>, the PCAP IC controller <NUM> should be bundled into the TOLED display assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, additional space needed to house the PCAP IC controller <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) provides sufficient space to house the rest of the electronics needed to control the TOLED panel <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and the tinting and transparency of the EC glass <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates an alternative embodiment of a TOLED assembly (shown as element <NUM> in <FIG>) where a transparency control medium <NUM> can be used to provide transparency control to the curved TOLED panel according to one exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, the transparency control medium <NUM> can be Suspended Particle Device (SPD) film, or Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film to facilitate the curved geometry of the TOLED. As shown in <FIG>, the front of the TOLED assembly includes the curved front cover glass <NUM> attached to the curved TOLED panel <NUM>. In the back of the TOLED assembly, the transparency control medium <NUM> is bonded to the back of the TOLED panel <NUM> in a curved geometry.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a versatile hinge assembly <NUM> according to the invention. The versatile hinge assembly <NUM> consists of a mounted hinge base <NUM> and a mating hinge <NUM>. The construction of the versatile hinge system <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment consists of snapping or coupling the mounted hinge base <NUM> and the mating hinge <NUM> together as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a mounted hinge base <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. The mounted hinge base <NUM> would be attached to the display assembly. <FIG> shows a mating hinge <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment. The mating hinge <NUM> would be attached to the desired structure where the display assembly would be mounted. As shown in <FIG>, the mounted hinge base <NUM> includes a pair of engaging spring plungers <NUM> coupled to the ends of a spring <NUM>, and a pair of locking spring plunger <NUM> coupled to the ends of a spring <NUM>. The engaging spring plungers <NUM> include cavities <NUM> to receive pins <NUM>. Similarly, the locking spring plungers <NUM> include cavities <NUM> to receive pins <NUM>. The engaging spring plungers <NUM> and the locking spring plungers <NUM> retract and snap into the cavities <NUM> on the mating hinge <NUM> shown in <FIG> to couple the mounted hinge base <NUM> and the mating hinge <NUM> together as shown in <FIG>.

The spring plungers <NUM> and <NUM> can retract due to the inclined surfaces <NUM> on the mating hinge as shown in <FIG>. When both pairs of spring plunger pins (top and bottom) <NUM> and <NUM> are engaged with the mating hinge <NUM>, the hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> is in a locked position, as shown in <FIG>. When only the top or engaging spring plunger pins <NUM> are engaged with the mating hinge <NUM>, the hinge mechanism assembly <NUM> is in an unlocked position, as shown in <FIG>. When both pairs of spring plungers are disengaged from the mating hinge <NUM>, the mating hinge <NUM> can be removed from the mounted hinge base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows unlock key card 2300a (labeled Hinge Unlock) and removal key card 2300b (labeled Hinge Removal), according to one exemplary embodiment, that can be used to disengage the pins, allowing the user to unlock and remove the display. As shown in <FIG>, the unlock key card 2300a is used to disengage only the locking spring plungers <NUM> from the mating hinge <NUM> allowing the display assembly (not shown) to be unlocked and rotated. As shown in <FIG>, the angled cut-out portion <NUM> of the unlock key card 2300a engages the pins <NUM> on the locking spring plungers <NUM> and forces the pins <NUM> closer together, causing the spring plungers <NUM> to retract and disengage from the mating hinge <NUM>. When the locking spring plungers <NUM> disengage from the mating hinge <NUM>, the mounted hinge base <NUM> is unlocked and can be rotated as shown in <FIG>. As a result, the display assembly (not shown in <FIG>) attached to the mounted hinge base <NUM> can be rotated.

As shown in <FIG>, the removal key card 2300b is used to disengage both the locking spring plungers <NUM> and the engaging spring plungers <NUM> from the mating hinge <NUM> allowing the display assembly (not shown) to be disengaged and removed. As shown in <FIG>, the angled cut-out portion <NUM> of the removal key card 2300b engages the pins <NUM> on the locking spring plungers <NUM> and forces the pins <NUM> closer together, causing the spring plungers <NUM> to retract and disengage from the mating hinge <NUM>. Furthermore, the channels <NUM> of the removal key card 2300b engage the pins <NUM> on the engaging spring plungers <NUM> and force the pins <NUM> closer together, causing the engaging spring plungers <NUM> to retract and disengage from the mating hinge <NUM>. When the locking spring plungers <NUM> and the engaging spring plungers <NUM> disengage from the mating hinge <NUM>, the mounted hinge base <NUM> and the mounted hinge base <NUM> can be detached from each other as shown in <FIG>. As a result, the display assembly (not shown in <FIG>) attached to the mounted hinge base <NUM> can be detached.

The key cards 2300a and 2300b (shown in <FIG>) can also serve as an additional measure of security for when the display assembly is installed in public places. For example, if used in context of the cabinets with TOLED displays installed in portrait mode as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the TOLED displays could be installed with the versatile hinge mechanism <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), and could serve as a locked door (as shown in <FIG>), with the employee needing only key card 2300a to unlock the showpiece cabinet (as shown in <FIG>). The method of inserting the unlock (or Hinge Unlock) key card 2300a is shown in <FIG>, and the method of inserting the removal (Hinge Removal) key card 2300b is shown in <FIG>. The actions of the unlock (or Hinge Unlock) key card 2300a and the removal (Hinge Removal) key card 2300b are shown in <FIG> and <FIG> respectively.

An exemplary embodiment of the mounted hinge base <NUM> installed on a display assembly <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The same display assembly <NUM> is shown in <FIG> mounted on a structural frame and able to rotate about the hinge mechanism assembly (shown in <FIG>) with the use of unlock (or Hinge Unlock) key card 2300a as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The same mounted hinge base <NUM> can be used to snap on desktop legs onto a display assembly <NUM>, according to one exemplary embodiment as show in <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A system for removable or semi-permanent installation of a transparent organic lighting diode display (105a), and an unlock key card (2300a), the system comprising:
a transparent organic lighting diode display (105a) that includes a transparent organic lighting diode panel (<NUM>) with a front side and a back side, a cover glass (<NUM>) or a touch sensor coupled to the front side of the transparent organic lighting diode panel (<NUM>), and a transparency control medium (<NUM>) coupled to the back side of the transparent organic lighting diode panel (<NUM>) to provide transparency control of the transparent organic lighting diode panel (<NUM>), wherein the transparency control medium (<NUM>) is an electrochromic glass, a suspended particle device film, or a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film;
a versatile hinge assembly (<NUM>) coupled to the transparent organic lighting diode display (105a) to enable the transparent organic lighting diode display to be mounted to a support structure,
characterized in that:
the versatile hinge assembly (<NUM>) comprises:
a mating hinge (<NUM>) to be coupled to the support structure; and
a mounted hinge base (<NUM>) coupled to the transparent organic lighting diode display (105a),
wherein the mounted hinge base (<NUM>) includes locking spring plungers (<NUM>) attached to a first spring (<NUM>), the locking spring plungers (<NUM>) include cavities (<NUM>) to receive pins (<NUM>), and the locking spring plungers (<NUM>) are engageable with the mating hinge (<NUM>) to facilitate locking and unlocking of the TOLED display,
wherein the mounted hinge base (<NUM>) includes engaging spring plungers (<NUM>) attached to a second spring (<NUM>), the engaging spring plungers (<NUM>) include cavities (<NUM>) to receive pins (<NUM>), and the engaging spring plungers (<NUM>) are engageable with the mating hinge (<NUM>) to couple the mounted hinge base (<NUM>) to the mating hinge (<NUM>),
wherein the locking spring plungers (<NUM>) are disengageable from the mating hinge (<NUM>) by the unlock key card (2300a), and
wherein the pins (<NUM>) on the locking spring plungers (<NUM>) are engageable with an angled cut-out portion (<NUM>) of the unlocking key card (2300a) to force the pins (<NUM>) closer together causing the locking spring plungers (<NUM>) to retract and disengage from the mating hinge (<NUM>) thereby unlocking the transparent organic lighting diode display (105a) to allow the transparent organic lighting diode display (105a) to be rotated.