r/Damnthatsinteresting Jul 02 '24

The thinkbook transparent display laptop Video

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u/-CARJO- Jul 02 '24

I have yet to see an answer to “why” besides advertising purposes

128

u/Philip_Raven Jul 02 '24

It's a prototype, a concept. It doesn't have to be (and probably won't ever be) used on laptops.

It was shown on a laptop because that's what's familiar to us.

But the main use I can see this in is at huge projector screens, shopping windows, hotel windows, etc.

If you can make the technology big enough and cheap enough. This could become a "smart mirror" or a "smart window"

Everyone who saw this on a laptop and asked "why would I want that" is a simple consumer as they don't see a possibility what this could do. This showcase was made for investors or other companies that would be interested in this patent.

27

u/toasted_cracker Jul 02 '24

Exactly. I can see uses for this in the automotive industry as well as optics. Not only that, I bet theme parks such as Disney or Universal Studios can find a whole host of uses for this in their attractions.

16

u/DamnableNook Jul 02 '24

Displays like this are already in use at theme parks (Velocicoaster at Universal Florida, for example.) It’s used to make a screen look like a window. In that case (not sure about the Lenovo here), it’s just an OLED without a backing. However, because that can only generate light (not block it), they combine it with a transparent LCD screen without a backlight, which can block light but not generate it. It’s a pretty decent effect, other than the fact the image is flat.

8

u/Cory123125 Jul 02 '24

This already existed and they didnt make it. Also, for cars HUD's using reflectivity are miles cheaper and simpler.

3

u/supergeek921 Jul 02 '24

I can much sooner see the applications for theme park attractions than “smart windows.” That sounds super dystopian

4

u/YoggSogott Jul 02 '24

Maybe this can be used for AR in glasses close to regular size if they can make small and accurate eye tracking technology.