Interactive touch display assembly including a display stack having a multi-layer capacitive keyboard superimposed on a 7-segment display

Abstract

An interactive touch display assembly is provided, the interactive touch display assembly including a circuit board and a user interface. The circuit board includes a first control module. The user interface includes a 7-segment display and a first capacitive keypad. The 7-segment display is connected to the circuit board. The first capacitive keypad is superimposed on at least a portion of the 7-segment display and includes a capacitive sensing layer having a capacitive sensing element. The state of the capacitive sensing element changes based on a gesture provided by a user of the interactive touch display assembly. The first control module is configured to control the operation of the 7-segment display based on the detected change in the state of the capacitive sensing element.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 294,614, filed on March 6, 2019, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 640,963, filed on March 9, 2018. The entire disclosures of the above-mentioned applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to interactive displays. Background Art

[0004] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. To the extent that the work described in this background section is described, the work of the inventors presently mentioned and aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure.

[0005] Mobile electronic devices and other consumer electronic devices (collectively referred to herein as "web devices") may include a user interface with a capacitive keyboard and a graphical display. Some of the web devices allow a user to interact with the web device via a virtual keyboard or simple touch gestures. Therefore, it is not necessary for the web device to include a mechanical keyboard.

[0006] In the domestic and commercial markets, the lack of mechanical keyboards is well documented. For example, there are electronic thermostats, smart watches, and mobile phones and tablet computers that include capacitive keyboards and graphic displays and do not include mechanical keyboards. However, in the industrial market, mainly due to efforts to reduce costs, there are still low-cost solutions that have been implemented that include the following user interface, each of which has (i) a 7-segment light emitting diode (LED) display or a 7-segment liquid crystal display (LCD) and (ii) a mechanical keyboard. Summary of the invention

[0007] An interactive touch display assembly is provided, the interactive touch display assembly comprising a circuit board and a user interface. The circuit board comprises a first control module. The user interface comprises a 7-segment display and a first capacitive keypad. The 7-segment display is connected to the circuit board. The first capacitive keypad is superimposed on at least a portion of the 7-segment display and comprises a capacitive sensing layer having a capacitive sensing element. The state of the capacitive sensing element changes based on a gesture provided by a user of the interactive touch display assembly. The first control module is configured to control the operation of the 7-segment display based on the detected change in the state of the capacitive sensing element.

[0008] In other features, the 7-segment display includes a 7-segment LED display or a 7-segment LCD. In other features, the 7-segment display includes a 7-segment LED device or a 7-segment LCD device. In other features, the interactive touch display assembly also includes a second capacitive keyboard superimposed on a second portion of the 7-segment display.

[0009] In other features, the first capacitive keyboard includes one or more decorative film layers or light guide layers. The one or more decorative film layers or light guide layers are superimposed on the capacitive sensing layer.

[0010] In other features, the first capacitive keyboard covers some portion of the 7-segment display. In other features, the first capacitive keyboard covers the entire 7-segment display. In other features, the total interactive area of ​​the user interface is the same amount of area as the first capacitive keyboard covers on the 7-segment display. In other features, the first control module is configured to: classify the interaction with the user based on the gesture detected via the first capacitive keyboard.

[0011] In other features, the 7-segment display and the first capacitive keyboard are configured as display screens. Each of the screens corresponds to a respective one or more functions performed by the interactive touch display assembly. In other features, each of the screens includes a subset of display available segments and a subset of available icons. In other features, the icon is a notification icon or a function identification icon.

[0012] In other features, the first capacitive keyboard includes a light guide for guiding light generated by the seven-segment display. In other features, the capacitive sensing elements of the first capacitive keyboard are not associated with predefined functions. In other features, the gestures include: a single touch in any area of ​​the surface of the user interface; multiple touches in different areas of the surface of the user interface; a horizontal swipe on the surface of the user interface; a vertical swipe on the surface of the user interface; a clockwise rotational swipe on the surface of the user interface; and a counterclockwise rotational swipe on the surface of the user interface.

[0013] In other features, the first capacitive keyboard covers the 7-segment display and includes a plurality of layers. At least a portion of each of the layers is transparent. The illuminated segments on the 7-segment display can be seen through the first capacitive keyboard.

[0014] In other features, the interactive touch display assembly also includes a housing or container. The first capacitive keyboard is attached to the inside of the housing or container.

[0015] In other features, the front surface of the housing or container is transparent. In other features, the 7-segment display is configured to connect to the circuit board via the first connector. The first capacitive keyboard includes a strip circuit. The strip circuit is configured to connect to the circuit board via the second connector.

[0016] In other features, the first capacitive keyboard includes a decorative film layer. The decorative film layer includes a light guide. The 7-segment display is configured to illuminate a selected one of the light guides to display a predetermined set of segments and one or more icons. The predetermined set of segments includes one or more segments.

[0017] In other features, a network device is provided, the network device including an interactive touch display assembly, a second control module and a power supply. The second control module is connected to the first control module. The power supply is configured to provide power to the first control module and the second control module.

[0018] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims and the accompanying drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present disclosure will be more fully understood through the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example of an interactive touch display assembly including a 7-segment display and a capacitive keyboard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded side view of the 7-segment display;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front view of one or more decorative film layers of a capacitive keyboard;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of one or more decorative film layers;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A front view of a capacitive sensing layer of a capacitive keyboard with a 7-segment display including 6 sensing elements;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of a capacitive sensing layer;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Front view of the capacitive keyboard;

[0027] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram of a display control circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig. 9is a front view of an example of a virtual screen showing segments and icons for a normal mode and a function activation mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig.10 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 An example front view of a screen of the interactive touch display assembly when in normal mode;

[0030] Fig.11 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 A front view of an example screen of an interactive touch display assembly when in a function activation mode;

[0031] Fig.12 illustrates an example of switching from a normal mode screen to a function activation mode screen based on a first type of gesture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig.13 An example of switching from a first navigation mode screen to a second navigation mode screen based on a second type of gesture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Fig.14 illustrating an example of switching from a third navigation mode screen to a fourth navigation mode screen based on a second type of gesture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig.15 Yes Figure 1 A functional block diagram of a network device of an interactive touch display assembly;

[0035] Fig.16 is an exploded perspective view of another example of an interactive touch display assembly including a 7-segment display and a capacitive keyboard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig.17A is a front perspective exploded view of another example of an interactive touch display assembly including a capacitive keyboard with 10 sensing elements and a 7-segment display and a capacitive keyboard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Fig. 17B yes Fig.17A A rear perspective exploded view of an interactive touch display assembly;

[0038] Fig.18 is a perspective view of another capacitive keyboard including 12 sensing elements according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig.19is a perspective view of another capacitive keyboard including 15 sensing elements according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0040] Fig. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of an example of a capacitive keyboard including a layer stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] A basic characteristic of every network device is the ability to interact with an external user via a user interface (sometimes referred to as a "man-machine user interface" (M2MUI)). The interaction between the user and the network device includes physical, mechanical and logical aspects that convert user actions into specific machine commands. The user interface typically includes: a display for delivering visual information to the user; and a keyboard for receiving commands from the user. When in the form of a capacitive keyboard, the keyboard can be in different configurations relative to the display. As some examples, when viewed from the front of the display, the keyboard can be located on the side of the display, below or above the display, or around the display, depending on, for example, the type and / or composition of the display. In these configurations, one of the most stringent construction constraints is characterized by the space available for positioning the keyboard and display in the corresponding open areas of the housing of the network device. For panel electronic devices and electrical panels, there are various format standards available. Several examples of these are the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) format standard of 32×74 and the DIN format standard of 72×72. Network devices configured to meet these format standards have a limited surface area available for the user interface. The limited surface available for implementing the user interface imposes restrictions on the design of the user interface. Therefore, in order to maximize the efficiency of the user interface, the user interface can be designed to have the greatest number of functions provided by the least number of keys.The versatility of the keyboard affects the number of functions that can be provided for a particular number of keys.

[0043] In addition, the number of functions that can be provided on a network device and accessed and enabled by a user is increasing. For example, a function that allows the user to set the activation of a certain level of an alarm threshold based on a parameter can be provided to the user, wherein the parameter can have a value that can be selected by the user from a predetermined set of values. In order to set the alarm threshold and / or the value at which the alarm is to be activated, the network device and the corresponding user interface need to perform a series of actions, including receiving input from the user. Depending on the function being performed, the network device involved, and the user interface involved, these actions can be more or less simple and more or less intuitive. Generally, the user interface should be designed to (i) minimize the number of actions that the user needs to perform to activate and set the function; and (ii) minimize the time required for the user to activate and set the function. The user should be able to activate and set the function without the help of an instruction manual. Often when designing a user interface, intuitiveness of operation is sacrificed due to other requirements, such as cost and / or other reasons related to the available space of the user interface. The available space of the user interface is usually the basis for setting the design specification. This includes determining the number of keys (or virtual keys), the corresponding number of settings for the functions to be obtained, and setting the corresponding parameters.

[0044] Furthermore, the user interface is often one of the elements of design and differentiation between different network devices, especially between network devices with similar functionality. For example, the ability to recognize a brand due to the corresponding product design is very important in a growing market where there are many different network devices for users to choose from.

[0045] Unlike the consumer electronics market, the industrial market includes network device solutions that have been used due to the cost of implementing new available technologies. An example of a solution that has been considered too expensive is to use a user interface with a graphic display and / or a capacitive keyboard. This has led to a clear division of the types of available user interfaces and corresponding interaction methods. In recent decades, the user interface technologies that have been integrated are mainly the following types: A) user interfaces, which all include (i) 7-segment LED displays or 7-segment LCD displays (hereinafter referred to as "7-segment displays") and (ii) mechanical keyboards, membrane keyboards, capacitive keyboards or resistive keyboards; B) user interfaces, which all include (i) a graphic display (e.g., a thin film transistor (TFT) LCD or TFT LED display) and a mechanical keyboard, membrane keyboard, capacitive keyboard or resistive keyboard.

[0046] The differences between the various solutions are mainly due to the type of display used. The cheapest solution is a 7-segment display, while the most expensive solution includes a graphical display. The cost of the user interface usually prevents the selection of a technology with a graphical display and a capacitive keyboard, and tends to use a more economical solution with (i) a 7-segment display and (ii) a mechanical keyboard, a membrane keyboard, a capacitive keyboard or a resistive keyboard. This leads to restrictions on the type and amount of information available and usable by the user. For example, the limited space associated with a 7-segment display and the structure of the 7-segment display prevent a complex set of information from being displayed in a single screen. This is different from a graphical display, which allows a complex set of information to be displayed in a single screen. Another advantage of using a graphical display with a capacitive keyboard or a resistive keyboard is that the graphical display provides an easy and intuitive interaction process between the user and the network device. Each function of the network device can be represented by a dedicated screen, where the symbols, images and function keys are only the symbols, images and function keys required for an easy and intuitive interaction process. Therefore, a graphical display with a capacitive keyboard or a resistive keyboard provides a dynamic system for interaction and management of commands and information provided to and received from the user.

[0047] A 7-segment display with a separate mechanical, membrane, capacitive, or resistive keyboard placed alongside the 7-segment display provides a static interactive system for managing commands and information provided to and received from a user. A subset of the static information displayed in the 7-segment display can be used to indicate, for example, active functions, changed function parameters, and modified function parameter values.

[0048] Another feature to be considered when using a 7-segment display with one of the stated keyboards is the user interface space available due to the side-by-side relationship between the 7-segment display and the stated keyboard. The available user interface space can be divided between a first area for the geometrical layout of the keys and a second separate area for the 7-segment display comprising the 7-segment display means. As a result, there is: a reduced possibility of interaction between the user and the network device, where a few buttons grant access to a limited number of immediate functions, and where the immediate functions mean a simple action (e.g., pressing a button) to activate a complex function; and a reduced size of the 7-segment display, which may result in: insufficient clarity of information for the user. Relative to a graphical display, a 7-segment display may provide poor intuitiveness for the operation of the corresponding network device. Intuitiveness may be further reduced due to the small amount of space available for exchanging and reading information.

[0049] User interfaces including 7-segment displays and / or other static interactive systems for managing commands and information provided to and received from a user may have the following limitations: limited intuitiveness of use due to a reduced number of available instant access functions; and requiring implementation of specific and complex procedures to activate specific commands and / or access specific functions. These static systems are not intuitive and are dependent on the corresponding network device and may require the user to access the operating manual of the network device. For example, the process for entering a menu of parameters and / or alarm settings with a password or a combination of keys may be non-intuitive and require the user to access the operating manual.

[0050] Another limitation associated with static systems includes the inability to use certain function indicators on the 7-segment display due to the reduced amount of space available, thus requiring the use of other icons. Reasonable choices must be made to streamline the amount of additional information available on the 7-segment display, such as using function icons to streamline the user's reading of associations in situations where several active functions coexist.

[0051] Another limitation associated with static systems includes: for the same network device, it is necessary to manage different user interfaces to make specific functions available or unavailable. For example, the on / off key can be used to provide the power-on function, or it can also be used for other functions. The power-on function can be provided using keys other than the on / off key. In a network device having a user interface with only a few function keys, one or more keys in the key are usually not deactivated because this reduces the efficiency of the user interface.

[0052] For static systems, such as those that include a 7-segment display, several example design options are: A) associating different functions with a single key (with special screen prints that remind the user of the key's usage (or current function) in a mnemonic manner), where different functions can be activated by holding the same key for different amounts of time (e.g., the first function can be activated by holding the key for 1 second, the second function can be activated by holding the key for 5 seconds, etc.); B) using key combinations to access menus and / or activate / deactivate specific functions; and C) providing different screen prints for different user interfaces for enabled functions.

[0053] In the case where network devices have different user interfaces, the increase in the number of codes for similar network devices of a company leads to a lack of efficiency in the corresponding product structure for the network devices. In addition, more management time and resources are required to track, identify, monitor and maintain the codes and product structure.

[0054] Examples set forth herein include an interactive touch display assembly including a display stack having a capacitive keyboard superimposed on a 7-segment display and a corresponding 7-segment display device, wherein the capacitive keyboard includes one or more decorative film layers and a capacitive sensing layer. As a few examples, the 7-segment display can be a 7-segment LED display or a 7-segment LCD. These examples include a reliable structure that is uncomplicated, simple to use, increases the possibility of user interaction, and has minimal associated costs. These examples increase the amount of information available to the user and allow standardization of user interfaces for the same product line.

[0055] Conventional network devices with 7-segment displays and capacitive keyboards are limited in that a user can only interact with the network device via a predefined two-dimensional interaction area (or space) determined by an unmodifiable geometric arrangement of keys on the user interface surface of the network device, and predetermined functions associated with the two-dimensional interaction area and consistent with the position of the keys (e.g., enabling and disabling functions by pressing a key). This means that in the two-dimensional interaction area of ​​the user interface surface, physical or mechanical keys are consistent with corresponding logical functions.

[0056] The disclosed examples include an interactive touch display assembly that includes an overlay configuration that provides a different user interactive experience than a conventional network device having a 7-segment display and a capacitive keyboard. These examples include overlaying a capacitive keyboard on a 7-segment display, wherein the capacitive keys are not associated with one or more predefined functions. Rather than providing a paradigm of "physical keys associated with one or more predefined functions," a different paradigm is provided in which the functions are implemented via an interactive surface, and in which the keys of the capacitive keyboard present different functions depending on the usage mode, the operation being performed, and the gestures provided by the user. These examples allow the user to interact with the network device through gestures. Gestures may include, for example, one or more fingers and / or objects touching and / or sliding on the front interactive surface of the network device. The network device is configured such that: by providing gestures on the front surface, gestures are provided on both the capacitive keyboard and the 7-segment display of the network device. Gestures may include various touch and / or slide patterns. The following at least relates to Figure 12 to Figure 14 Examples of gestures are further described.

[0057] The disclosed examples include capacitive keyboards with a reduced number of capacitive sensors relative to traditional capacitive keyboards. These examples allow: users to browse available information using a virtual screen that can have a more complex view than a traditional 7-segment display; provide an expansion of the interactive space for exchanging information so that commands are provided over the entire surface of the user interface without losing (or having) the space traditionally dedicated to the keyboard. The space is now shared for both displaying information and receiving user input. These examples further: outperform the physical / mechanical key paradigm associated with one or more predefined functions, while eliminating and / or minimizing the use of complex processes for accessing and enabling functions through complex (or multi-step) key combinations and / or distinguishing the amount of key presses applied.

[0058] These examples do not require: a large number of LED points and / or complex and expensive LED drivers to ensure good detail of the displayed shapes. These examples can also be used in small electronic and / or electrical panel implementations with limited available space for the display.

[0059] Figure 1 to Figure 2 An example of an interactive touch display assembly 100 including a display stack 102 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 104 is shown. The display stack 102 includes a housing 106, one or more multi-layer capacitive keyboards (one multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 is shown), and a 7-segment display 110. In addition to protecting the multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108, the 7-segment display 110, and / or the PCB 104, the housing 106 also provides an external surface for a user interface 111. In one embodiment, as shown, the housing 106 can be used to surround at least a portion of the multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108. In another embodiment, the housing 106 can be larger than shown and configured to surround the multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108, the 7-segment display 110, and the PCB 104. In another embodiment, the housing 106, the capacitive keyboard 108, and the 7-segment display 110 are combined in a container. The housing 106 has a transparent front (or user interface) surface 112 and side surfaces 114. The front surface 112 can be smooth and configured to receive a user's touch and gestures. The housing 106 may be formed of, for example, plastic, plastic polymers, and / or other suitable materials. In one embodiment, the housing 106 (or container) is not made of only plastic polymers. The multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 may also or alternatively be applied to the front flat transparent panel or front surface 121 of the 7-segment display 110.

[0060] The multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 is disposed in the housing 106 and is superimposed on the 7-segment display 110. In one embodiment, the multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 is applied to the inner side 116 of the housing 106 using an adhesive. The multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 can be adhered to the inner side 116 via a layer of adhesive material. In addition, a system including mechanical and / or pressure couplings and / or joints, such as a system disposed by placing a transparent plastic bracket and / or a light guide bracket against the back side 115 of the capacitive keyboard 108. In an embodiment, the bracket 123 of the seven-segment display 110 is used to apply pressure on the back side 115 and / or to fasten the capacitive keyboard 108 to the housing 106. The transparent plastic bracket and / or the light guide bracket can be in contact with the back side 115 and can be fastened to the housing 106. This can apply pressure directly on the portion of the capacitive keyboard 108 that is not in contact with the inner surface 116 of the housing 106 (or other implemented container) and in a direction toward the inner side 116 of the housing 106. This supports the multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 within the housing 106 .

[0061] The multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 includes a plurality of layers (collectively referred to as 117), Figures 3 to 7 The multiple layers are further shown and described. The layers and / or portions of each of the layers may be transparent and include, for example, one or more decorative film layers, one or more light guiding layers, and / or one or more capacitive sensing layers. The layers may be plastic polymer film layers. As an alternative to adhesively attaching one or more of the decorative film layers and / or one or more of the light guiding layers to the inner side 116 of the housing 106, the decorative film layers and / or light guiding layers may be interlocked with each other and / or interlocked within the interior of the housing 106. For example, two adjacent layers may have portions that protrude toward each other and into each other's regions in such a manner that the two adjacent layers are interlocked when the portions contact each other. As another alternative, the decorative film layers and / or light guiding layers may be interlocked between the housing 106 and the 7-segment display 110. Each of the layers may be formed of a plastic polymer film and / or other suitable material. Layer 117 of the multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 may be connected to the PCB 104 via one or more connectors and / or soldering. In Fig. 20 An example stackup of layers 117 is shown in FIG. In an implementation, multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 includes a ribbon circuit 118 having traces 119 and a connector 120 .

[0062] The multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 may include any number of capacitive sensing elements. Figure 6 , Fig.18 and Fig.19 Some example implementations are shown.The geometry of the capacitive sensing area can be rectangular, circular, polygonal, or a mixed pattern placement including the stated shapes.

[0063] The 7-segment display 110 may include a flat transparent panel or front surface 121 and a side surface 122. In one embodiment, the flat transparent panel is not included or is integrated as a single component with the side surface 122 to provide a Fig.16 The body of the 7-segment display shown. The body can be formed of plastic, plastic polymers and / or other suitable materials. The multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 can be applied and superimposed on a flat transparent panel or front surface 121. The 7-segment display 110 may include one or more 7-segment LED display devices, one or more 7-segment LCD devices and / or other LED devices or LCD devices. In one embodiment, the 7-segment display includes a series of multiple 7-segment devices (LED devices or LCD devices). Therefore, although the 7-segment display 110 is referred to as a "7-segment display", the 7-segment display 110 may include more than 7 segments, which can be seen by the user. During operation, various decorations, icons, segments, etc. of the multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 and the 7-segment display 110 can be displayed and viewed from the front of the housing 106. Fig.16 Another example of a 7-segment display that can be used instead of the 7-segment display 110 is shown in FIG.

[0064] PCB 104 includes substrate 130, one or more processors (e.g., a microprocessor 132 is shown), ribbon connector 134, and 7-segment display connector 136. Other chips and / or electronic circuit elements, such as one or more memory chips, one or more drivers, power supplies, and / or connectors, etc., may be included on PCB 104. The 7-segment display device may be soldered directly to PCB 104, connected by a single-wire or multi-wire cable (e.g., a flat cable), or via a male / female plug-in connector such as 7-segment display connector 136. The driver may be included in one or more processors, or may be separate from one or more processors. The driver may be used to drive 7-segment display 110. For example, the driver may be used to turn on the segments of 7-segment display 110 and / or illuminate icons. In one embodiment, one or more light guides in the light guide film layer are disposed above, to the side, below, and / or on top of the 7-segment display device and have the following functions: increasing the light output toward the user and thus improving the user's ability to visually see the items being displayed. The light guide may be used to direct, focus, or isolate the light provided by the 7-segment display 110 .

[0065] During operation, the processor: displays information via the combination of the decorative film layer and / or light guide layer of the capacitive keyboard 108 and the 7-segment display 110; and detects user input (e.g., gestures) via the capacitive keyboard 108. The processor receives commands from the user and controls the operation of the 7-segment display based on the commands. The processor can communicate with other devices within the network device. The processor is used to: manage the 7-segment display 110; provide notification of operating status by displaying icons; and detect and decode interactions with the user, such as decoding received gestures. In one embodiment, the seven-segment display 110 is used to display alphanumeric information, and icons are used to notify operating status.

[0066] Figure 3 to Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 to Figure 2 The capacitive keyboard 108 of the embodiment of the present invention may include one or more decorative film layers 200. The decorative film layer 200 includes: (i) a light guide 202 for each segment of the 7-segment display and (ii) an icon 204. The decorative film layer 200 may include other light guides (or transparent windows), such as a light guide 206. The icon 204 may be in the form of a light guide and is used to indicate an operating state. In the example shown, the icons include I1 to I18 corresponding to 18 or more operating states, respectively. In one embodiment, the area 208 between the light guides 202, 206 and the icon 204 may not be transparent and may not allow transmission of light emitted by the light guide 202, 206. Figure 1 The 7-segment display 110 provides light.

[0067] Figures 5 and 6 A capacitive sensing layer (or keypad) 220 is shown, which includes a capacitive film layer 222 having a sensing element (referred to as a capacitive key or pad) 224 and a trace (or track) 226. The trace 226 extends from the sensing element 224 to the strip circuit 118 and is coupled to the electrode 228 at one end of the strip circuit 118. The sensing element 224 has a corresponding capacitive sensing surface (or conductive area). Although shown as including 6 sensing elements 224, the capacitive sensing layer 220 may include any number of sensing elements. The spacing (or spacing between at least some of the traces 226) is used to interact with an external object (e.g., a person's finger or a pen). The sensing element 224 is used to detect interaction with an external object. Some examples of interaction are: Figure 1 a single touch on the surface 112 of the housing 106; multiple touches on the surface 112; horizontal sliding of a finger or a pen on the surface 112; vertical sliding of a finger or a pen on the surface 112; and clockwise or counterclockwise rotational and / or circular motion of a finger or a pen on the surface 112.

[0068] The capacitive sensing layer 220 may include multiple layers and / or traces (or channels) that are incorporated into Figure 1 The 7-segment display 110 is arranged and geometrically shaped as defined by the type and geometry of the 7-segment display device. The traces (eg, traces 226) are formed of a conductive material such as a metallic material and / or other suitable material.

[0069] During operation, interactions of objects on the surface 112 of the housing 106 are identified via the capacitive sensing layer 220. For example, Figure 1 One of the processors of PCB 104 can analyze the signal associated with trace 226 to determine the command provided. The controller can detect a change in the resistance of sensing element 224, a change in the charge of sensing element 224 (or a change in charge), a change in voltage, etc. The processing of the change in charge indicates that the above interaction belongs to one of a predetermined set of gestures, such as: a single touch in a predefined area of ​​surface 112; multiple touches in the same area of ​​surface 112; multiple touches in different areas of surface 112; such as a finger or pen sliding right on surface 112; such as a finger or pen sliding left on surface 112; scrolling up on surface 112 (or, for example, a finger or pen sliding up); scrolling down on surface 112 (or, for example, a finger or pen sliding up); such as a finger or pen rotating in a clockwise direction on surface 112; and such as a finger or pen rotating in a counterclockwise direction on surface 112.

[0070] Figure 7 A multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 is shown including one or more decorative film layers 200 and a capacitive sensing layer 220 (although in Figure 7 The capacitive sensing layer 220 is not shown in FIG. Figures 5 and 6 118). Capacitive sensing layer 220 is attached to and / or formed integrally with strip circuit 118. As shown, decorative film layer 200 is applied over capacitive sensing layer 220. Decorative film layer 200 may simply be disposed over and aligned with capacitive sensing layer 220, or may be adhered to capacitive sensing layer 220. Decorative film layer 200 may have the same surface area and shape as capacitive sensing layer 220, which may be the same as the capacitive sensing layer 220. Figure 1 The surface area and / or shape of the 7-segment display 110 matches the front surface.

[0071] Operation Mode

[0072] Depend on Figures 1 to 7The user interface provided by the housing 106, the multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 and the 7-segment display 110 can have multiple operating modes. The user interface can operate in a normal mode, in which the values ​​of interest are displayed on the 7-segment display 110 in an alphanumeric format. The notification and visualization of the function icons are timed so as not to interfere with the user reading the displayed values ​​of interest. The user interface can operate in a function activation mode, in which only notifications and function icons are displayed. In the function activation mode, the device functions can be activated by a simple touch mode or a multi-touch mode. The function activation mode may include: dividing the corresponding viewing area into two or more screens with predefined views. When in an operating parameter modification mode, parameters can be set and / or modified. This may include changing the alphanumeric value of a parameter of the corresponding network device. A predefined screen may be displayed for each parameter that is changed.

[0073] During operation, when the network device is powered on and / or the user interface is turned on, the default user interface switches to a normal operating mode. Once a gesture as described herein is detected, the interaction begins. Based on the recognized gesture, Figure 1 to Figure 2 The processor of PCB 104 can navigate the user interface to switch from operating in the normal mode to operating in a different mode. Various network device functions can be enabled via the operating mode.

[0074] like Figure 8 and Fig.15 As shown, Figure 1 to Figure 2 The PCB 104 may include an audible buzzer. The buzzer (or speaker) may be attached to the PCB 104. The buzzer may be used to increase tactile perception during interaction between the user and the user interface. The use of sound signals allows notification to the user of: detection and correct decoding of gestures; end of an operating mode; transition between operating modes; return to one of the operating modes, such as a normal operating mode, etc.

[0075] Figure 8 It shows that it can be Figure 1 to Figure 2104. The display control circuit 300 may include one or more control modules 302 (e.g., one or more processors), a display driver 304, a first interface 306, and a second interface 308. The display control circuit 300 may include a memory 310 and / or a buzzer 312 as described above. The first interface 306 may include a connector 136 and is connected to the 7-segment display 110. The control module 302 controls the operation of the 7-segment display 110 via the display driver 304 and the first interface 306. The second interface 308 may include a connector 134 connected to the multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108. The memory 310 may store tables, data, and / or information related to the operating mode, parameters, operating status, icons, segments, gestures, etc. of the 7-segment display 110.

[0076] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 1 4, which illustrates segments 402 and icons 404 that may be illuminated during normal mode and function activation mode. As used herein, the term "screen" may refer to all segments displayed via the multi-layer capacitive keyboard 108 and the 7-segment display 110 and a subset of all function icons and notification icons.

[0077] Fig.10 Shows Figure 1 4. An example of a screen 410 of interactive touch display assembly 100 when in normal mode. Example segments 412, example icons 414, and other segments and / or display elements 416 are displayed. Fig.11 Shows Figure 1 4. An example of a screen 430 of interactive touch display assembly 100 when in a function activation mode. An example icon set 432 is displayed.

[0078] As described above, the user can provide commands in the form of gestures when interacting with the user interface. Example gestures include: scrolling vertically in an upward direction, which is defined as imitating the tracing of one or more lines on the surface 112 in an upward direction with one or more fingers or other objects. The tracing can start from the bottom of the user interface surface 112 and reach the upper limit of the user interface surface 112. Gestures can also include: scrolling vertically in a downward direction, which is defined as imitating the tracing of one or more lines on the surface 112 in a downward direction with one or more fingers or other objects. This can start from the top of the user interface surface 112 and reach the lower limit of the user interface surface 112. Gestures can also include: scrolling horizontally, which is defined as imitating the tracing of one or more lines from one side of the user interface surface 112 to the other side in a horizontal direction or a lateral direction with one or more fingers or other objects. This can start from one of the horizontal boundaries of the user interface surface 112 and end at the relative horizontal boundary of the user interface surface 112. For example, the tracing of a line from the left side of the user interface surface to the right side of the user interface surface. A gesture may include a single touch in a non-localized area of ​​the user interface surface 112 (or anywhere on the user interface surface 112). A gesture may include multiple touches in a non-localized area of ​​the user interface. Figure 12 to Figure 14 Examples are shown for three of the stated gestures.

[0079] Fig.12 An example of switching from a normal mode screen 440 to a function activation mode screen 442 based on a first type of gesture 444 (a single touch at the center of the user interface surface 112 ) is shown. Fig.13 An example of switching from first navigation mode screen 450 to second navigation mode screen 452 based on a second type of gesture 454 (horizontal swipe) is shown. Fig.14 An example of switching from third navigation mode screen 460 to fourth navigation mode screen 462 based on a third type of gesture 464 (vertical swipe) is shown.

[0080] Fig.15 Yes Figure 1 The interactive touch display assembly 100 and Figure 8 1 is a functional block diagram of a network device 500 with a display control circuit 300. The network device 500 may include a power supply 502, a network device control module 504, a network device memory 506, a display control circuit 300, and an interactive touch display assembly 100. The display control circuit 300 may include a control module (or display control module) 302, a display driver 304, a first interface 306, a second interface 308, a memory (or display memory) 310, and a buzzer 312.

[0081] Fig.16An interactive touch display assembly 600 is shown, which is connected to Figure 1 The 7-segment display assembly 602 is similar to the interactive touch display assembly 100 of FIG. 1 , but includes a 7-segment display 602 as shown, as well as a housing 106, a capacitive keyboard 108, and a PCB 104. The 7-segment display 602 includes a 7-segment display device (or portion) 604 and other light-emitting portions (or light-emitting areas) 606 that can be used to illuminate the above-mentioned icons. The 7-segment display devices each include 7 light-emitting segments (or light-emitting areas) 608. Each of the light-emitting segments 608 and each of the light-emitting portions 606 can have a corresponding light-emitting device (e.g., an LED). Each of the light-emitting portions 606 and the light-emitting segments 608 can correspond to a transparent window, a light guide, and / or an icon of one or more decorative film layers of the capacitive keyboard 108. The non-lighting area corresponding to the structural separation member 610 is disposed between the light-emitting areas 606, 608, and together with the side 612, provides the body of the 7-segment display 602.

[0082] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B An interactive touch display assembly 700 is shown, which is connected to Figure 1 The interactive touch display assembly 100 and Fig.16 The interactive touch display assembly 600 is similar to the interactive touch display assembly 600. The interactive touch display assembly can operate in a similar manner to the assemblies 100 and 600. The interactive touch display assembly 700 has a capacitive keyboard 702 that includes 10 sensing elements 704 instead of 10 sensing elements 704. Figures 5 and 6 The interactive touch display assembly 700 also includes a housing 710, a decorative film layer 711, a 7-segment display 712, and a PCB 714. The housing 710 may include a non-transparent frame 716 and an inner transparent surface 718. The capacitive keyboard 702 may be disposed in the housing 710 and include one or more layers. In the example shown, the capacitive keyboard 702 includes a capacitive sensing layer having a sensing element 704. The decorative film layer 711 and the PCB 714 may be provided on the housing 710. Figure 3 to Figure 4 and Figure 7 Although the decorative film layer 711 is shown as being disposed between the capacitive keyboard 702 and the 7-segment display 712 , the decorative film layer 711 may also be disposed between the housing 710 and the capacitive keyboard 702 .

[0083] The 7-segment display 712 includes a 7-segment display device (or portion) 720 and other light-emitting portions (or light-emitting areas) 722 that can be used to illuminate the above-mentioned icons. The 7-segment display devices 720 each include 7 light-emitting segments (or light-emitting areas) 724. Each of the light-emitting segments 724 and each of the light-emitting portions 722 can have a corresponding light-emitting device (e.g., LED). Each of the light-emitting portions 722 and the light-emitting segments 724 can correspond to the transparent window, light guide and / or icon of one of the multiple layers of the decorative film layer 711 and / or the plurality of layers of the capacitive keyboard 702. The non-light-emitting area corresponding to the structural partition member 726 is provided between the light-emitting areas 722 and 724, and together with the side 728, provides the body of the 7-segment display 712. The 7-segment display 712 is clamped into the corresponding hole 729 in the PCB 714 via the protrusion 730. Components are mounted on the back side (or underside) of the PCB 714 and may include, for example, a microprocessor 732 and a ribbon connector 734 for the connector on the ribbon of the capacitive keyboard 702. Components may also include a connector 736 for pins 738 of the seven-segment display 712. As with other PCBs disclosed herein, components may be mounted on both the front and back sides of the PCB 714.

[0084] Fig.18 Another capacitive keyboard 752 is shown, which includes 12 sensing elements 754. The capacitive keyboard 752 can replace one or more of the other capacitive keyboards disclosed herein. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As described above with respect to the capacitive keyboards 108 , 220 , the capacitive keyboard 752 may include one or more layers, a ribbon circuit having traces, and a connector. Fig.19 A capacitive keyboard 800 is shown that includes 15 sensing elements 802. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As described in the capacitive keyboard 108, 220 of the present invention, the capacitive keyboard 802 may include one or more layers, a strip circuit with traces, and a connector. For a capacitive keyboard of the same overall size, as the number of sensing elements increases, the size of the sensing elements may decrease. The overall size of the capacitive keyboard disclosed herein may be increased or decreased depending on the application. For example and as Fig.17A As shown, the overall length L and overall height H of the capacitive keyboard may be 72 millimeters (mm)×114 mm, 32 mm×74 mm, or have some other overall length and overall height dimensions.

[0085] Fig. 20An example stack 900 of layers is shown, which includes a decorative film layer 904, a light guide layer 906, and a capacitive sensing layer 908. This is an example, and many other stacking arrangements can be implemented. Any number of decorative film layers, light guide layers, and capacitive sensing layers can be included in the stack. In addition, although a specific order of decorative film layers, light guide layers, and capacitive sensing layers is shown, the order of these layers can be different. In an embodiment, the decorative film layers and light guide layers are alternated so that the decorative film layer can be disposed between two light guide layers and / or the light guide layer can be disposed between the decorative film layers. In another embodiment, more than one capacitive film layer is included, and at least one of the capacitive film layers is not the bottom layer in the stack. The capacitive film layer can be disposed between the following layers: two decorative film layers; two light guide layers; one decorative film layer and one light guide layer; one decorative film layer and another capacitive film layer; and one light guide layer and another capacitive film layer. For illustrative purposes, an interlocking portion 910 of two layers in layers 904, 906 is shown. In an embodiment, an adhesive layer is disposed between adjacent ones of the layers 904, 906, and 908. In other embodiments, the layers 904, 906, 908 are interlocked using: double-sided tape disposed between adjacent ones of the layers 904, 906, 908; mechanical coupling; welded joints and / or other interlocking techniques. Similar methods may also be used to interlock the layers 904, 906 to the housing, for example Fig.17A The housing 710 is provided.

[0086] The above example includes classifying interactions based on gestures associated with technology using a network device with a 7-segment display. The traditional concept of a physical / mechanical button associated with one or more functions is replaced by the concept of a logical button whose function is determined by the use (interactivity) of the screen.

[0087] The foregoing description is essentially only illustrative, and is by no means intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be realized in various forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be limited thereto, because: after studying the drawings, the specification and the appended claims, other modifications will become apparent. It should be understood that, without changing the principle of the present disclosure, one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously). In addition, although each embodiment is described as having certain features above, any one or more of those features described in any embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized with the features of any other embodiment and / or in combination with the features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the replacement of one or more embodiments with each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088] Various terms are used to describe the spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including "connected", "engaged", "coupled", "adjacent", "next to", "on top", "above", "below", and "set". Unless explicitly described as "directly", when describing the relationship between a first element and a second element in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship between the first element and the second element without other intermediate elements, but the relationship can also be an indirect relationship between the first element and the second element with one or more intermediate elements (spatially or functionally). As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted as using a non-exclusive logical "or" to represent logic (A or B or C), and should not be interpreted as representing "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C".

[0089] In a diagram, the direction of an arrow, as indicated by an arrowhead, generally indicates the flow of information (e.g., data or instructions) of interest to the diagram. For example, when element A and element B exchange various information but the information transmitted from element A to element B is relevant to the diagram, an arrow may point from element A to element B. This unidirectional arrow does not mean that there is no other information transmitted from element B to element A. In addition, for information sent from element A to element B, element B may send a request or receipt confirmation to element A for the information.

[0090] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "circuit" may be used instead of the term "module" or the term "controller". The term "module" may refer to being part of or including an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0091] Module can include one or more interface circuits.In some examples, interface circuit can include the wired or wireless interface that is connected to local area network (LAN), Internet, wide area network (WAN) or its combination.The function of any given module of the present disclosure can be distributed in multiple modules connected via interface circuit.For example, multiple modules can allow load balancing.In another example, server (also referred to as remote or cloud) module can realize some functions on behalf of client module.

[0092] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class, a data structure and / or an object. The term "shared processor circuit" includes a single processor circuit that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor circuit" includes a processor circuit that combines additional processor circuits to execute some or all of the code from one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuits include: multiple processor circuits on discrete chips, multiple processor circuits on a single chip, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term "shared memory circuit" includes a single memory circuit that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory circuit" includes a memory circuit that combines additional memory to store some or all of the code from one or more modules.

[0093] The term "memory circuit" is a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (e.g., on a carrier wave); thus the term "computer-readable medium" may be considered to be tangible and non-transient. Non-limiting examples of non-transient tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (e.g., flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (e.g., static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (e.g., analog or digital tapes or hard drives), and optical storage media (e.g., CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0094] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be partially or completely implemented by a special-purpose computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions implemented in a computer program. The above-mentioned functional blocks, flow chart components and other elements act as software specifications, which can be converted into computer programs through the routine work of experienced technicians or programmers.

[0095] The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include or rely on stored data. The computer program may include: a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of the special-purpose computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices of the special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0096] A computer program may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation); (ii) assembly code; (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler; (iv) source code executed by an interpreter; (v) source code compiled and executed by a just-in-time compiler, etc. By way of example only, source code may be written using syntax from languages ​​including C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language Version 5), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Visual Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and

Claims

1. An interactive touch display assembly comprising: A circuit board comprising a first control module; as well as The user interface includes: a 7-segment display connected to the circuit board, and comprising: (i) a 7-segment display device having light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to light up lighting areas of respective lighting segments; and (ii) non-lighting areas corresponding to structural partitioning members, the non-lighting areas being disposed between the lighting areas and providing a body of the 7-segment display together with the side surfaces; and a first capacitive keyboard superimposed on the 7-segment display including the 7-segment display device, and the first capacitive keyboard includes a capacitive sensing layer having a capacitive sensing element, wherein a state of the capacitive sensing element changes based on a gesture provided by a user of the interactive touch display assembly, in, providing the gesture on both the first capacitive keyboard and the 7-segment display device, and The first control module is configured to: controlling operation of the 7-segment display based on the detected change in state of the capacitive sensing element; changing an alphanumeric value displayed on the 7-segment display device based on a detected change in state of the capacitive sensing element, and In response to a first gesture, operate in a function activation mode to display a screen including only notifications and function icons, the notifications and function icons being displayed and located in at least one of: (i) an area between the light-emitting segments of the 7-segment display, or (ii) an area outside the light-emitting segments of the 7-segment display, when the first navigation mode screen is displayed, one of the notification and function icons is assigned to the first function, and when the second navigation mode screen is displayed, one of the notification and function icons is assigned to the second function.

2. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1 further comprising a second capacitive keyboard superimposed on a second portion of the 7-segment display.

3. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first capacitive keyboard includes one or more decorative film layers or light guide layers; as well as The one or more decorative film layers or light guide layers are superimposed on the capacitive sensing layer.

4. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The total interactive area of ​​the user interface is the same amount of area as the first capacitive keypad covers on the 7-segment display.

5. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first control module is configured to classify an interaction with the user based on a gesture detected via the first capacitive keyboard.

6. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The 7-segment display and the first capacitive keyboard are configured to display multiple screens; and Each of the plurality of screens corresponds to a respective one or more functions performed by the interactive touch display assembly.

7. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 6, wherein: Each of the plurality of screens includes displaying a subset of available segments and a subset of available icons.

8. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 7, wherein: The icon is a notification icon or a function identification icon.

9. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first capacitive keyboard includes a light guide for guiding light generated by the 7-segment display.

10. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The capacitive sensing elements of the first capacitive keyboard are not associated with a predefined function; and The keys of the first capacitive keyboard present different functions depending on the usage mode, the operation being performed and the gesture provided.

11. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The gestures include: a single touch in any area of ​​the surface of the user interface; multiple touches in different areas of the surface of the user interface; sliding horizontally on the surface of the user interface; sliding vertically on the surface of the user interface; Sliding rotationally clockwise on the surface of the user interface; and Slide rotationally counterclockwise across the surface of the user interface.

12. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first capacitive keyboard covers the 7-segment display and includes a plurality of layers; at least a portion of each of the plurality of layers is transparent; as well as The illuminated segments on the 7-segment display are visible through the first capacitive keyboard.

13. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1 further comprising a housing or container, wherein: The first capacitive keyboard is attached to the housing or the inner side of the container.

14. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 13, wherein: The front surface of the housing or the container is transparent.

15. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The 7-segment display is configured to be connected to the circuit board via a first connector; The first capacitive keyboard includes a strip circuit; as well as The strip circuit is configured to be connected to the circuit board via a second connector.

16. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first capacitive keyboard includes a decorative film layer; The decorative film layer includes a plurality of light guides; The 7-segment display is configured to: illuminate selected ones of the plurality of light guides to display a predetermined set of segments and one or more icons; and The predetermined set of segments includes one or more segments.

17. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: Each of the gestures occurs on a portion of the 7-segment display that changes as a result of the gesture.

18. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: At least one of the gestures occurs on a portion of the 7-segment display that is altered and on one or more areas between segments of the 7-segment display.

19. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first capacitive keyboard is configured to receive a second gesture; the first control module being configured to: in response to the second gesture, operate in a normal mode or a parameter activation mode to display a third navigation mode screen including alphanumeric values ​​displayed on the 7-segment display; The first capacitive keyboard is configured to receive the first gesture; and The first control module is configured to operate in the function activation mode to display the first navigation mode screen or the second navigation mode screen including only the notification and function icons in response to the first gesture.

20. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 19, wherein: The first gesture is a gesture of a different type than the second gesture; providing the first gesture on each of the 7-segment display devices; as well as The second gesture is provided on one of the 7-segment display devices.

21. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The capacitive sensing element is disposed on the 7-segment display device.

22. The interactive touch display assembly of claim 1, wherein: The body is formed from plastic.

23. A network device, comprising: The interactive touch display assembly according to claim 1; a second control module connected to the first control module; as well as A power source is configured to provide power to the first control module and the second control module.

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