Aerial Image Input Structure for Feedback and Thin Non-Contact Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices with non-contact buttons, such as those used in elevators, face challenges in confirming user input and achieving a reduction in device thickness while displaying aerial images through retro-reflection.
Innovation Solution
An input device is designed with a display unit that includes a light guide plate, a light source, and a detection unit, where the light source is switched on and off based on user operation detection, allowing for input confirmation and reducing device thickness by integrating the display and detection functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a non-contact sensor is used to detect user actions, then contactless input is achieved, but it becomes difficult to confirm whether the input has been registered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by switching the aerial image display on and off based on detection results. When a user approaches or touches the display surface, the system detects this action and provides visual feedback by turning off the aerial image, confirming that the input has been registered. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining contactless operation while adding confirmation feedback through display state changes.
2Loss of information
If an aerial image is displayed using retro-reflection, then visual input guidance is provided, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function and detection function into a single integrated structure. The light guide plate serves both as the display surface for the aerial image and as the detection surface for sensing user actions. This integration eliminates the need for separate display and sensor components, thereby reducing device thickness while maintaining visual input guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The display surface serves multiple functions: it displays the aerial image for visual guidance, detects user approach or touch actions, and provides feedback by switching the display on and off. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing overall device thickness while maintaining visual guidance capabilities.
3Illumination intensity
If the light source remains continuously on, then the aerial image is always visible, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by switching the light source on and off based on detection results. The light source is turned off when no user action is detected and turned on when a user approaches or touches the display, rather than remaining continuously on. This periodic operation maintains aerial image visibility when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables user input confirmation through visual feedback of the aerial image display and achieves a thinner input device by detecting pressing operations, enhancing user interaction and device compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a display unit displaying an aerial image of a light diffusion surface formed on a light guide plate in response to incident light
Implementation Method 2
an input device capable of performing an input operation by displaying an aerial image by retro-reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes a display unit that displays an aerial image, and a detection unit that detects a user operation related to the aerial image. The display unit includes a light guide plate disposed between a half mirror and a retroreflective plate and a light source irradiating the light guide plate. The display unit displays the aerial image of a light diffusion surface formed on the light guide plate in response to incident light. When the user operation related to the aerial image is detected, the display unit turns off the light source to notify a user of input confirmation.