Interactive display device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touchless hand cleaning devices can be difficult for users unfamiliar with their operation, leading to contamination and increased risk of infectious disease spread, especially for those accustomed to manual controls.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced bathroom mirror with an electronic display providing visual cues, such as icons and animated graphics, to assist in touchless operation, along with a light guide to direct users to the dispenser outlet, and a computer system to track hand movement and provide intuitive feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If touchless operation is implemented to avoid contamination, then hygiene is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for unfamiliar users
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through an electronic display that shows icons representing different fluids (water, soap, hand sanitizer) and animated graphics demonstrating hand gestures. This feedback loop helps users understand the touchless operation mode without physical contact, resolving the contradiction between maintaining hygiene and ensuring ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
An electronic display acts as an intermediary between the user and the touchless dispenser. The display provides visual cues and instructions that bridge the gap between the user's intent and the touchless operation, making the system intuitive without requiring physical contact with contaminated surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If visual cues are added to assist operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic display serves multiple functions: it provides visual cues for operation, displays icons for different fluids, shows animated graphics for hand gestures, and can display videos. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the system improves ease of operation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect the user's presence and hand gestures, then provides appropriate visual feedback without requiring manual input. This self-service approach simplifies operation while the automated nature of the system manages the complexity internally.
3Ease of operation
If multiple functions are combined in one device, then ease of operation is improved through integration, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mirror, electronic display, fluid dispenser, and sensor system into a single integrated unit. This merging provides multiple functions (grooming, information display, fluid dispensing, gesture detection) in one device, improving ease of operation through consolidation while managing complexity through integrated design.
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
Facilitates easy operation of touchless fluid dispensers by providing clear visual instructions and feedback, reducing contamination risks and enhancing the hand cleaning experience for all users, including those unfamiliar with touchless technology.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide may, for example, comprise one or more LED lights arranged between the mirror and the dispenser outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a bathroom fixture in the form of an electronic mirror with a touchlessly operated fluid dispenser. The device provides visual cues to assist in the touchless operation thereof.