Appliance and camera based user interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user control interfaces in appliances require physical components that add cost, complexity, and are prone to degradation, limiting their functionality and placement options.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual user interface generated by an imaging device and computing device to provide control signals based on physical interactions, eliminating the need for physical interfaces and their associated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical user control interfaces with wires and electrical components are used, then the interface can provide tactile feedback and direct control, but the interface adds cost, complexity, and requires insulation and seals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical interfaces (buttons, knobs, switches) with a camera-based optical interface. The imaging device captures images of the surface, and processing logic detects user interactions through image analysis, eliminating the need for physical electrical components, wires, insulation, and seals while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation of the control interface by generating images of the surface that display visual indicators (such as colored zones or patterns) corresponding to control functions. Users interact with these visual copies rather than physical components, and the system translates the visual interaction into control signals.
2Ease of operation
If physical user control interfaces are used, then direct control is achieved, but the interface is prone to degradation and deterioration through repeated usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical interfaces that degrade with repeated tactile contact with an optical imaging-based interface. The imaging device and image processing system detect user interactions (such as hand gestures or contact with the surface) without physical wear, eliminating degradation from repeated usage while maintaining direct control capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If insulation and seals are added to protect the user control interface, then environmental protection is improved, but space, volume, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the insulation and seal components from the interface design by eliminating physical electrical components entirely. The camera-based interface requires no electrical connections through the surface, thereby removing the need for insulation and seals, reducing space and volume requirements while maintaining environmental protection.
4Ease of operation
If physical user control interfaces are used, then tactile feedback is provided, but the interface limits potential placement locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical constraint of physical interfaces with an optical imaging system that can detect interactions at any location within its field of view. The imaging device can be positioned remotely, and the surface can be placed anywhere without requiring proximity to electrical components, wiring harnesses, or sealed openings, thereby dramatically increasing placement flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance, a computing device therefor, and a method for operating an appliance include generating a virtual user interface corresponding to a surface of the appliance within a field of view of an imaging device operably coupled to an appliance computing device. The virtual user interface includes a digital marker corresponding to an appliance control function. The method includes generating a control signal based on a physical user interaction relative to the digital marker, and transmitting the control signal to articulate an operational component of the appliance corresponding to the appliance control function.