Capacitive Control Device with Auto-Activating Display for Clutter-Free Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current operating devices for controlling actuators, such as lights and blinds, are overly complex, making it difficult for users to learn and operate them quickly and safely, as they often have a cluttered appearance even when in standby mode.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a transparent or semi-transparent housing cover that only activates a display unit when actuated, featuring a capacitive touch-sensitive actuating element and a dimmable backlighting unit, allowing for a homogeneous appearance in standby mode and providing haptic and visual feedback, along with multiple selector buttons and display units for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the display unit is always activated, then the user can see all control options and information, but the device appearance becomes cluttered and complex-looking
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is activated periodically only when needed (upon actuating an actuating element) rather than continuously, creating a standby mode with homogeneous appearance and an active mode with full information display
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display unit is always visible, then users have full information about control options, but first-time users perceive the device as complicated and difficult to learn
Solution Approach 1:
The display alternates between a homogeneous standby state that appears simple to first-time users and an active information-rich state when needed, reducing the initial perception of complexity while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The housing cover creates a visual distinction between the display area and the rest of the device, allowing the display to be inconspicuous in standby mode while providing full information when activated
3Device complexity
If the housing cover is opaque, then the display unit is completely hidden in standby mode, but the user cannot see any indication of the device state or branding
Solution Approach 1:
The housing cover transitions from a transparent/semi-transparent state that allows display visibility to an opaque state that provides homogeneous appearance, with the ability to change its optical properties based on device state
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 simplifies the user interface by hiding the display in standby mode, reducing complexity and improving usability, allowing users to easily learn and operate the device while maintaining a wide range of functional options.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating element advantageously includes a touch-sensitive sensor, for example a capacitive contactless sensor
Implementation Method 2
The at least one display unit advantageously comprises a liquid crystal display and/or an organic light-emitting diode
Implementation Method 3
The at least one display unit advantageously comprises a liquid crystal display and/or an organic light-emitting diode
Data Source
Figure 1~8
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an operator control device (1) for controlling a plurality of electrically controllable actuators, for example lights and/or blinds, having means for transmitting control signals for controlling the actuators, at least one activating element (2), wherein the operator control device (I) is designed to transmit a control signal when the activation element (2) is activated, at least one display unit (4) and means for activating and deactivating the display unit (4), wherein the operator control device (1) is configured to activate the display unit (4) automatically when the activation element (2) is activated if the activation takes place when the display unit (4) is deactivated. Advantageously, a plurality of selector keys (6', 6'', 6''', 6'''') are provided whose functions - for example switching on certain "mood lighting" - can be displayed by means of four corresponding symbols (3', 3'', 3''', 3'''') of a first display unit (4). It is also advantageous to provide a second display unit (5) with which a currently called function, that is to say for example "mood lighting", can be displayed symbolically. A central on/off key (2a) is also advantageously provided, as well as a rotational controller (2b) which is arranged around it in an annular form and with which operating parameters, for example the brightness of a light, can be set. The operator control device (1) is particularly user-friendly since the appearance of the control interface can easily be configured and the potential resistance against performing an operator control operation can be kept small.