Concealed Input Region Using Microperforations and On-Demand Symbols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional input devices for computing systems often lack flexibility and adaptability, and they permanently indicate the presence of the input device, making them unsuitable for applications requiring concealment.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a concealed input region featuring an array of microperforations that are visually imperceptible when not illuminated, using a translucent layer and an opaque masking layer to propagate light and detect inputs, allowing the input region to be hidden and revealed as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional input devices with large buttons or keys are used, then the input region is easily visible and accessible, but the device lacks flexibility and permanently indicates the presence of the input device
Solution Approach 1:
The input region transitions from a static, permanently visible state to a dynamic state that can be concealed or revealed. The enclosure wall or translucent layer can change its optical properties (transparent/translucent to opaque) based on operational needs, allowing the input region to appear or disappear dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure wall or translucent layer changes its optical appearance (from transparent/translucent to opaque) to conceal or reveal the input region. This optical property change allows the device to adapt its visual characteristics based on operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the input region is made visible with symbols or keys, then user interaction is intuitive, but the aesthetic appearance and concealment capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Symbols or indicators in the input region are dynamically displayed only when needed for user interaction. The translucent layer can selectively reveal symbols or patterns corresponding to the active input region, maintaining aesthetic appearance when the input region is concealed.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent layer or illumination system changes optical properties to display symbols or patterns in the input region only when operational. This allows intuitive user guidance without permanently compromising the aesthetic appearance of the device surface.
3Shape
If microperforations are used to conceal the input region, then the surface appears uniform and aesthetic, but the input region must be illuminated to become visible
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system operates periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The microperforations are illuminated only when the input region needs to be activated or used, reducing energy consumption while maintaining aesthetic appearance during non-operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination function is extracted as a separate, controllable element that can be activated only when needed. This allows the microperforations to remain concealed during normal operation and only reveal the input region when illumination is applied for specific tasks.
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 provides a flexible and adaptable input mechanism that can be concealed when not in use, enhancing the aesthetic and functional integration of input devices into electronic devices, while allowing for intuitive user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a light source positioned within the inner volume and configured to propagate light through the array of microperforations
Implementation Method 2
a sensing element positioned within the inner volume and configured to detect input received along the input region
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to an electronic device having a hidden or concealable input region. In one aspect, an embodiment includes an enclosure having a wall that defines an input region having an array of microperforations. A light source may be positioned within a volume defined by the enclosure and configured to propagate light through the array of microperforations. A sensing element may be coupled with the wall and configured to detect input received within the input region. The array of microperforations are configured to be visually imperceptible when not illuminated by the light source. When illuminated by the light source, the array of microperforations may display a symbol.