Control Panel Optical Detection Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control panels face challenges in adapting to multiple applications and software updates due to fixed designs and limited accuracy in tracking control knob positions, especially when representing multiple parameters, leading to user confusion and interference issues with photoelectric detection methods.
Innovation Solution
A control panel design featuring a viewing element over a display with rotatable light controllers, light emitters, and detectors configured in a grid to detect movement without interference, allowing for high-resolution angular displacement measurement and dynamic image configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small number of hardware controls are used to represent multiple software parameters, then cost and space are reduced, but the visual indicator becomes out of sync with the software parameter making it difficult to know the current position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical visual indicators (physical lines on knobs) with an optical detection system using light emitters, light controllers with reflective features, and light detectors. This substitution enables dynamic visual feedback that remains synchronized with software parameters while using fewer physical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light controllers as intermediary elements between the hardware controls and the display system. These light controllers modulate light to provide accurate visual indication of control positions, acting as a mediator that bridges the physical control and the software parameter representation.
2Area of stationary object
If controls are placed close together or over a large display, then space efficiency is improved, but non-transparent connections obscure part of the screen from view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical connection structures (non-transparent connectors) with an optical system using light emitters and detectors positioned at the edges of the viewing element. This allows controls to be placed anywhere on the display without obscuring the screen, as the optical paths can route around obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the light emitters and detectors to the edges of the viewing element, utilizing the peripheral dimension rather than placing components in the central display area. This dimensional repositioning allows full screen visibility while maintaining control functionality.
3Measurement precision
If reflective stripes are used on control knobs for photoelectric detection, then detection is enabled, but interference occurs between multiple control knobs making accurate detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into independent light emitter-detector pairs, with each control having its own dedicated detection path. This segmentation eliminates interference between controls, as each control's light path is independent and does not cross or interact with other controls' paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns specific light emitters and detectors to individual controls, creating localized detection zones for each control. This local quality approach ensures that the optical properties and detection parameters can be optimized for each specific control position, preventing cross-interference.
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
Enables a large array of controls to be placed close together without obscuring the display, providing accurate and adaptable control feedback, suitable for various applications, including audio mixing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
at least two light detectors, each light detector operable to detect light from at least one of the at least two light controllers; wherein; the at least two light emitters and the at least two light detectors are configured to form a grid of sensing paths across the viewing element
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated control panel and electronic displays wherein the control panel may be positioned over the electronic display with at least part of the display being visible to the user. The control panel may consist of control elements such as rotary controls or buttons that can be associated with graphics on the display. Light emitters and detectors may be used to detect movement of the control elements such that the region of the display adjacent or juxtaposed to the control elements is not obscured from view of the user.