Illuminated User Interface With Fiber Optic Filament Mat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controlling devices lack a cost-effective method for implementing an illuminated user interface that can convey operational status and key function assignments, particularly in low light conditions and for universal remote controls managing multiple appliances.

Innovation Solution

A controlling device with a user interface composed of input elements, a source of light energy, and a fiber optic filament mat with irregularities that form visible images when illuminated, allowing for information display about operational modes and key functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional illumination methods are used for the user interface, then the interface can be illuminated, but the cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface illuminationVSAvoidillumination system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the illumination function with the existing display surface by integrating light guides and diffusers directly into the keypad assembly. This merging of functions eliminates separate illumination components and reduces overall system complexity while achieving effective user interface illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transports light from the light source, distributes illumination across the display surface, and integrates with the structural components of the keypad. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate remote controls are provided for different appliances, then each appliance can be controlled specifically, but the number of devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappliance control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of remote controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The universal remote control incorporates multiple operational modes that can be activated through mode selection keys. Each mode configures the remote to control a specific type of appliance (TV, VCR, DVD player, etc.), allowing a single device to replace multiple appliance-specific remotes while maintaining specialized control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote control dynamically changes its operational characteristics based on the selected mode. The microprocessor reconfigures the infrared transmission codes and key mappings according to the active mode, allowing the same physical device to adapt its behavior to match different appliance control requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If the user interface is illuminated to convey operational status, then information is provided to the user, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational status informationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when needed to display operational status information. The microprocessor controls the light source to illuminate during mode changes, key presses, or status updates, then turns off between these events to conserve battery power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination is applied locally to specific areas of the user interface that need to convey information, rather than uniformly illuminating the entire device. The light guide structure directs illumination to key areas such as the active mode indicators and recently pressed keys, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective communication with the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Provides a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing illuminated user interface that effectively conveys operational status and key assignments, enhancing usability in low light conditions and supporting universal remote control functionality across multiple appliances.

Implementation Method 1

a fiber optic filament mat provided with irregularities arranged in one or more controlled patterns to thereby form one or more visible images when the fiber optic filament mat is illuminated by the source of light energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight conduction: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS7319426B2Controlling device with illuminated user interface

Publication Date: 2008.01.15 UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

An illuminable user interface includes a plurality of input elements, a source of light energy, and a fiber optic filament mat provided with irregularities arranged in one or more controlled patterns to thereby form one or more visible images when the fiber optic filament mat is illuminated by the source of light energy. The one or more visible images are positioned relative to the input elements to convey information concerning the input elements.