Fingerprint control of a height-adjustable table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Height-adjustable tables in open-plan offices, where employees do not have fixed workstations, face challenges in utilizing memory functions due to the need for individual buttons for each user's preferred height settings, and existing solutions like smartphone apps require pre-launching the app before adjustment, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
Equipping the height-adjustable table with a fingerprint sensor to identify users and retrieve their personalized preferred table heights from a central server, allowing intuitive operation through a toggle switch or recognition surfaces, enabling immediate height adjustments without the need for separate buttons or pre-launching apps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fingerprint sensor is added to identify users, then personalized height adjustment is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fingerprint sensor with the existing control unit and memory function into an integrated system. The control unit already exists for managing height adjustments, so adding fingerprint recognition merges seamlessly with existing infrastructure rather than creating a separate complex subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages the motor-driven height adjustment, stores user preferences in memory, processes fingerprint recognition, and controls the overall system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual buttons are provided for each user's preferred height, then personalized adjustment is possible, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A single operating element is designed to serve multiple users through fingerprint recognition. Instead of requiring separate physical buttons for each user, the universal operating element identifies the user biometrically and retrieves their stored preferences, simplifying the interface while maintaining personalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies the user via fingerprint and autonomously retrieves and applies their stored height preferences without requiring manual selection or configuration. The user simply places their finger on the sensor, and the system handles the rest of the personalization process automatically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If smartphone apps are used for height adjustment, then personalized settings can be accessed, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring pre-launching the app
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic user identification and preference retrieval through fingerprint recognition without requiring the user to manually launch an application or navigate through software interfaces. The control unit autonomously handles the entire process from identification to height adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based smartphone app interface with a biometric hardware solution. Instead of requiring users to interact with a touchscreen application, the system uses fingerprint recognition hardware to directly trigger the height adjustment, providing a more intuitive and immediate response.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
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AI summary
The invention relates to a height-adjustable table (1) comprising at least one electrically height-adjustable table column (12, 13) and one control device (14), said height-adjustable table (1) comprising an operating element (15) that has at least one fingerprint sensor (151). A method is also disclosed by means of which the height-adjustable table (1) can be controlled by a user's fingerprint.