Height-Based Contact and Contactless Display Controls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image display devices do not effectively utilize both contact and contactless operations simultaneously, limiting user interaction flexibility.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that integrates a processor to display operators for both contact and contactless operations on a laminated display screen, adjusting visibility and superimposing icons based on the distance of an instruction object from the operation surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both contact and contactless operation operators are displayed simultaneously on the display screen, then user interaction flexibility is improved, but display complexity and visual clutter increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction flexibilityVSAvoiddisplay complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display dynamically switches between showing contact operation operators, contactless operation operators, or both simultaneously based on the detected height of the instruction object from the operation surface. When the object is within the contactless operation height range, both types of operators are displayed to provide flexible interaction options. When the object is in contact with the surface, only contact operation operators are shown to reduce visual complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a height dimension to determine operation mode by detecting the distance between the instruction object and the operation surface. This vertical dimension enables the system to distinguish between contact and contactless operation intentions, allowing appropriate operators to be displayed and enhancing interaction flexibility without permanently increasing display complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If operators for both contact and contactless operations are displayed in a superimposed manner, then interaction efficiency is improved, but operator visibility and distinguishability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction efficiencyVSAvoidoperator visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display mode dynamically adjusts based on the instruction object's height. When the object is within the contactless operation height range, both contact and contactless operators are displayed in a superimposed manner to improve interaction efficiency. When the object is in contact with the operation surface, only contact operation operators are displayed to ensure clear visibility and prevent information loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the system detects instruction object height to determine operation mode, then operation accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation mode detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with a sensor-based height detection system. The sensor measures the distance between the instruction object and the operation surface, enabling accurate determination of whether the object is in contact mode or contactless operation mode. This substitution maintains high measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12373049B2Information processing apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium storing program, and information processing method

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to, in displaying an operator on a display screen laminated with an operation surface in an image display device on which a contact operation of operating the operator displayed on the display screen in a state where an instruction object is in contact with the operation surface, and a contactless operation of operating the operator displayed on the display screen in a state where the instruction object is within a preset height range from the operation surface can be performed, acquire information about a height from the operation surface to the instruction object, in a case where the instruction object is not in contact with the operation surface and a distance in which the instruction object is separated from the height range in a height direction is within a preset distance, display an operator for the contactless operation and an operator for the contact operation in a superimposed manner on the display screen, and in a case where the instruction object is in contact with the operation surface, display only the operator for the contact operation on the display screen.