Communication Hub With Inclined Touch Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sound output apparatuses in communication networks, such as hubs, have limited functionality and user control, primarily providing limited audio data output and requiring cumbersome terminal control, with a need for improved user interface and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A hub with integrated sound output capabilities, including a microphone for voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface with a display and button controls, utilizing various communication technologies like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee, and a design that enhances the external appearance and usability by inclining the window and display for better visibility and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control of the hub is done through a terminal device, then mobility and expandability are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome control procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a touch-sensitive window as an intermediary interface between the user and the hub's control system. This window can detect touch inputs directly on the hub device, serving as a mediator that enables local control without requiring terminal devices, thus resolving the contradiction by providing both mobility (direct control on the device) and ease of operation (intuitive touch interface).
2Ease of operation
If a display and window are provided for interface visibility, then user interface quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function and window function into a single integrated touch-sensitive window component. This combination eliminates the need for separate display and window structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining interface visibility and usability through the multifunctional touch interface.
3Device complexity
If the hub outputs only limited audio data related to the network, then device complexity is kept low, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal audio output system that can handle multiple types of audio data beyond just network-related information. The hub is designed to output various audio content including music, notifications, and other multimedia, making it a multi-functional audio device that serves both as a network hub and an entertainment system, thus improving adaptability without significantly increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A hub comprises a main body with a speaker; a communication module included in the main body; a window formed of a transparent material; a display panel for displaying a screen based on information exchanged via the communication module; and a cover housing coupled to a top of the main body and having a display panel and an opening at an upper surface thereof. The window is provided on an upper surface of the display panel, wherein a normal vector with respect to a predetermined plane in which the opening falls is at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane, and a vector acquired by orthogonally projecting the normal vector with respect to the horizontal plane faces forward. A portion of the inner surface of the cover housing is parallel with the normal vector, and the window is provided so that an upper surface faces the direction of the normal vector.