Illuminated Touch Panel Layout for Clear Appliance Program Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances with increasing numbers of operating programs and options lead to cluttered and confusing input displays due to limited space, causing potential incorrect inputs from closely packed control buttons on pressure-sensitive panels.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive, illuminated control panel with a substrate, sensor layer, and lighting device, featuring capacitive sensors and a structured display film, where upper keys activate corresponding groups of sub-keys, ensuring clear illumination and differentiation of active buttons for user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of control buttons is increased to provide more operating programs and options, then the functionality and versatility of the household appliance is improved, but the display becomes cluttered and confusing, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels. Upper keys represent primary functions or program categories, while lower keys represent specific parameters or sub-functions. This segmentation allows numerous operating options to be organized in a structured manner, preventing display clutter while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel introduces a vertical dimension to the display layout by stacking upper and lower keys. Instead of arranging all controls horizontally in a single row (which would cause clutter), the solution uses multiple rows or levels, effectively utilizing the vertical space to accommodate more functions without reducing individual key size or increasing horizontal clutter.
2Area of stationary object
If control buttons are closely packed to fit more options in limited space, then the area efficiency is improved, but the likelihood of incorrect inputs increases due to reduced visual differentiation
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the control panel are assigned different functions and visual characteristics. Upper keys and lower keys have distinct positions, illumination patterns, and functional meanings. This local differentiation ensures that even when keys are closely packed, each key maintains its visual identity and functional clarity, reducing the risk of incorrect input selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel employs selective illumination of keys based on their operational state or functional group. By illuminating specific keys (upper or lower) with light, the system enhances visual differentiation between active and inactive options, making it easier for users to distinguish between closely packed buttons and select the correct input with higher accuracy.
3Loss of information
If all control options are displayed simultaneously, then the completeness of information is improved, but the visual complexity and confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel enables dynamic selection and highlighting of relevant control options based on the current operational context. Instead of statically displaying all possible options simultaneously, the system dynamically illuminates or activates only the relevant upper and lower key combinations needed for the current program or function, reducing visual complexity while maintaining access to all options through hierarchical navigation.
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
The solution simplifies and clarifies the operation of household appliances by allowing numerous setting options while maintaining clear visual cues, reducing the likelihood of incorrect inputs through intelligent key grouping and targeted illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting device (4) which is set up to illuminate at least part of the touch elements (6, 7, 11, 12)
Implementation Method 2
at least one capacitive sensor (14) is produced as a surface electrode
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a touch-sensitive illuminable operating panel 1 comprising a substrate 2; a plurality of touch elements 6,7,11,12 on a surface 21 of the operating panel 1; a sensor layer 3 with a plurality of sensor elements 14, each sensor element being paired with a touch element 6,7,11,12; an illuminating device 4 which is designed to illuminate at least some of the touch elements 6,7,11,12; and a control unit 5. The touch elements have at least two upper buttons Om 6,7 and at least two groups Gn 8,9 of lower buttons Bx n 11,12, wherein m, n, x each ≥ 1. The circuitry of each upper button Om 6,7 is paired with at least one group Gn 8,9 of lower buttons Bx n 11,12 such that when an upper button Om 6,7 is touched, the lower buttons Bx n 11,12 belonging to the corresponding group Gn 8,9 are activated. The invention further relates to a method for operating the operating panel and to a domestic appliance which contains said operating panel.