Infrared-Transparent Protective Plate for Touchscreen Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch screen interaction interfaces with proximity detectors, used in vehicles and other environments, have discontinuities and recesses due to protective frames that hinder user interaction and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A transparent protective plate covering the touch screen and proximity detectors, with infrared-transparent and visible-light-opaque coatings, ensures smooth interaction while maintaining detection efficiency and aesthetics by eliminating visible radiation interference and enhancing the interface's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a frame with openings and protective plates is used to protect transmitters and receivers, then the proximity detector can operate, but the surface has discontinuities and recesses that hinder user interaction and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function with the surface continuity by integrating the protective plate into the frame structure, creating a unified front face without recesses. The protective plate is positioned within the frame openings but extends to create a continuous surface, combining protection and aesthetics in a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective plate acts as an intermediary element that allows infrared radiation to pass through while providing a continuous, smooth surface for user interaction. It mediates between the need for detector operation (requiring infrared transmission) and the need for smooth surface interaction (requiring continuous front face).
2Measurement precision
If a frame with openings is used to allow infrared radiation to pass, then the proximity detector can detect hands, but the surface has discontinuities and recesses that are unpleasant to the touch
Solution Approach 1:
The protective plate combines the functions of allowing infrared transmission and providing surface continuity. It is integrated into the frame structure in such a way that it creates a unified, smooth front face while maintaining the necessary infrared transparency for detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective plate has different optical properties in different regions - it is transparent to infrared radiation where the detectors need to operate, while maintaining a continuous, smooth appearance in the visible range for user interaction. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between detection and surface 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
The solution allows for effective hand detection and improved user interaction by ensuring continuous and smooth surface interaction, enhancing detection precision and user experience while maintaining the interface's functionality and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
which is transparent in said infrared radiation range
Implementation Method 2
a protective plate as described above, which is transparent in said infrared radiation range
Implementation Method 3
a transmitter which radiates in an infrared range and which is located on the periphery of said touch screen
Implementation Method 4
a receiver suitable for detecting radiation in said infrared range. The radiation thus emitted is directed towards the outside of the interaction interface. If a user's hand, for example, is facing the detector, close to the latter, it reflects part of the radiation emitted towards the receiver
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an interaction interface comprising: - a touchscreen covered by a protective plate (201) that is at least partially transparent in the visible spectrum and has an inner face (311) facing said touchscreen, and - a proximity sensor comprising at least one emitter (203) radiating in the infrared spectrum and at least one receiver adapted to detect radiation in said infrared spectrum. According to the invention, said protective plate: - is transparent in said infrared spectrum, - covers each emitter and each receiver, and - has on its inner face at least one area, located opposite each emitter and each receiver, covered with a coating (302) that is more transparent in said infrared spectrum than in the visible spectrum.