Input Device Dual Light Source Mode Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing display device fails to clearly indicate the selected function when a user presses a switch, leading to difficulty in determining the intended image switch and potential false operations, especially in vehicle input devices where operations are performed while driving.

Innovation Solution

An input device with a first and second light source that emit distinct designs on a display region, controlled by a switch and circuit to output signals, indicating the current and intended operation modes, reducing false operations by clearly displaying the operation mode and allowing users to perform intended inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a display device switches between lighting-up a first light source and a second light source to display different graphics, then the device can indicate different functions, but the user cannot clearly determine the selected function and intended image switch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction indication capabilityVSAvoidclarity of selected function information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by displaying a graphic indicating the image to be switched to before the actual switch occurs. When a switch is pressed, the display shows a preview graphic representing the next operation mode, allowing the user to confirm the intended function change before it happens. This prevents false operations by ensuring the user knows what function will be activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a display device uses light sources to indicate different functions, then the device can provide visual feedback, but the user may still perform false operations due to unclear indication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual feedback provisionVSAvoidoperation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously displaying graphics that reflect the current operation mode and the next intended mode. The display provides real-time visual feedback showing which function is currently active and which function will be activated upon pressing the switch. This clear feedback mechanism prevents false operations by ensuring the user can verify the intended function change before executing it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 input device effectively reduces user errors by clearly indicating the operation mode through distinct light designs, ensuring accurate user inputs and intended device operations.

Implementation Method 1

a first light source which emits light to cause a first design to be displayed on a display region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a second light source which emits light to cause a second design different from the first design to be displayed on the display region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10725557B2Input device
Publication Date: 2020.07.28 PANASONIC AUTOMOTIVE SYST CO LTD
  • US10725557B2 patent drawing
  • US10725557B2 patent drawing
  • US10725557B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An input device is provided which includes: a first light source which emits light to cause a first design to be displayed on a display region: a second light source which emits light to cause a second design different from the first design to be displayed on the display region; a switch which receives an input from a user; and a control circuit which, according to the input received by the switch, (i) controls displaying of a design on the display region, by controlling a lighting state of the first light source and a lighting state of the second light source, and (ii) outputs a control signal corresponding to the input received by the switch, to an external device.