Masked Touch Interface for Invisible Vending Machine Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic control device interfaces for refrigeration equipment, such as vending machines, are costly to customize and have a visible inactive state, detracting from their appearance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer interface design with a covering assembly and tactile assembly, featuring a masking layer that becomes visible only under illumination, allowing for customizable and aesthetically integrated control symbols without visible inactive sectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional 7-segment displays with backlit control symbols are used, then the interface is visible and functional during operation, but the interface remains visible when inactive, deteriorating the appearance of the control device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control symbols from the background by using a masking layer that removes the background color from specific areas, allowing only the control symbols to be visible when illuminated. This separation enables the interface to be invisible when inactive while remaining fully visible when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color changes through a masking layer with a first color (e.g., blue) that masks the background, and control symbols in a second color (e.g., yellow) that are visible against the masked background when illuminated. The contrasting colors enhance visibility during operation while the masking layer prevents the background from being visible when inactive.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customised control symbols and coloured displays are requested, then the interface can be tailored to specific requirements, but the production cost increases due to needing multiple 7-segment displays and customised screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface structure where a single 7-segment display unit can be customized through different masking layer designs, control symbol configurations, and color combinations. This multi-functional approach allows one base design to serve multiple customization needs without requiring separate hardware for each variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-configuring the masking layer with control symbol shapes and positions during manufacturing. This allows customisation to be achieved through pre-prepared masking templates rather than requiring complex post-manufacturing customization processes, reducing both cost and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the interface components are made visible for functionality, then the control symbols are accessible, but the inactive sectors of the display remain visible, detracting from the overall appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a masking layer as an intermediary element between the 7-segment display and the visible interface. This masking layer selectively blocks background visibility while allowing control symbols to be visible when illuminated, acting as a mediator that reconciles the need for symbol accessibility with the desire for aesthetic appearance when inactive.
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
Simplifies production, reduces costs, and enhances the appearance of the control device by making the interface invisible when inactive, improving integration with the vending machine or display unit.
Implementation Method 1
a masking layer (16) which directly or indirectly covers a second face of the protective layer (15), said masking layer (16) having a permeability to light such that said signs B are not visible through said masking layer (16) when said front face (11) is illuminated by a light radiation resulting in a luminance not exceeding 4000 lx and said interface (10) is not illuminated through said rear face (12)
Implementation Method 2
The rear face (12) of the interface (10) can be attached to a lighting device, not illustrated, so that when the latter emits a light radiation it passes through the interface (10) from rear face (12) to front face (11)
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an interface (10) for a control device having a front face (11) and a rear face (12) and comprising a plurality of layers grouped in a covering assembly (13) and a tactile assembly (14) extending between the front face (11) and the rear face (12); The covering assembly (13) comprises, in sequence: —a protective layer (15) having the front face (11); —a masking layer (16) which directly or indirectly covers a second face of the protective layer (15). The said tactile assembly (14) comprises—an operative layer (17) with sensitive pads (19) reactive to touch and permeable to light, transparent or perforated; —a matrix layer (21), opaque and equipped with shaped portions (23) which are either permeable to light or transparent or perforated and aligned with the sensitive pads (19). The sensitive pads (19) and/or the shaped portions (23) are configured to form signs (B) designed to generate luminous symbols visible after backlighting of the interface (10). The masking layer (16) has a permeability to light such that the signs (B) are not visible through said masking layer (16) when said front face (11) is illuminated by a light radiation resulting in a luminance not exceeding 4000 lx and the interface (10) is not backlit.