Non-Contact Operation Unit for Hygienic Input Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid spread of viruses and infectious diseases through contact with contaminated surfaces necessitates the development of non-contact operation systems for electric devices, such as multifunction peripherals, to enhance user safety.
Innovation Solution
An operation unit with a non-contact touch panel that detects the position of an object perpendicular to the screen, allowing for non-contact inputs while issuing warnings if the object moves closer to the screen, preventing direct contact and potential contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a contact-type touch panel is used for receiving user operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of virus transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based touch panel operation with a non-contact operation system. The operation unit detects the position of a user's finger or hand in the air space above the touch panel and translates these movements into corresponding touch operations, eliminating the need for physical contact with the panel surface while maintaining operational functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism between the user and the touch panel. The operation unit acts as a mediator that captures hand/finger position information from a distance and converts it into operational commands, serving as a buffer that prevents direct contact between the user and potentially contaminated surfaces
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-contact operation system is implemented, then the virus transmission risk is reduced, but the measurement precision of input position may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the detection space from the traditional two-dimensional touch panel surface to a three-dimensional space above the panel. By detecting hand/finger positions in the air space and mapping them to corresponding positions on the touch panel, the system maintains measurement precision while operating in an additional dimensional space that prevents contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based position detection with a non-contact detection system that uses electromagnetic fields or optical sensors to detect hand/finger positions in the air, substituting the mechanical sensing approach with a field-based detection method that maintains precision without contact
3Reliability
If the operation unit issues a warning when the object is close to the screen, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the operation unit continuously monitors the distance between the user's hand/finger and the touch panel, and provides real-time feedback through warnings when the object approaches within a predetermined safe distance. This feedback loop enhances safety by alerting users to maintain appropriate spacing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by detecting the approach of an object toward the touch panel before actual contact occurs. The system proactively issues warnings when the object enters a predetermined safety zone, preventing potential contamination before it can happen rather than reacting after contact
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 enables safe and efficient non-contact operation of devices, reducing the risk of virus transmission by allowing users to interact with screens without physical contact, while maintaining functionality and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
capacitance-type touch panel that has detection areas
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an operation unit configured to detect a position of an object being present perpendicular to a screen and receive, in a case where the position of the object being present perpendicular to the screen satisfies a first condition, a non-contact input based on the position of the object, wherein, in a case where the position of the object being present perpendicular to the screen satisfies a second condition of being present closer to the screen than a position specified in the first condition, the operation unit issues a warning without prohibiting an input based on the position of the object.