Optically Scanned Control Panel for Flexible Glove-Friendly Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control panels in music and other industries face inefficiencies due to fixed hardware configurations, which limit flexibility and usability, especially when only a few controls are needed from a multitude of devices, and current solutions do not adequately address the need for reliable operation under varying user conditions such as dry fingers or glove use.
Innovation Solution
A control panel with a scanning device that captures an instantaneous image of a surface with contrast markings on controller elements, allowing for digital reading of their states without moving parts, and a processor to generate signals for controlling connected components, enabling flexible and reliable operation regardless of user conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed hardware control panels are used, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the flexibility and adaptability are limited when only a few controls are needed from a multitude of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical imaging to create a digital copy of the controller element states. The scanning device captures images of the front panel, and the processor derives control signals from these images, replacing direct electrical contacts with an optical copying mechanism that enables flexible reconfiguration without hardware changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and electrical contact-based control systems with an optical scanning system. Instead of physical switches or encoded electrical connections, the system uses image capture and processing to detect controller states, eliminating mechanical wear and enabling greater adaptability
2Reliability
If optical scanning is used to detect controller states, then the reliability is improved for operation with dry fingers or gloves, but the device complexity increases due to scanning device and image processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing front panel structure and controller element markings to create self-identifying visual patterns. The contrast markings on controller elements automatically provide the scanning device with detectable features, eliminating the need for separate sensors or complex identification mechanisms on each controller
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning device and processor serve multiple functions: they capture images, detect controller states, identify controller types through barcode scanning, and generate appropriate control signals. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single integrated solution
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 provides efficient, flexible, and reliable control panels that can operate effectively even with dry fingers or gloves, and can be adapted for various applications by using interchangeable front panels with barcode identification and high-contrast markings for accurate image capture and control signal generation.
Implementation Method 1
a scanning device, the scanning device being configured for obtaining instantaneously an image of a surface of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A control panel for controlling a device comprises a scanning device being a plane surface scanner configured for scanning instantaneously an image of a surface of interest. It also comprises a front panel with a front side surface facing the user and a back side surface facing the scanning device and thus being scanable and at least one controller element mounted in the front panel and having contrast markings at the back side facing the scanner device with respect to a color of other portions of the back side of the front panel so that a state of the at least one controller is recognizable from an optical image of the back side of the front panel.