Optical Detector Protrusion for Intuitive User Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
User interfaces, particularly for devices like image forming apparatuses, face challenges in providing intuitive and simplified operations, especially for blind users or those operating while performing another task, as existing input methods lack precision and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical detector with light-emitting and light-receiving portions, and a controller that performs specific actions based on detected user interactions, allowing for intuitive and simplified operation by detecting the position of objects, such as fingers or styluses, and enabling multi-touch and gesture recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hardware key or software key is used for user input, then the user interface can receive operational information, but the operation becomes less intuitive and more complex for blind users or users performing other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hardware keys or software-based input methods with an optical detection system. The optical detector uses light-emitting and light-receiving portions to detect the position of objects (such as fingers or styluses) and determine user actions, eliminating the need for physical buttons or complex software interfaces while providing more intuitive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion serves as a physical intermediary element that users can easily locate and interact with. It provides a tactile reference point that mediates between the user's touch and the optical detection system, making the interface more intuitive for blind users or those performing other tasks.
2Measurement precision
If an optical detector is used to detect object position, then precise detection of user inputs is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex with light-emitting and light-receiving portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light-emitting portions and light-receiving portions into a single integrated optical detector unit. This merging of components achieves precise detection of user inputs while consolidating the structural complexity into one unified device rather than separate distributed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detector serves multiple functions: it detects the position of objects, determines user actions based on detected positions, and works with the protrusion to provide both visual and tactile guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems for different input methods.
3Ease of operation
If a protrusion is added to the display for tactile feedback, then ease of operation for blind users is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion is integrated into the display structure, with the optical detector positioned within or behind the display surface. This nesting approach allows the protrusion to provide tactile feedback while the optical detection components remain concealed, minimizing the apparent structural complexity.
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
Enhances user interface operability by allowing precise detection of user inputs and actions, reducing the likelihood of errors, especially in dynamic or blind user scenarios, through the use of an optical detector and controller system.
Implementation Method 1
reflected light that occurs when light emitted from one or more of the light-emitting portions is reflected by the object of interest to be detected
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device includes an optical detector and a controller. The optical detector includes a protrusion including light-emitting portions and light-receiving portions, and detects a position of an object of interest to be detected by receiving, with use of one or more of the light-receiving portions, reflected light that occurs when light emitted from one or more of the light-emitting portions is reflected by the object of interest to be detected. The controller performs predetermined control on the detection device in accordance with a detection result of detecting, by the optical detector, an action when a user contacts the protrusion of the optical detector.