Optical Module with Switchable Substance for Touch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch screen systems are complex and expensive due to the need for a combination of sensors and displays to detect user interaction and provide feedback, lacking a cost-effective solution for user interaction devices that can detect user input and provide feedback without requiring an expensive display.
Innovation Solution
A user interaction device comprising an optical module with an electrically switchable substance and a detector for user input, which uses ambient light to provide visual feedback, integrating detection and feedback mechanisms to eliminate the need for a separate display device, utilizing a scattering layer and reflective layer for efficient light management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch screen display with sensor and display is used to detect user interaction and provide feedback, then user interaction capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor and display functions into a single integrated touch screen display unit. The sensor detects user input while the same display provides visual feedback, eliminating the need for separate detection and feedback devices. This integration directly reduces device complexity while maintaining full user interaction capability.
2Ease of operation
If a touch screen display with sensor and display is used to detect user interaction and provide feedback, then user interaction capability is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensor and display functions into a single integrated unit, reducing the total component count and assembly requirements. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining user interaction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch screen display performs multiple functions: it serves as both the sensor for detecting user input and the display for providing visual feedback. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing both device cost and complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ambient light is used for visual feedback instead of an active display, then energy consumption is reduced, but feedback visibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module uses ambient light from the environment rather than requiring its own light source. The sensor detects user input and the display reflects or modulates ambient light to provide visual feedback, allowing the system to serve itself by utilizing freely available environmental light resources.
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 reduces complexity and cost by integrating detection and feedback, enabling effective user interaction without a separate display, using minimal energy and ambient light for visual state changes, thus creating a cost-effective and efficient user interaction interface.
Implementation Method 1
an optical module having a layer of a substance being electrically switchable between a first visual state and a second visual state
Implementation Method 2
The substance may change its visual state from a transparent state to a scattering state or vice versa
Implementation Method 3
a reflective layer, e.g. in between the display screen and the scattering layer, to improve the reflection of the ambient light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a user interaction device (200, 300) comprising an optical module (210, 310) having a layer (5) of a substance being electrically switchable between a first visual state and a second visual state, and an electrical switch (6a, 6b) for electrically switching the substance between the first and second visual states, a detector (6a, 11b) for detecting the presence of a physical object, and a control unit (290, 390) for controlling the electrical switch in response to the detection of presence of the physical object.