Optoelectric Function Sharing for Touch Sensing and Remote Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectric touch switch arrangements require dedicated components for indication, remote control reception, and touch sensing, occupying additional space and limiting design flexibility and cost efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Combining an indicator element and a receiver element to alternately provide indication, remote control reception, and touch sensing functions using a single set of optoelectric elements, where the indicator element emits a radiation pattern that triggers state changes when reflected by an object, optimizing component usage and reducing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated components are used for indication, remote control reception, and touch sensing, then each function can be performed reliably, but the number of components increases and space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single optoelectric element to perform three distinct functions: indication (emitting visible light), remote control reception (receiving infrared signals), and touch sensing (detecting reflected light patterns). The element is configured with both a visible light emitter and an infrared receiver, allowing it to serve multiple purposes within the device, thereby reducing the total component count while maintaining reliable function performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate components (indicator element, remote control receiver, and touch sensor) into a single integrated optoelectric element. This combination consolidates the functional capabilities of multiple dedicated components into one unit, reducing device complexity and space occupation while preserving the reliability of each individual function through proper design and signal differentiation.
2Reliability
If dedicated components are used for indication, remote control reception, and touch sensing, then each function can be performed reliably, but the space occupied on the device surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single optoelectric element to perform three distinct functions: indication (emitting visible light), remote control reception (receiving infrared signals), and touch sensing (detecting reflected light patterns). The element is configured with both a visible light emitter and an infrared receiver, allowing it to serve multiple purposes within the device, thereby reducing the total component count while maintaining reliable function performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate components (indicator element, remote control receiver, and touch sensor) into a single integrated optoelectric element. This combination consolidates the functional capabilities of multiple dedicated components into one unit, reducing device complexity and space occupation while preserving the reliability of each individual function through proper design and signal differentiation.
3Reliability
If multiple dedicated components are used, then functional reliability is maintained, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single optoelectric element to perform three distinct functions: indication (emitting visible light), remote control reception (receiving infrared signals), and touch sensing (detecting reflected light patterns). The element is configured with both a visible light emitter and an infrared receiver, allowing it to serve multiple purposes within the device, thereby reducing the total component count while maintaining reliable function performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate components (indicator element, remote control receiver, and touch sensor) into a single integrated optoelectric element. This combination consolidates the functional capabilities of multiple dedicated components into one unit, reducing device complexity and space occupation while preserving the reliability of each individual function through proper design and signal differentiation.
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
This solution reduces the number of components needed, enhances design flexibility, and lowers production costs by integrating multiple functions into a single optoelectric arrangement, while maintaining effective operation under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the indicator element emitting, during a first period of time, an electromagnetic radiation pattern that, when received during the first period of time by the receiver element through reflection by an object, triggers a state change
Implementation Method 2
a receiver element capable of receiving invisible electromagnetic radiation from a remote control device
Data Source
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AI summary
The current invention relates to the reuse of elements in an device to provide multiple functions of function indication, remote control command reception and touch sensor. The device comprises an indicator element (21) providing a first function of indicating to a user the operating state of the said device, a receiver element (20) providing a second function of reception of remote control commands (200) from a remote control device (22), means (32, 35, 36, 37) for combining the indicator element and the receiver element to provide a third function of touch sensor. The indicator element provides the first function (720) during a subsequent second period of time and the receiver element providing the second function during the second period of time (721), the first and the second period of time being continuously alternated.