Outdoor Terminal Device Flat Panel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing outdoor terminal devices for gas stations have a two-dimensional barcode reading port that protrudes forward, causing users to accidentally bump into it when inserting bills or cards, leading to potential drops.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a door with a touch panel display where the operation surface and function securement areas are on the same plane, eliminating projections between the touch panel and other functional areas, allowing users to move their hands unobstructed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the two-dimensional barcode reading port is provided to jut out forward from the door surface, then the functional area for barcode scanning is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users accidentally bump into the protruding portion when moving their hands to insert bills or cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the two-dimensional barcode reading port from a protruding position (extending in the depth direction) to a recessed position (set back from the door surface). This dimensional repositioning eliminates the harmful protrusion while preserving the reading function through the recessed opening, allowing users to move their hands freely without bumping into obstacles.
2Ease of operation
If the operation surface of the touch panel display and the front surface of the panel are on the same plane, then the ease of operation is improved by eliminating obstructions, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning and integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the touch panel display, panel, and door into a unified flat structure where all surfaces are aligned on the same plane. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms for protruding components, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired flat, obstruction-free surface for ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor terminal device is provided such that after performing an operation on a display with a touch panel, a user can perform an action associated with the operation by moving a hand without being hindered. The outdoor terminal device is equipped with a door having a display with a touch panel on a front surface of a case, and multiple internal units are housed inside the case. The door has panels in predetermined areas. The predetermined areas refer to areas excluding the display area and a function-securing area. An operation surface of the display with a touch panel and front surfaces of the panels are disposed on the same plane in a depth direction. No protruding object is present in a front surface area of the panels located between the operation surface of the display with a touch panel and the function-securing area disposed on an end part of the panels.