Oven Control Panel With Touch Slider for Faster Menu Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern ovens with multiple integrated functions present a complex user interface that confuses inexperienced users, making it difficult to utilize their technological potential due to overwhelming input options and time-consuming parameter input processes.
Innovation Solution
A user interface featuring a touch slider and rotary encoder for intuitive data input, where the touch slider is arranged parallel to an edge of the display, allowing finger movement for cursor navigation, and the rotary encoder for perpendicular axis rotation, reducing mechanical keys and enhancing user interaction with a sensor-sensitive area for sliding actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions and input options are integrated into the oven, then the technological potential and cooking capabilities are improved, but the user interface complexity increases making it confusing and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented into distinct functional zones: a display element showing information, slider elements for navigation in different directions, rotary encoders for parameter adjustment, and selection buttons for confirmation. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific, simple function while collectively providing comprehensive cooking control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate control elements (sliders and rotary encoders) that mediate between the user and the complex oven functions. These intermediaries provide intuitive physical interactions (sliding, rotating) that translate to digital navigation and parameter setting, making the complex system easier to operate.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical switches and operation elements are used in the user interface, then the input functionality is achieved, but mechanical wear occurs reducing reliability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches and buttons with touch-sensitive slider elements and rotary encoders that use electromagnetic or capacitive sensing mechanisms. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and wear, improving reliability while maintaining intuitive operation. The sliders detect finger position and movement without physical contact, and the rotary encoder uses magnetic or capacitive sensing instead of mechanical switches.
3Ease of operation
If a simple user interface with fewer input options is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the technological potential and cooking functions cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The slider elements and rotary encoders serve multiple functions: they navigate through menus, select parameters, adjust values, and confirm selections. This multi-functionality allows a simple-looking interface to control complex cooking functions including temperature regulation, time setting, cooking mode selection, and ingredient management, thereby utilizing the oven's full technological potential while maintaining ease of operation.
4Loss of information
If traditional button and switch interfaces are used, then data input capability is achieved, but the input process becomes time-consuming and annoying
Solution Approach 1:
The slider elements provide dynamic control where the user can quickly scan through options by sliding and precisely select by stopping at the desired position. The rotary encoder allows rapid value adjustment by rotating, and the system dynamically responds to user input speed and precision needs. This dynamic interaction is much faster than sequentially pressing buttons or switches, significantly reducing data input time while maintaining full data input capability.
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
The invention relates to an oven, especially to a domestic oven, which has a control panel comprising a user interface (1) for inputting data (D) into the control panel, wherein the user interface (1) comprises: at least one display element (2) for displaying data, wherein data (D) can be displayed on the display element (2) at a location (Z) on the display element (2) at a predetermined first axial position (x) and a predetermined second axial position (y), wherein the direction of the first (x) and of the second (y) axial positions are perpendicular to another, selecting means (3, 4) for selecting the location (Z) on the display element (2) by selecting or pretending a definite first (x) and second (y) position for a cursor (5), wherein at least one of the selecting means (3, 4) are established as a slider element extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and having a surface (6) sensitive for touching with a finger (7) of the user, wherein a control unit is arranged to position the cursor (5) in a position or direction (x, y) on the display element (2) in dependence on the location or movement of the finger (7) on the slider element (3, 4) in the longitudinal direction (L). By this an improved interaction between the user and the oven becomes possible. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for selecting and inputting an information into the control panel of the oven.