Power-Saving Key Indication Structure for Touch Panel Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing touch operation units, such as those used in image forming apparatuses, the power saving key becomes difficult to operate when transitioning from a power saving state to a normal state due to the lack of visibility of the key's figure when the light source is turned off, especially with polycarbonate touch panels, making it hard to distinguish the power saving key from other controls.
Innovation Solution
The operation unit incorporates a dual indication system with a first indication portion of dark color and a second indication portion of metallic color or low light permeability, where the brightness and darkness are reversed depending on illumination, and features a smooth and uneven surface design to enhance visibility and tactile recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-layer indication portion made of polycarbonate with smoked tone is used, then the device structure is simple and cost-effective, but the visibility of the key figure becomes poor when the light source is turned off in power saving state
Solution Approach 1:
The indication portion is divided into a first indication portion (base layer with smoked tone) and a second indication portion (overlay layer with key figure). This segmentation allows each layer to have optimized properties: the first layer provides ambient appearance and the second layer ensures visible key identification in both illuminated and dark states.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication portion uses a composite structure combining polycarbonate material with smoked tone and a separate overlay layer containing the key figure. This composite approach enables the base material to provide structural integrity and ambient appearance while the overlay provides high-contrast visibility for the key figure regardless of lighting conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the light source is turned off to achieve power saving state, then energy consumption is reduced, but the visibility of the power saving key becomes difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The second indication portion with the key figure is pre-designed with high-contrast appearance (metallic color or light-reflective properties) that ensures visibility without requiring active illumination. This preliminary design of the overlay layer allows the key to remain visible in dark state without consuming additional energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The second indication portion uses color properties (metallic color, white, or light-reflective materials) that create high contrast against the dark smoked tone background. This color contrast mechanism ensures the key figure remains visible in both illuminated and dark states, eliminating the need for active lighting in power-saving mode.
3Ease of operation
If a dual-layer indication portion with different brightness is used, then the visibility and operability of the power saving key is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The indication portion is segmented into two functional layers: a first layer providing the base appearance and a second layer providing the key figure. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each layer's properties and simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing separate production and precise alignment of the layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The second indication portion (key figure overlay) is positioned on top of the first indication portion (base layer), creating a nested structure where the overlay contains and protects the key figure information. This nested arrangement simplifies manufacturing by using a straightforward lamination or bonding process rather than complex integrated fabrication.
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 design improves operability by ensuring the power saving key can be easily recognized and operated regardless of the lighting state, preventing erroneous operations and reducing dirt accumulation, thus enhancing user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
an operating portion including the indication portion, wherein a surface of the second indication portion is brighter than brightness of a surface of the first indication portion
Implementation Method 2
a first indication portion having light permeability and a second indication portion laminated on the first indication portion
Data Source
AI summary
An operation unit comprises a touch panel display, a home key and a power saving key. The power saving key includes an indication portion, and a first indication portion out of the indication portion has light permeability, and a color of its surface is a dark color, and a second indication portion has no light permeability or has it hardly, which is constituted by a double-layered print. In a surface side of this second indication portion, a figure indicative of a power saving key is printed in silver ink, and in a rear side thereof, a figure indicative of the power saving key is printed in black ink. In a normal state, when a backlight is lit, a surface of the first indication portion is bright, and a surface of the second indication portion is darker than the surface of the first indication portion. On the other hand, in a power saving mode, when a light guide plate does not emit light, the surface of the first indication portion is dark, and the surface of the second indication portion is brighter than the surface of the first indication portion. Therefore, presence and location of the power saving key can be notified in a visible manner.