Reflection Light Barrier Approach Detection for Vehicle Touchscreens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operator control apparatuses for vehicles require multiple distance-measuring sensors to reliably detect an approach to touchscreens, which can be cumbersome and require calibration due to environmental influences, making them less robust.
Innovation Solution
An operator control apparatus using a reflection light barrier with a spatially limited detection region and a receiver element to detect the intensity of scattered or reflected electromagnetic radiation, allowing for precise approach detection without the need for multiple sensors, and incorporating additional lighting means and modulation to differentiate between different operator control elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple distance-measuring sensors are used to reliably detect approach to touchscreen, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and calibration becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (light emission, reflection detection, and approach measurement) into a single integrated sensor unit. The light barrier sensor both emits detection light and receives reflected light from the touchscreen, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrays and reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit serves multiple functions: it emits light for active light barrier operation, detects reflected light for approach measurement, and provides ambient light compensation. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple distance-measuring sensors are arranged in sensor arrangement, then reliability of approach detection is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit performs self-calibration by using its own emitted light as the reference. The active light barrier continuously provides a stable light reference that automatically compensates for environmental changes, eliminating the need for external calibration procedures and manual adjustments during manufacturing and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by comparing the intensity of reflected light from the touchscreen against the stable reference provided by the active light barrier. This real-time feedback mechanism automatically compensates for environmental variations, ensuring reliable operation without requiring external calibration.
3Area of stationary object
If display surface is used for both information output and operator control elements, then area utilization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to potential input errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user approach before the user actually contacts the display surface. When the approach detection unit senses that a user is nearing the touchscreen, it activates visual indicators showing which operator control elements will be activated, allowing the user to verify their intended input before contact occurs, thereby preventing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The approach detection system acts as an intermediary between the user and the touchscreen interface. It provides an intermediate verification step through visual feedback that mediates the direct contact interaction, allowing users to confirm their intended selection before actual contact is made, thus improving input accuracy without reducing display area.
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 provides a robust and reliable approach detection system that minimizes interference from environmental factors and allows for precise differentiation between touchscreen interactions and other operator control elements, enhancing user input capture and graphic representation adaptation.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver element for detecting a portion of the detection radiation which is scattered or reflected at the activation element of the user
Implementation Method 2
a receiver element for detecting a portion of the detection radiation which is scattered or reflected at the activation element of the user
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an operator control apparatus and to a method for operating an operator control apparatus which comprises at least one operator control element for capturing user inputs and an approach recognition device which is designed to sense an approach by an actuating element, in particular a body part, of a user to the operator control element before the at least one operator control element is touched, wherein the approach recognition device comprises a reflection light barrier, which has at least one lamp (22a-22d) for emitting electromagnetic detection radiation (35) in front of the at least one operator control element into a physically limited detection area (4) which does not cover an entire volume in front of the at least one operator control element, and a reception element (28) for detecting a detection radiation (35) component which is scattered and/or reflected at the actuating element of the user during an approach to the at least one operator control element, wherein the approach recognition device is designed to recognize an approach from intensity of the received detection radiation.