Relay-Based Keypad Input Emulation for Contactless Retrofitting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for retrofitting electronic devices, such as vending machines, with new payment systems are costly and time-consuming, and involve physical interaction with keypads, which can lead to user errors and increased risk of disease transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first controller with contactors, electrical relays, and a second controller that emulates keypress inputs by controlling the relays to provide input to the first controller, allowing for remote operation of electronic devices without physical user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional retrofit methods are used to add contactless payment to vending machines, then payment functionality is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a relay system that copies the electrical signaling behavior of physical keypad presses. The relay controller receives commands and generates authentic keypad scan signals that mimic user presses, allowing contactless payment functionality to be added without physical keypad modification. This copying approach enables retrofitting at lower cost and with less installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical keypad pressing action with an electrical signaling system. Instead of requiring physical button presses, the system uses a relay controller to generate electrical signals that replicate keypad scan patterns. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical modification while adding contactless payment capability, reducing both installation cost and time.
2Ease of operation
If physical keypads are used for user input, then device operation is achieved, but user error probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay system copies authentic keypad scan signals to reproduce the electrical behavior of physical key presses. By generating these signals through a controlled relay system, the patent enables more reliable input transmission compared to manual pressing, as the relay can precisely replicate the intended key press patterns without human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay controller acts as an intermediary between the control system and the keypad interface. It receives commands and translates them into authentic keypad scan signals, serving as a mediator that ensures accurate input transmission. This intermediary layer reduces user error by providing a controlled signal generation process rather than relying on manual pressing accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If physical keypads are used for user input, then device operation is achieved, but disease transmission risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical keypad pressing interface with an electrical relay signaling system. By eliminating the need for physical contact with the keypad, the system removes the transmission pathway for diseases while maintaining device operation capability. The relay controller generates the necessary signals without requiring user touch.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay system serves as an intermediary that decouples the user from direct physical contact with the keypad. Users can provide input through alternative means (such as contactless payment interfaces) while the relay controller translates these inputs into the appropriate electrical signals for device operation, thereby eliminating disease transmission risk.
4Extent of automation
If relay controllers are used to emulate keypress inputs, then contactless operation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it can emulate various keypad scan patterns, work with different keypad configurations, and support multiple input methods. This multi-functionality allows a single relay controller unit to handle diverse operational requirements, reducing the need for additional specialized components and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay controller copies existing keypad scan signal patterns rather than requiring entirely new control mechanisms. By replicating the electrical behavior of standard keypads, the system can integrate with existing device architectures with minimal modification, thus reducing the complexity increase associated with adding contactless operation capability.
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
Enables efficient and error-free operation of electronic devices by eliminating the need for physical keypad interaction, reducing the risk of disease transmission and simplifying the retrofitting process.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrical relays that are connected to the plurality of contactors... the plurality of electrical relays connected between the first controller and the second controller... the second controller controls the plurality of electrical relays to provide input to the first controller
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first controller including a plurality of contactors, each of the plurality of contactors configured to be selectively connected to a connector of a user interface, a plurality of electrical relays that are connected to the plurality of contactors, a second controller that is connected to the plurality of electrical relays, the plurality of electrical relays connected between the first controller and the second controller, and a user device or a network component that transfers control data to the second controller. The second controller controls the plurality of electrical relays to provide input to the first controller via the plurality of contactors based on the control data.