Retroreflective Floating Image Input with Differentiated Sound Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input display devices using retroreflection lack tactile feedback and interactivity during input operations on floating images, as they rely solely on sound and image changes without physical substance.

Innovation Solution

The input display device utilizes circuitry to detect an operating object's proximity and movement away from a floating image, outputting distinct sound signals for each event, with optional sound combinations and silent durations to enhance tactile feedback and interactivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sound and image changes are used for input operation feedback, then the device can provide non-contact operation capability, but tactile feedback and interactivity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-contact operation capabilityVSAvoidtactile feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces multiple feedback mechanisms including sound output (speaker), image change (display unit), and vibration (vibration generator) to compensate for the lack of tactile feedback in non-contact operations. The vibration generator specifically provides tactile feedback that simulates physical button press sensations, while sound and image changes provide additional confirmation channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a vibration generator as an intermediary device that converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations, providing tactile feedback that bridges the gap between non-contact operation and physical sensation. The vibration acts as a mediator to convey operational confirmation to the user's tactile sense.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If multiple feedback mechanisms are added to improve interactivity, then tactile feedback is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple feedback functions (sound output, image display, vibration generation) into a unified input display device structure. These components work together to provide comprehensive feedback for non-contact operations, with each component serving multiple purposes in different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines sound output, image change, and vibration generation into a coordinated feedback system that operates together during input operations. The controller synchronizes these different feedback mechanisms to provide a unified tactile and sensory experience, reducing the need for separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The device provides high tactile feedback and enhanced interactivity through differentiated sound outputs, improving the user's confirmation feeling and cross-modal experience during non-contact operations on floating images.

Implementation Method 1

an optical system such as a light source and a retroreflecting member in a housing 120 having a beam splitter on its surface, and displays the floating image Q above the housing 120

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRetroreflection: Retroreflector

Implementation Method 2

a sensor 130 for detecting proximity of a user's finger to the floating image Q

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4589414A1Input display device
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP4589414A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4589414A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4589414A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An input display device for is provided displaying a floating image by utilizing retroreflection, and includes circuitry configured to detect a first event in which an operating object comes in proximity to the floating image, detect a second event in which the operating object moves away from the floating image, output a first sound signal in response to detection of the first event, and output a second sound signal in response to detection of the second event.