Input/output device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input/output devices require a wide space for installation due to the separation of the display unit and input unit, limiting design flexibility and space efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An input/output device with an input unit located above the display surface, featuring a rotatable body with a through-hole for visibility and a signal generation unit that generates control signals based on rotation or pressure, allowing for compact integration and enhanced visibility of control commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the display unit and input unit are separated in the width direction or height direction, then the input unit can be positioned away from the display surface, but the installation space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput unit positioningVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The input unit is merged with the display surface by positioning the input element directly above the display area. The input element includes a through-hole that allows the display to be visible through it, combining the display function and input function in the same spatial location rather than separating them horizontally or vertically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of arranging the input unit and display unit side-by-side (width direction) or one above the other (height direction), the invention moves the input unit to a different dimensional relationship - directly above the display surface in the vertical direction, with the display visible through the input element's through-hole, creating a layered three-dimensional arrangement that saves horizontal space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the input unit is located above the display surface, then the installation space is minimized, but the visibility of control commands through the input unit must be enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidvisibility of control commands
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

A window is provided in the body through-hole to enlarge the characters or symbols displayed on the projection surface. The window acts as an optical element that enhances the visibility of the display content viewed through the through-hole, compensating for the reduced direct visibility caused by the input element's position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3056973B1Input/output device
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3056973B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3056973B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3056973B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Disclosed is an input/output device including an output unit having a display surface, on which characters or symbols are displayed, a body rotatably provided above the display surface, a body through-hole formed in the body to allow the display surface to be visible from an outside of the body, a signal generation unit configured to generate a control signal according to whether the body is rotated, and a controller configured to control the output unit based on the control signal input from the signal generation unit.