Self-service machine display switching between transparent and opaque modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-service machines, such as ATMs, face challenges due to limited camera view caused by the display, leading to potential incorrect scanning of documents and reduced user-friendliness, especially when documents are not optimally positioned.
Innovation Solution
The self-service machine employs a display with two operating modes: a transparent mode for the optical sensor to scan documents and a non-transparent mode for the imaging unit to project images, with the display being opaque in projection mode to assist user placement and reducing extraneous light in scan mode for improved scanning quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the camera is mounted behind the display to save space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the camera's view of the scanning area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display dynamically switches between transparent and opaque states based on operational mode. During scanning operations, the display becomes transparent to allow the camera unobstructed access to the scanning area. During projection operations, the display becomes opaque to serve as a projection surface. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by adapting the display's optical properties to the current operational requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameter of the display (transparency) is changed based on operational needs. The display can transition between transparent and opaque states, allowing the camera to have clear access to the scanning area when needed while maintaining space-efficient mounting behind the display.
2Measurement precision
If the display is made opaque to serve as a projection surface, then the imaging quality is improved, but the optical sensor cannot receive signals through the display
Solution Approach 1:
The display's optical state is dynamically adjusted based on the operational mode. When projection is required, the display switches to opaque state to provide a suitable projection surface with good imaging quality. When scanning is required, the display switches to transparent state to allow the optical sensor to receive signals through it. This temporal separation of functions resolves the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The display alternates between transparent and opaque states in periodic cycles corresponding to different operational phases. The display transitions to opaque state during projection phases and to transparent state during scanning phases, ensuring both functions can operate effectively at different times.
3Reliability
If the display is made transparent for scanning, then the optical sensor can receive signals, but extraneous light interferes with scan quality
Solution Approach 1:
The display implements local quality differentiation by making only the necessary portions transparent during scanning operations. The display can be selectively transparent in specific regions where scanning is needed while maintaining opacity in other regions, thereby reducing extraneous light interference while still allowing the optical sensor to receive signals through the transparent areas.
4Area of stationary object
If the camera is positioned to achieve a wide view, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display serves multiple functions: it acts as a projection surface during projection operations and as a transparent window during scanning operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for complex camera mounting structures to achieve wide viewing angles, as the display itself provides the necessary optical access when transparent.
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 enhances user-friendliness and scanning accuracy by allowing users to see the scan field and reduces light interference, improving the overall operation and customer acceptance of self-service machines.
Implementation Method 1
The display has two operating modes, including a transparent mode, which is suitable for the optical sensor receiving the optical sensor signal, and a non-transparent mode, which is suitable for the imaging unit projecting the image onto the display
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-service vending machine (1) is proposed, comprising a display (3) for outputting information to a user and for user input, an optical sensor (4) for receiving an optical sensor signal from an object (O), and an imaging unit (5) for projecting an image onto the display (3). The display (3) has two operating modes: a transparent mode, suitable for receiving the optical sensor signal by the optical sensor (4), and an opaque mode, suitable for projecting the image onto the display (3) by the imaging unit (5).