Tactile Icon Display Input for Reduced Light Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices with protruded parts for visually-impaired users suffer from irregular light reflection, making displayed images difficult to see.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a display part featuring protruded parts at icon boundaries and centers, adjusted by a control part to minimize light reflection and image distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a protruded part is added to the display surface for visually-impaired users, then accessibility for visually-impaired persons is improved, but image visibility deteriorates due to irregular light reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only specific portions of the display surface protrude (boundary positions and center positions of icons) rather than the entire surface, and by applying anti-reflective treatment only to these protruded portions. This localized approach provides tactile guidance for visually-impaired users while minimizing interference with overall image visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of irregular light reflection from protruded parts into a beneficial solution by applying anti-reflective treatments specifically to these protruded portions. This transforms the problematic light reflection into an opportunity to enhance both accessibility and image visibility simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If a protruded part is added to indicate button positions, then ease of operation for visually-impaired persons is improved, but the displayed image becomes difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning protruded parts only at specific locations (boundaries and centers of icons) rather than covering the entire display surface. This localized protrusion provides tactile feedback for button position identification while preserving image clarity in non-protruded areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces anti-reflective treatments as an intermediary substance on the protruded parts to mediate between the tactile function and optical function. This intermediary layer maintains the tactile guidance function while reducing light reflection interference with displayed image clarity.
3Illumination intensity
If the display surface is made flat for clear image display, then image visibility is improved, but accessibility for visually-impaired users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining a predominantly flat display surface for optimal image visibility while introducing localized protrusions only at critical positions (icon boundaries and centers). This selective approach preserves overall image clarity while providing necessary tactile guidance for visually-impaired users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the display surface into different functional zones: flat areas for optimal image display and localized protruded areas for tactile guidance. This segmentation allows each zone to fulfill its primary function without compromising the other.
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
Enhances display clarity for visually-impaired users by reducing irregular reflection and maintaining image visibility, ensuring a user-friendly experience.
Implementation Method 1
the projection causes irregular reflection of light and an image displayed at the projection becomes difficult to be seen
Data Source
AI summary
An input device for acquiring input information related to a medium includes a display part which is capable of displaying images including icons for inputting the input information, an input part which acquires a position of an icon of the display part as the input information when the position of the icon is instructed, and a control part which acquires the input information from the input part and controls the display part. The display part is formed with a protruded part in a portion indicating a boundary position and/or a center position of an icon, and the control part adjusts appearance of a portion corresponding to the protruded part of the image.