Thin Display User Interface With Rotary Knobs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional user interfaces, such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and touch-sensitive screens, are not well adapted for rapid fine-tuning of operational parameters, and often require multiple control devices, which can be cumbersome and space-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A user interface incorporating a thin display device associated with control devices, such as rotary knobs, that displays data about the function being controlled, allowing for reduced number of physical control devices and efficient parameter adjustment, using a thin display device that is lightweight, power-efficient, and flexible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional GUIs with multiple control devices are used, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of control devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single control device that can perform multiple functions through software configuration and display association. The control device can be dynamically assigned to control different parameters and functions, replacing the need for multiple dedicated control devices while maintaining full functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device's function is made dynamic rather than static. The system can reassign the control device to different parameters and functions based on user needs, allowing one physical device to adapt to multiple control roles throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If traditional display devices are used, then information display capability is improved, but weight and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoiddisplay device weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a thin-film display device that provides adequate information display capability while significantly reducing weight compared to traditional display devices. The thin-film construction maintains necessary visual output for parameter display while minimizing mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Loss of information

If traditional display devices are used, then information display capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The thin-film display device inherently consumes less power than traditional thick display devices while maintaining adequate information display capability for the control interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The display device provides sufficient (but not excessive) information display capability for the specific control function, avoiding the power consumption of full-featured traditional displays while maintaining necessary operational information visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8269718B2User interface with thin display device

Publication Date: 2012.09.18 SATURN LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A user interface includes a thin display device and at least one control device. The control device is associated with a portion of the thin display device. A method of implementing a user interface for a device includes displaying data about a function of the device on a thin display device, the data being displayed in association with a control device that controls that function of the device.