Touch Screen Segmented Sensor Design for Simplified Appliance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Domestic appliances with touch screens face operational challenges due to complex hierarchies of programs and settings, leading to user confusion and inefficient operation, especially when dealing with numerous parameters and options.
Innovation Solution
A domestic appliance with a touch screen featuring an elongate, flat sensor element with distinct segments for setting control variables, where the first segment represents the lowest value (OFF function) and subsequent segments represent higher values, accompanied by display elements showing the lowest, highest, and currently set values, with enhanced visual and haptic feedback for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touch screen with many operating elements and settings is provided to enable comprehensive control of domestic appliance functions, then the versatility and control capability are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the complex hierarchy of programs and settings overwhelming the user
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen display is segmented into multiple display fields (first display field, second display field, third display field) that can be selectively activated. The operating elements are grouped into different functional areas, allowing users to access comprehensive control capabilities while only viewing and interacting with relevant segments at any given time, thus preventing information overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The display fields are dynamically activated or deactivated based on the operational state of the domestic appliance and user interactions. The control system transitions between different display configurations, showing only the relevant control variables and operating elements needed for the current operation phase, thereby maintaining simplicity while providing comprehensive control when needed.
2Loss of information
If all control variables and settings are displayed simultaneously on the touch screen, then the information completeness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to user inability to maintain overview in complex hierarchies
Solution Approach 1:
Different display fields provide different types of information tailored to specific operational contexts. The first display field shows primary control variables, while secondary and tertiary fields provide additional details or alternative control options. This local differentiation allows complete information availability while maintaining clear visual hierarchy and user orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different display configurations based on operational state. When a particular function or program is active, the corresponding display field is activated to show relevant control variables, while other fields remain deactivated. This dynamic adaptation ensures users always see the most relevant information without being overwhelmed by unrelated options.
3Ease of operation
If multiple display fields are provided to organize control variables, then the ease of operation is improved through better organization, but the device complexity increases due to multiple display fields and activation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple display fields share a common control structure and activation mechanism. The same touch-sensitive operating elements can control variables across different display fields, and the activation/deactivation logic follows a unified pattern. This universal approach allows the system to provide organized, multi-field displays without proportionally increasing operational complexity, as users interact with all fields using consistent methods.
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 configuration simplifies the operation of domestic appliances by reducing complexity, providing clear guidance on available settings, preventing adverse inputs, and enabling more intuitive and efficient control of treatment programs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one capacitive sensor electrode is arranged as a part of a touch capacitor which is arranged overlapping with the display unit and overlapping with a touch-sensitive actuating surface of the operating and display device
Data Source
AI summary
A domestic appliance for treating objects includes a control device and an operating device being an external or internal touch screen. The control device displays a display field within a screen display having an operating element and a display element setting and displaying a control variable of the appliance settable by touch. The operating element contains a sensor element having segments. A lowest value of the control variable or an OFF function deactivating the control variable is associated with a first segment and different values of the control variable are associated with further segments. The control device displays at least two display elements after and/or simultaneously with touching the sensor element. The first display element displays lowest settable value of the control variable or OFF function and the second display element displays highest settable value of the control variable. A method for operating the appliance is also provided.