Touch Sensor Array for Compact Display Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In limited spaces such as cockpits, it is challenging to arrange multiple displays and control switches effectively, leading to degraded operability due to spatial constraints.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration that integrates various sensors, including button, bar, and volume portions, around an opening in a cover member, with flexible wiring boards connecting these sensors to a controller, allowing for touch detection and improved operability by substituting traditional switches with touch sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple displays and control switches are installed in a limited space, then functionality is improved, but spatial constraints cause degradation of operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (button controls, volume control, bar control) into a single integrated sensor device that surrounds the display opening. This merging of multiple control mechanisms into one unified interface resolves the spatial constraint problem while maintaining full functionality, allowing the system to achieve both high adaptability and ease of operation in limited cockpit spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device serves multiple functions simultaneously - it detects button presses, volume adjustments, and bar controls through different sensor arrangements (first sensors for buttons, second sensors for volume, third sensors for bar control). This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate controls, improving operability while maintaining comprehensive functionality in limited space.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional switches are replaced with touch sensors, then space utilization is improved, but detection accuracy may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sensor types and arrangements in different local regions around the opening - first sensors for button detection, second sensors for volume control, and third sensors for bar control. Each sensor group is optimized for its specific function, ensuring high detection accuracy for each control type while maintaining compact overall space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated sensor device as an intermediary element that mediates between the user's touch input and the control system. This intermediary sensor device processes different touch patterns (pressing, sliding, rotating) and converts them into precise control signals, maintaining detection accuracy while enabling space-efficient touch-based control instead of traditional mechanical switches.
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 operability by allowing multiple functions to be controlled through touch sensors in a compact space, improving flexibility in interior design and reducing detection errors.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device provided around the opening in the cover member, the sensor device comprising: a button portion comprising a plurality of first sensors arranged at a first interval along a first direction
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a display panel, a cover member includes an opening which opposes the display panel and a sensor device provided around the opening in the cover member, and the sensor device includes a button portion includes a plurality of first sensors arranged at a first interval along a first direction, a bar portion includes plurality of second sensors arranged at a second interval along the first direction, the second sensors being smaller than the first sensors and a volume portion formed into a ring shape and including a plurality of third sensors arranged along a circumferential direction thereof.