Interactive display device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touchless hand cleaning devices can be difficult for users unfamiliar with their operation, leading to contamination and increased risk of infectious disease spread, especially for those accustomed to manual controls.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced bathroom mirror with an electronic display providing visual cues, such as icons and animated graphics, to assist in touchless operation, along with a light guide directing users to place their hands correctly, and a computer system tracking hand movement to prevent unnecessary contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If touchless operation is implemented using proximity sensors, then contamination risk is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates for users unfamiliar with the technology
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through an electronic display that shows icons representing different fluids and animated graphics demonstrating hand gestures. The display updates in response to detected hand movements, guiding users through the touchless operation process and confirming system recognition of their intentions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic display acts as an intermediary between the user and the touchless dispensing system. It translates invisible sensor data into visible cues and translates user intentions into system commands, bridging the gap between unfamiliar touchless technology and user understanding.
2Ease of operation
If visual cues are added to assist operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the mirror serves as both a reflective surface and an electronic display, the proximity sensor detects hand presence, and the fluid dispenser delivers selected fluids. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity despite adding visual cue capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic display serves multiple functions: showing fluid selection icons, displaying operational instructions through animated graphics, providing feedback on hand detection, and guiding users to proper hand placement positions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive user guidance.
3Ease of operation
If multiple functions are combined in one device, then ease of operation is improved through integration, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the mirror serves as both a reflective surface and an electronic display, the proximity sensor detects hand presence, and the fluid dispenser delivers selected fluids. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity despite adding visual cue capabilities.
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
The solution simplifies and enhances the hand cleaning experience by providing intuitive visual feedback, ensuring proper operation without physical contact, thereby reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide may, for example, comprise one or more LED lights arranged between the mirror and the dispenser outlet
Implementation Method 2
The device may incorporate a light guide, which provides a path of light directing a user to place his hands below a dispenser outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a bathroom fixture in the form of an electronic mirror with a touchlessly operated fluid dispenser. The device provides visual cues to assist in the touchless operation thereof.