Transparent Superimposition for Touchscreen Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-machine interface devices face challenges in cleaning touch-sensitive display surfaces in harsh environments without inadvertently providing inputs, as current cleaning modes either obscure the application user-interface or lack override options, which can be undesirable in critical processes.
Innovation Solution
A human-machine interface device and method that renders a clean-screen user interface as a transparent superimposition over the application user-interface, allowing the interface to remain visible while touch-based inputs are associated with the clean-screen, and specific regions can be made non-transparent for cleaning, ensuring dirt and oil particles are easily visible without disrupting the main interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the display is switched off or rendered opaque for cleaning the touch-sensitive display surface, then the risk of providing inadvertent inputs is eliminated and dirt is easily visible, but the application user-interface becomes invisible and operators cannot view critical process information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by rendering only the specific region being cleaned opaque, while the rest of the display remains transparent and visible. This allows operators to clean the touch-sensitive display surface without losing visibility of the application user-interface, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and information visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the display into multiple regions, with each region independently controllable for transparency. When cleaning one region, only that segment becomes opaque while other segments remain transparent, allowing simultaneous cleaning and viewing of different display areas
2Ease of operation
If a traditional cleaning mode is activated, then the display becomes opaque making dirt visible, but operators are prevented from viewing the application user-interface and cannot override the mode in critical processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transparency control where the display regions can switch between transparent and opaque states based on cleaning needs. Operators can dynamically adjust which regions are opaque during cleaning, and can override the cleaning mode by interacting with specific regions, providing operational flexibility while maintaining cleaning ease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables periodic switching between cleaning and normal operation modes. Operators can activate cleaning mode when needed, perform localized cleaning, and then return to normal operation, allowing flexible adaptation to cleaning requirements without permanently disrupting operational versatility
3Measurement precision
If the entire display is rendered opaque for cleaning, then dirt and oil particles are easily visible, but the cleaning process takes longer and disrupts continuous monitoring of critical processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by rendering only the necessary portions of the display opaque for cleaning, rather than the entire display. This allows dirt to be visible in the cleaning region while minimizing the area affected, reducing cleaning time and allowing continuous monitoring of other display regions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a human-machine interface device and a method for operating the same. The human-machine interface device executes a runtime application and renders at least one application user-interface thereof on a touch-sensitive display surface provided therein. The human-machine interface device is operable in a cleaning operating mode, in which a clean-screen user interface is rendered in conjunction with the application user-interface as a transparent superimposition thereon. The clean-screen user interface is rendered in such manner that the application user-interface remains visible on the touch-sensitive display surface whereas the touch-based inputs received therefrom are associated with the clean-screen user interface.