Virtual User Interface With Masking Element And Optical Fibre Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface devices for media applications are expensive and limited in their adaptability, particularly when it comes to displaying dynamic functions and requiring real-time control, as they often rely on costly depressible OLED keys.
Innovation Solution
A virtual user interface utilizing a thin film transistor screen with masking means, user-actuated controls such as switches and knobs, and optical fibre image conduits for conveying information, mounted on a printed circuit board with conductive carbon pill switches and light emitting diodes, allowing for adaptable and cost-effective display of functions and parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If depressible OLED keys are used to provide dynamic display functions, then adaptability and real-time control capability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a translucent key cap as an optical copy medium that displays visual information from beneath, replacing the need for expensive OLED keys. The key cap acts as a window to display graphics or text generated by the controller, achieving dynamic adaptability through a low-cost optical copying mechanism rather than embedding expensive display technology in each key
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical OLED display mechanism with an optical field-based display system. Instead of using mechanically complex deformable OLED keys, the invention uses a translucent key cap that allows optical information to pass through from a display layer beneath, substituting mechanical display complexity with a simpler optical field solution
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete display elements are used for each control function, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and surface area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal key cap design where each translucent key cap can display multiple different functions and information types. The same physical key cap structure serves as both a mechanical input device and a dynamic display element, allowing one component to perform multiple functions (input + display) rather than requiring separate discrete elements for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the display function and input function into a single integrated key cap assembly. The translucent key cap combines the mechanical switch element with the display element, eliminating the need for separate display modules for each key and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full adaptability
3Loss of information
If translucent key caps with image conduits are used, then information display capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a translucent key cap made from thin film or shell material that allows light and images to pass through. This thin film approach provides excellent information display capability while remaining relatively simple to manufacture using standard plastic molding or injection techniques, avoiding the need for complex optical component assembly
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 provides a flexible, inexpensive architecture for user interfaces that can dynamically change displays based on user inputs, reducing the need for extensive surface area and enhancing usability in media control applications, such as audio and video production studios.
Implementation Method 1
The image conduit preferably includes a plurality of optical fibres
Implementation Method 2
The indicating means are preferably a pair of light emitting diodes (LED's) and receivers
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured as a virtual user interface and including: a display screen; a masking element for concealing at least part of said screen and revealing at least one preselected display area; at least one user-actuated control element; and a controller responsive to said user-actuated control element and configured to display information on said display area operatively associated with said user-actuated control element.