NL2011177C2 - Man machine interface and product embodying such a man machine interface. - Google Patents

Man machine interface and product embodying such a man machine interface. Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2011177C2
NL2011177C2 NL2011177A NL2011177A NL2011177C2 NL 2011177 C2 NL2011177 C2 NL 2011177C2 NL 2011177 A NL2011177 A NL 2011177A NL 2011177 A NL2011177 A NL 2011177A NL 2011177 C2 NL2011177 C2 NL 2011177C2
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Netherlands
Prior art keywords
product
machine interface
man machine
touch
light
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NL2011177A
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Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Steve Martijn Bennekom
Eugeni Leonidovitsch Doubrovski
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Univ Delft Tech
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Priority to NL2011177A priority Critical patent/NL2011177C2/en
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Publication of NL2011177C2 publication Critical patent/NL2011177C2/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/042—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
    • G06F2203/041—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/041 - G06F3/045
    • G06F2203/04108—Touchless 2D- digitiser, i.e. digitiser detecting the X/Y position of the input means, finger or stylus, also when it does not touch, but is proximate to the digitiser's interaction surface without distance measurement in the Z direction

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)

Description

Man machine interface and product embodying such a man machine interface
The invention relates primarily to a man machine interface comprising first means for displaying visual data at a predefined display location and second means for sensing touch or proximity information at a predefined touch location which is provided at or near said display location, wherein the first means for displaying visual data comprise a plurality of light sources that are arranged in a first array, and the interface is arranged to operate each of the light sources individually, and wherein the second means for sensing touch or proximity information comprise a plurality of light-sensitive elements that are arranged in a second array, and the interface is arranged to monitor each of the light-sensitive elements individually. US2006/0086896 can be considered relevant to the preamble of claim 1 and relates to an apparatus and method for both displaying graphical output and for sensing. A light emitting diode matrix array is configured to both emit and sense light. The array may be driven in such a way so as to enable the array itself to act as the illumination source, which may also be used for either reflective or scattering optical touch sensing.
In the prior art assembly-centered manufacturing paradigm, displays that may be considered part of a man machine interface, are almost exclusively rectangular flat surfaces that are embedded in a product. While this is useful for many applications where the content displayed is also rectangular, it limits product design and requires products to be designed around the display.
It is an object of the invention to improve the versatility of products and their use.
It is a further object of the invention to increase the number of options that are available in the design process of products.
Accordingly the man machine interface of the inven- tion, and the product of the invention in which such a man machine interface is embodied have the features of one or more of the appended claims. A first aspect of the invention is that the light sources and/or the light-sensitive elements are positioned distant from the said predefined display location and/or distant from the said predefined touch or proximity sensitive location. This provides the possibility to optimize the predefined display location and the predefined touch or proximity sensitive location to the desires of the designer and the needs of a user. It is no longer necessary as in the prior art to provide the light sources and/or the light-sensitive elements at the external surface of the product requiring most of the time that this part of the device where the light sources and/or light-sensitive elements are positioned, is flat; on the contrary in the invention these light sources and light-sensitive elements can be located distant from the external surface at a location which is best suited for these organs.
The major benefit of this is that the external surface can be tailored so as to optimize the look and feel, and in general the external design of the product. The versatility of the design process is therewith tremendously increased. It is for instance possible to arrange that the external surface of the product is curved, or even double curved so that the predefined display location and/or the predefined touch or proximity sensitive location may be positioned in a curved plane.
It is also possible to have discontinuities at the surface of the product.
Implementation of the man machine interface is suitably done by arranging that there are light transmission paths provided between the light sources and/or the light-sensitive elements on the one hand, and on the other hand the predefined display location and/or the predefined touch or proximity sensitive location.
Beneficially the light sources and the light-sensitive elements are united in organs that are capable to transmit and receive light. In this way effective use can be made of the available space and also cost savings may be realized.
In one embodiment the organs are light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Implementation of the man machine interface can effectively be accomplished where each of the light transmission paths has a first extremity at the predefined display location and/or the predefined touch or proximity sensitive location, and a second extremity distant from the first extremity, at which second extremity the light sources and/or the light-sensitive elements are positioned. As mentioned that predefined display location may have any arbitrary shape.
The invention is alsoembodied in a product being provided with such a man machine interface. There are many options that come within reach when the invention is applied to particular products. When products have the possibility to display dynamic information on their external surface, this opens the possibility to provide information fitting to the product's current condition. An example is a razor that provides information on its external surface telling you to clean its heads but only when its heads are full, or a vacuum cleaner that provides information on its external surface letting you know when to empty its bag, or a computer mouse that informs you again with information on its external surface when to change the battery and where to open its lid. Conversely, information that is static on prior art products, for instance imprinted information which is only relevant during some stages of the product's use, would then not have to be present as long it is not relevant.
Another option is that the product's display at its external surface would be able to have touch sensitive control elements on any place of said display. Consequently, the form, function and location of a control element could be changed during the product's lifecycle by for instance updating the firmware of the product that determines where the buttons on the product are positioned. This has many implications for the way the products can be used, but also for the way products age. It also provides the possibility that product designers can create different functionality using the same physical hardware.
Because the function and position of control elements can be altered by changes in software embedded in the product, the products can be user tailored and customized on-the-fly.
The same product can work differently for different users, while retaining its core functionality. For example, in an electrictoothbrush (assuming that for hygienic reasons each user replaces the brush part of the toothbrush) the on off button can be in a position to accomodate a child's hand and on another moment it can accommodate the hand of a grown-up.
In a television remote, buttons can be larger and less in number for an elderly lady or man, while the same remote can exhibit extra buttons for instance for replay options when used by a tech-savvy sports fan.
In one embodiment, changes in product esthetics are possible. The same product can look different based on branding, context factors or user preferences. Colour, texture and other graphical elements can change by adjusting the software that controls the display. Products can thus blend in with their environment or with other products nearby.
With the touch or proximity sensitive control elements information can be gathered and used to deduce the intention that the user has in using the product. A product can thus automatically change its functionality or initiate or close off a functionality depending on how the product is held by the user. For example, a heavy duty drill could can slow down for precision drilling when it is held with two fingers, but speed up for heavy duty drilling when grabbed from the back. A kitchen blender can stop blending as soon as the user does not hold the blender with two hands so as to prevent accidents.
In one embodiment the core functionality of the product depends on the implemented software. The product of the invention can be reprogrammed to have new functionalities. For example, a computer mouse can show two buttons and be used as a mouse, or show more buttons enabling it to be used as a calculator or as remote.
The invention will hereinafter be further elucidated with reference to the drawing showing nonlimiting exemplary embodiments of a man machine interface and products imple- merited with such an interface.
In the drawing: figure 1 schematically shows a man machine interface according to the invention; figure 2 shows toothbrushes held by a child's hand and by an adult hand; figure 3 shows remote controls for elderly people and a tech savvy sports fan respectively; figure 4 shows different product aesthetics; figure 5 shows a drill held in two different ways; and figure 6 shows different functionalities of a computer Mouse.
Whenever in the figures the same reference numerals are applied, these numerals refer to the same parts.
Making reference first to figure 1, basic parts of a man machine interface according to the invention are shown.
The man machine interface 1 comprises a usually flat device 2 incorporating a matrix array of light emitting diodes LEDs 3. These LEDs 3 function as light sources 3' as well as light-sensitive elements 3''. Further there is distant from the device 2 a plane 4 which may form part of the external surface of a product, such as the products discussed hereinafter with reference to figures 2-6. The plane 4 may have any shape and may for instance be double curved or may have discontinuities. By means of light transmission paths 5, for instance optic fibers or waveguides, information is exchanged between the device 2 that is provided with the light sources 3' and the light-sensitive elements 3'', and the plane 4 at which visual data is displayed at predefined display locations 4', and touch or proximity information from a user is collected at touch or proximity sensitive locations 4'' and returned to the device 2 for further processing. Accordingly each of the light transmission paths 5 has a first extremity in the (curved) plane 4 and at the predefined display location 4' and/or the predefined touch or proximity sensitive location 4'' in said plane 4, and a second extremity distant from the first extremity, at which second extremity the light sources 3' and/or the light-sensitive elements 3'' are positioned, which are pref- erably embodied as LEDs 3.
With this arrangement there are in this man machine interface 1 first means 3, 4, 5 for displaying visual data at a predefined display location 4' in plane 4, and second means which preferably are the same as the first means 3, 4, 5 for sensing touch or proximity information at a predefined touch or proximity sensitive location 4'' in said plane 4. The first means 3, 4, 5 for displaying visual data comprise a plurality of light sources 3', in particular LEDs 3, that are arranged in a first array. It is important that the interface 1 is arranged to operate each of the light sources 3 individually. Likewise the second means 3, 4, 5 for sensing touch or proximity information comprise a plurality of light-sensitive elements 3'' as embodied in said LEDs 3, that are arranged in a second array which preferably equates with the first array. It is also important that the interface is arranged to monitor each of the light-sensitive elements 3'' individually.
Figures 2-6 show different examples of products embodied with the man machine interface of the invention.
Figure 2 shows the example of an electric toothbrush wherein the on off button can be in a position to accomodate a child's hand (the figure on the left) and on another moment it can accommodate the hand of a grown-up (the figure on the right).
Figure 3 shows a television remote control, having in the left-hand part of the figure buttons that are larger and less in number suitable for an elderly woman or man, while the same remote control shown in the right hand part of the figure exhibits extra buttons for instance for replay options when used by a tech-savvy sports fan.
Figure 4 shows that changes in product aesthetics are possible. The same product can look different based on branding, context factors or user preferences. Colour, texture and other graphical elements can change by adjusting the software that controls the display of the product which may cover it the entire external surface of the product. The product of the invention can thus blend in with its environment or with other products nearby.
Figure 5 represents a drill machine provided with touch or proximity sensitive control elements which are used to gather information and use this to deduce the intention that the user has in using the drill machine. The drill machine can slow down for precision drilling when it is held with two fingers as shown in the left-hand part of the figure, while the same machine can automatically speed up for heavy duty drilling when also grabbed from the back as shown in the right-hand part of the figure.
In the embodiment of a computer mouse shown in figure 6 the core functionality of this mouse depends on the implemented software. In the left-hand part of the figure the mouse has only a few buttons corresponding to the conventional use of a mouse. It can also show more buttons enabling it to be used as a calculator as shown in the right-hand part of the figure .
It will be clear from the foregoing that there are many feasible variations possible for implementation of a very diverse collection of products incorporating a man machine interface in accordance with the invention, without departing from the spirit of the invention as embodied in the appended claims. The invention merits therefore a protection as provided by the appended claims as read in their broadest possible scope, without being deemed restricted to merely the examples of products as discussed herein.

Claims (12)

1. Manmachine-interface (1) omvattende eerste middelen (3, 4, 5) voor het weergeven van visuele data op een voorafbepaalde weergavelocatie (4') en tweede middelen (3, 4, 5) voor het waarnemen van aanraak- of nabijheidsinformatie op een voorafbepaalde aanraak- of nabijheidsgevoelige locatie (4'') welke voorzien is ter plekke of nabij genoemde weergavelocatie, waarbij de eerste middelen (3, 4, 5) voor het weergeven van visuele data een veeltal lichtbronnen (3') omvatten die opgenomen zijn in een eerste array, en de interface is ingericht om ieder van de lichtbronnen (3') individueel werkzaam te laten zijn, en waarbij de tweede middelen (3, 4, 5) voor het waarnemen van aanraak- of nabijheidsinformatie een veeltal lichtgevoelige elementen (3'') bezitten die in een tweede array zijn opgenomen, en de interface is ingericht voor het waarnemen van ieder van de lichtgevoelige elementen (3'') afzonderlijk, met het kenmerk, dat de lichtbronnen (3') en/of de lichtgevoelige elementen (3'') op afstand geplaatst zijn van de genoemde voorafbepaalde weergavelocatie (4') en/of op afstand van de genoemde voorafbepaalde aanraak- of nabijheidsgevoelige locatie (4'').A man machine interface (1) comprising first means (3, 4, 5) for displaying visual data at a predetermined display location (4 ') and second means (3, 4, 5) for viewing touch or proximity information at a predetermined touch or proximity sensitive location (4 '') provided on site or near said display location, the first means (3, 4, 5) for displaying visual data comprising a plurality of light sources (3 ') recorded are in a first array, and the interface is arranged to allow each of the light sources (3 ') to operate individually, and wherein the second means (3, 4, 5) for detecting touch or proximity information is a plurality of light-sensitive elements (3 '') included in a second array, and the interface is adapted to detect each of the photosensitive elements (3 '') separately, characterized in that the light sources (3 ') and / or the photosensitive elements (3 '') distant nd are located from said predetermined display location (4 ') and / or remotely from said predetermined touch or proximity sensitive location (4' '). 2. Manmachine-interface (1) volgens conclusie 1, met het kenmerk, dat de voorafbepaalde weergavelocatie (4') en/of de voorafbepaalde aanraak- of nabijheidsgevoelige locatie (4'') gepositioneerd zijn in een voorafbepaald gevormd vlak (4) .Man machine interface (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined display location (4 ') and / or the predetermined touch or proximity sensitive location (4' ') are positioned in a predetermined shaped surface (4). 3. Manmachine-interface (1) volgens conclusie 1 of 2, met het kenmerk, dat er lichttransmissiepaden (5) zijn voorzien tussen de lichtbronnen (3') en/of de lichtgevoelige elementen (3'') aan de ene kant, en aan de andere kant de vooraf-bepaalde weergavelocatie (4') en/of de voorafbepaalde aanraak-of nabijheidsgevoelige locatie (4'').Man-machine interface (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that light transmission paths (5) are provided between the light sources (3 ') and / or the light-sensitive elements (3' ') on one side, and on the other hand, the predetermined display location (4 ') and / or the predetermined touch or proximity sensitive location (4' '). 4. Manmachine-interface (1) volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, met het kenmerk, dat de lichtbronnen (3') en de lichtgevoelige elementen (3'') verenigd zijn in organen (3) die in staat zijn om licht te zenden en ontvangen.Man machine interface (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light sources (3 ') and the light-sensitive elements (3' ') are combined in means (3) capable of transmitting light and received. 5. Manmachine-interface volgens conclusie 4, met het kenmerk, dat de organen lichtemitterende diodes (3) (LEDs) zijn.Man machine interface according to claim 4, characterized in that the members are light-emitting diodes (3) (LEDs). 6. Manmachine-interface (1) volgens een der conclusies 3-5, met het kenmerk, dat ieder van de lichttransmissiepaden (5) een eerste uiteinde bezit in een voorafbepaald vlak (4) op de. voorafbepaalde weergavelocatie (4') en/of de voorafbepaalde aanraak- of nabijheidsgevoelige locatie (4''), en een tweede uiteinde op afstand van het eerste uiteinde, op welk tweede uiteinde de lichtbronnen (3') en/of de lichtgevoelige elementen (3'') zijn voorzien.Man machine interface (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that each of the light transmission paths (5) has a first end in a predetermined plane (4) on the. predetermined display location (4 ') and / or the predetermined touch or proximity sensitive location (4' '), and a second end remote from the first end, at which second end the light sources (3') and / or the photosensitive elements ( 3 '') are provided. 7. Product waarin een manmachine-interface volgens een der conclusies 1-6 is opgenomen.Product in which a man machine interface according to one of claims 1-6 is included. 8. Product volgens conclusie 7, met het kenmerk, dat de manmachine-interface is ingericht voor het weergeven van dynamische informatie op het externe oppervlak van het product, welke informatie is afgestemd op de actuele conditie van het product.A product according to claim 7, characterized in that the man machine interface is adapted to display dynamic information on the external surface of the product, which information is adjusted to the current condition of the product. 9. Product volgens conclusie 7 of 8, met het kenmerk, dat de manmachine-interface aanraak- of nabijheidsgevoelige regelelementen bezit voor het product op voorafbepaalde posities van het externe oppervlak van het product.Product according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the man machine interface has touch or proximity sensitive control elements for the product at predetermined positions of the external surface of the product. 10. Product volgens een der conclusies 7-9, met het kenmerk, dat de manmachine-interface is ingericht om werkzaam te zijn in overeenstemming met software die in het product is opgenomen en welke is ingericht om de positie en/of het aantal en/of de functie van de aanraak- of nabijheidsgevoelige regelelementen te veranderen.A product according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that the man machine interface is arranged to operate in accordance with software included in the product and which is arranged for the position and / or the number and / or or change the function of the touch or proximity sensitive control elements. 11. Product volgens een der conclusies 7-10, met het kenmerk, dat deze software bezit die de werking van het product bepaalt.A product according to any one of claims 7-10, characterized in that it has software that determines the operation of the product. 12. Product volgens conclusie 11, met het kenmerk, dat de software samenwerkt met de aanraak- of nabijheidsgevoelige regelelementen van de manmachine-interface, zodat de werkzaamheid van het product afhangt van een grip die een gebruiker heeft op het product.12. Product according to claim 11, characterized in that the software cooperates with the touch or proximity sensitive control elements of the man machine interface, so that the effectiveness of the product depends on a grip that a user has on the product.
NL2011177A 2013-07-16 2013-07-16 Man machine interface and product embodying such a man machine interface. NL2011177C2 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017196280A1 (en) * 2016-05-13 2017-11-16 Buyuksahin Utku A touch panel
US20190155453A1 (en) * 2016-05-13 2019-05-23 Sensobright Industries, Llc A touch panel
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