WO2021212994A1 - 消费类电器的用户界面和用于淡化被点亮图标的方法 - Google Patents

消费类电器的用户界面和用于淡化被点亮图标的方法 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021212994A1
WO2021212994A1 PCT/CN2021/077334 CN2021077334W WO2021212994A1 WO 2021212994 A1 WO2021212994 A1 WO 2021212994A1 CN 2021077334 W CN2021077334 W CN 2021077334W WO 2021212994 A1 WO2021212994 A1 WO 2021212994A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
menu icon
menu
icon
brightness
light
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2021/077334
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
麦克卢尔·克里斯托弗·莱恩
杰克逊·蒂莫西·雷
鲁特·史蒂文·基思
Original Assignee
海尔智家股份有限公司
青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司
海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司
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Application filed by 海尔智家股份有限公司, 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司, 海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司 filed Critical 海尔智家股份有限公司
Publication of WO2021212994A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021212994A1/zh

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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
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
    • G06F3/0482—Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25D29/005—Mounting of control devices
    • 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
    • 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
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
    • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/36—Visual displays
    • F25D2400/361—Interactive visual displays

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a user interface for consumer appliances such as refrigeration appliances, and a lighting method for diluting one or more icons in the user interface.
  • Household appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, microwave ovens, and dishwashers are often controlled by one or more icons (ie, predefined text, graphics, symbols, etc.) set together with a control panel or a user interface.
  • icons ie, predefined text, graphics, symbols, etc.
  • certain icons can be selected to be illuminated or deactivated (ie, stop lighting of the icons) to guide the user to browse one or more menu options.
  • the user interface can indicate which functions or settings the user can select at a given moment.
  • By selectively lighting/disabling each icon the user interface can provide a concise menu for accessing a large number of applicable functions/settings. There is no need to light up all icons at the same time. Lighting all icons at the same time may be visually confusing, confusing or impossible Be noticeable.
  • the user interface of existing electrical appliances still has many shortcomings, and these shortcomings mainly appear when switching between one part of the menu and another part.
  • the menu can be changed to light up some icons and deactivate others. Even so, if these icons are immediately lit and deactivated, it may be difficult for users to accurately identify which icons have been changed or deactivated.
  • the overall impression may be that the user interface is cheap or of poor quality. You can try to gradually increase the brightness of some icons and gradually reduce the brightness of other icons to solve these problems, but this may create the impression that the user interface is slow or unresponsive, frustrating users.
  • a method of operating a user interface of a home appliance includes: illuminating a first menu icon of the plurality of discrete menu icons with a work brightness level indicator, wherein during the period of indicating to illuminate the first menu icon, receiving a selection signal corresponding to the second menu icon of the plurality of discrete menu icons .
  • the second menu icon may be in a darker state during the instructing to light up the first menu icon.
  • the method further includes: based on the second menu icon selection signal, sending an instant lighting signal indicating to increase the lighting of the second menu icon; based on the second menu icon selection signal, instructing the first menu icon to gradually decrease the brightness from the working brightness level.
  • a user interface panel of an electrical appliance in another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, includes an external panel, a first light source, a second light source and a controller.
  • the outer panel can define a first light channel according to the first menu icon and a second light channel according to the second menu icon.
  • the first light source may be installed behind the outer panel and directed toward the first light channel.
  • the second light source can be installed behind the outer panel and directed toward the second light channel.
  • the controller is operatively coupled to the first light source and the second light source. The controller can be configured to initiate display operations.
  • the display operation includes: illuminating the first menu icon with a working brightness level instruction, and receiving a selection signal corresponding to the second menu icon during the time when the first menu icon is instructed to illuminate.
  • the second menu icon may be in a darker state during the instructing to light up the first menu icon.
  • the display operation further includes: based on the second menu icon selection signal, sending an instant lighting signal indicating to increase the lighting of the second menu icon; based on the second menu icon selection signal, instructing the first menu icon to gradually decrease from the working brightness level brightness.
  • a refrigeration appliance in another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, includes a box body, a door rotatably attached to the box body, a user interface and a controller installed on the door.
  • the user interface includes an external panel, a first light source, and a second light source.
  • the outer panel may define a first light channel according to the first menu icon and define a second light channel according to the second menu icon.
  • the first light source may be installed behind the outer panel and directed toward the first light channel.
  • the second light source can be installed behind the outer panel and directed toward the second light channel.
  • the controller is operatively coupled to the first light source and the second light source.
  • the controller can be configured to initiate display operations.
  • the display operation includes: illuminating the first menu icon with a working brightness level instruction, and receiving a selection signal corresponding to the second menu icon during the time when the first menu icon is instructed to illuminate.
  • the second menu icon may be in a darker state during the indication to light up the first menu icon.
  • the display operation further includes: based on the second menu icon selection signal, sending an instant lighting signal indicating to increase the lighting of the second menu icon; based on the second menu icon selection signal, instructing the first menu icon to gradually decrease from the working brightness level brightness.
  • a user interface panel of an electrical appliance includes an external panel, a first light source, a second light source and a controller.
  • the outer panel may define a first light channel according to the first menu icon and define a second light channel according to the second menu icon.
  • the first light source may be installed behind the outer panel and directed toward the first light channel.
  • the second light source can be installed behind the outer panel and directed toward the second light channel.
  • the controller is operatively coupled to the first light source and the second light source. The controller can be configured to initiate display operations.
  • the display operation includes: illuminating the first menu icon with a working brightness level instruction, and receiving a selection signal corresponding to the second menu icon during the time when the first menu icon is instructed to illuminate.
  • the second menu icon may be in a darker state during the indication to light up the first menu icon.
  • the display operation further includes: based on the second menu icon selection signal, sending an instant lighting signal indicating to increase the lighting of the second menu icon; based on the second menu icon selection signal, instructing the first menu icon to gradually decrease from the working brightness level brightness.
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a home appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 2 provides a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a user interface of a household appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 3 provides a front view of a part of a user interface of a household appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in which each of the plurality of menu icons is shown for clarity.
  • Fig. 4 provides a main view of the exemplary user interface of Fig. 3, in which the menu icon of a menu branch set is illuminated.
  • Fig. 5 provides a main view of the exemplary user interface of Fig. 3, in which the menu icon of another menu branch set is illuminated.
  • Fig. 6 provides a main view of the exemplary user interface of Fig. 3, in which the menu icon of another menu branch set is illuminated.
  • Fig. 7 provides a main view of the exemplary user interface of Fig. 3, in which the menu icon of another menu branch set is illuminated.
  • Fig. 8 provides a main view of the exemplary user interface of Fig. 3, in which the menu icon of another menu branch set is illuminated.
  • FIG. 9 provides a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a user interface of a household appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 shows a home appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the home appliance 100 includes a cabinet 120 on which one or more communication features (for example, a control panel 160) are installed.
  • a household appliance is used as the refrigerating appliance 100.
  • the household appliance 100 may be used as any suitable household appliance (for example, a microwave oven, an oven, a cooktop, a stove, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a dryer, etc.) unless otherwise indicated.
  • the refrigerating appliance 100 includes a housing or box 120 that defines a refrigerating compartment for storing food products.
  • the box body 120 defines a food preservation compartment 122 located at or near the top of the box body 120, and a freezer compartment 124 arranged at or near the bottom of the box body 120.
  • the refrigerating appliance 100 is generally called a bottom-mounted refrigerator.
  • any other suitable appliances or refrigerator types can be provided, such as overhead refrigeration appliances, side-by-side refrigeration appliances, etc. Therefore, the instructions set forth herein are for illustrative purposes only, and do not limit any specific refrigerating chamber configuration or any specific style of electrical appliances mentioned above in any respect.
  • the refrigerating door 128 is rotatably hinged to the edge of the box body 120 to selectively enter the fresh food compartment 122.
  • the freezing door 130 is arranged below the refrigerating door 128 so as to selectively enter the freezing compartment 124.
  • the freezer door 130 is attached to a freezer drawer (not shown), and the freezer drawer is slidably installed in the freezer compartment 124.
  • the refrigerator door 128 and the freezer door 130 shown in FIG. 1 are in a closed configuration.
  • the refrigerating appliance 100 further includes a dispensing assembly 140 for dispensing liquid water or ice.
  • the distribution assembly 140 includes a distributor 142 that is located or installed on the outer part of the refrigeration appliance 100 (for example, on one of the refrigerating doors 128).
  • the dispenser 142 includes a discharge outlet 144 for taking ice and liquid water.
  • the actuation mechanism 146 is shown as a paddle and is installed under the discharge outlet 144 for operating the dispenser 142. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuation mechanism is used to operate the dispenser 142.
  • the dispenser 142 includes a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button, instead of using a paddle.
  • the discharge outlet 144 and the actuation mechanism 146 are external parts of the dispenser 142 and are installed in the dispenser recess 150.
  • the dispenser recess 150 is located at a predetermined height so that the user can obtain ice or water, and obtain ice without bending over and opening the refrigerating door 128.
  • a user interface 148 with a control panel 160 is provided for the user to interact with the refrigeration appliance 100 (such as input or output).
  • the user interface 148 is generally used to control the operation mode or convey information about the operation of the electrical appliance.
  • Any suitable type of user input 164 (such as keys, switches, touch screens, etc.) can be set on the control panel 160 to start or instruct the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100.
  • one or more inputs 164 may be provided with predefined menu icons (such as touch inputs).
  • the contact surface 162 is defined by a touch panel 166 (such as a capacitive or resistive touch panel) covering at least a portion of the control panel 160. Therefore, during use, the user can interact with the control panel 160 to select or adjust various inputs 164 on the control panel 160.
  • the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 is generally controlled or adjusted by the controller 170.
  • the controller 170 is operatively coupled to the user interface panel 148 and various other components, as described below.
  • the user interface panel 148 provides options for the user to manipulate the refrigeration appliance 100.
  • the user interface panel 148 provides a choice between full ice or crushed ice, cold water, or a specific operating mode.
  • the controller 170 can perform operations on the various components of the refrigeration appliance 100 according to the current operating mode. operate.
  • the controller 170 includes a memory, one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc., and can be operated as a general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor that executes programming instructions or micro-control codes associated with the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100.
  • the memory may mean random access memory such as DRAM, or read-only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
  • the processor executes programming instructions stored in the memory.
  • the instructions include a software package configured to operate the appliance 100.
  • the memory may be a separate component from the processor or included on a board within the processor.
  • controller 170 may be designed to perform control without using a microprocessor (for example, using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.) Functions, on the contrary, rely on software.
  • a microprocessor for example, using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.
  • the controller or part thereof may be located at various positions in the entire refrigerating appliance 100.
  • the controller 170 is located on or behind the user interface panel 148 (such as within the refrigerated door 128). In other embodiments, the controller 170 may be located at any suitable position in the refrigerating appliance 100, such as inside the food preservation compartment 122, the freezing door 130, and the like. Input/output ("I/O") signals may be routed between the controller 170 and various operating components of the refrigeration appliance 100.
  • the user interface panel 148 may be operably coupled to the controller 170 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.
  • FIG. 2 it provides a cross-sectional view of a portion of the user interface 200 (e.g., provided as or as part of the control panel 160, FIG. 1) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the user interface 200 generally defines an axis A extending from the front end of the user interface 200 to the rear end of the user interface 200.
  • the front end may be provided on the touch surface 162 (FIG. 1) of the electrical appliance 100 (for example, to receive user touch or input), and the rear end may be provided in the door 128 or the box 120 (for example, during the operation of the electrical appliance 100). Users generally cannot enter).
  • the user interface 200 In addition to the axial direction A, the user interface 200 generally defines a radial direction R perpendicular to the axial direction A.
  • the user interface 200 includes multiple layers or panels.
  • the external panel 210 for example, as the control panel 160 or as part of the control panel 160, FIG. 1
  • the sensor board 212, and the light board 214 may be stacked together along the axis A.
  • one or more mechanical fasteners such as bolts, nuts, brackets, etc.
  • adhesives, solders, or combinations thereof can join the layers of the stack together, or otherwise hold them relative to The fixed position of each other.
  • at least a portion of the outer panel 210, the sensor board 212, and the light board 214 may be aligned with each other along the axial direction A and the radial direction R, respectively.
  • the sensor board 212 and the light board 214 are set to communicate with the controller 170 (such as electrical or wireless communication) or are set as a part of the controller 170.
  • the outer panel 210 includes an outer surface 216.
  • the outer surface 216 faces outward so that the user can interact or contact the outer panel 210 at the outer surface 216.
  • the outer surface 216 may define the outer surface or the outermost surface of the user interface 200 along the axial direction A.
  • the outer panel 210 includes an inner surface 218 opposite to the outer surface 216 (eg, with respect to the axial direction A).
  • the inner surface 218 may face or otherwise point toward the inner space of the door or box of the appliance.
  • the outer panel 210 is formed of one or more suitable solid or impermeable dielectric materials, such as plastic materials (such as acrylic, polycarbonate, etc.) or ceramic materials (such as glass or glass). ceramics).
  • the outer panel 210 includes a light-transmitting (eg, transparent or semi-transparent) pane 220.
  • the light-transmitting pane 220 may define a light channel 222.
  • the light channel 222 may be a solid channel of impermeable material, or alternatively, may be a gap that allows the light source 224 installed behind the outer panel 210 to perform one or more light emission 226.
  • a portion of the light emission 226 directed from the light source 224 may be transmitted through the light channel 222 (for example, into the surrounding area in front of the user interface 200).
  • a light channel 222 may be defined at the corresponding menu icon 250 so that the menu icon 250 can be selectively illuminated (for example, according to user interaction using one or more inputs 164, FIG. 1).
  • the sensor board 212 may be installed behind the outer panel 210.
  • the sensor board 212 is provided with a printed circuit board ("PCB"), and one or more electrical components and circuit paths may be provided on the printed circuit board.
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • the front surface 228 of the sensor board 212 may face the outer panel 210 forward.
  • the rear facing surface 230 of the sensor board 212 (for example, opposite to the front surface 228 with respect to the axial direction A) may face away from the outer panel 210.
  • the rearward surface 230 may point to the light panel 214.
  • multiple stacked boards 232, 234 are held together between the front facing surface 228 and the rear facing surface 230 (for example, by suitable fasteners, adhesives, etc.) ).
  • the sensor board 212 may be provided with a single-sided PCB that defines both the front facing surface 228 and the rear facing surface 230.
  • the sensor plate 212 may define a light hole 236.
  • the light hole 236 can be axially aligned with the light channel 222 so that the light emission 226 can be guided through the sensor plate 212 and to the outer panel 210.
  • touch sensors 238 may be installed on the sensor board 212. Therefore, the touch sensor 238 is supported on a part of the sensor board 212.
  • Each touch sensor 238 can be used as any suitable sensor for detecting the electric field generated by the user's body (such as through a rigid dielectric panel).
  • the touch sensor 238 may be a capacitive sensor for detecting changes in capacitance.
  • the touch sensor 238 can be installed at or near the corresponding menu icon, so that the user can interact or touch the corresponding menu icon 250 to select it.
  • Such interaction may be detected at the touch sensor 238 and transmitted to the controller 170 (eg, as a selection signal) to indicate that the user intends to select a setting or feature corresponding to the menu icon 250.
  • the activation or acceptance from the specific touch sensor 238 may correspond to the lighting of the corresponding menu icon 250 (for example, so that unless the corresponding menu icon 250 is illuminated, the touch from the user will not be detected enter).
  • one or more light sources 224 may be installed on the light board 214.
  • the light source 224 may be installed at (eg, supported on) the outer panel 210 or the light board 214 behind the sensor board 212.
  • the light source 224 is spaced apart from the corresponding light aperture 236 (e.g., axially spaced along the axis A).
  • the light source 224 may be guided at the light channel 222 or the light hole 236 (for example, axially aligned therewith) to guide the light emission 226 through the light channel 222 or the light hole 236 to light up the corresponding menu icon. Therefore, each menu icon can be provided with a corresponding light source.
  • the light source 224 can be used as any suitable electric light source 224, such as a light emitting diode (LED), a fluorescent bulb, a halogen bulb, and the like.
  • the activation or lighting of the light source 224 is generally controlled by the controller 170 or the like according to one or more active menu branches or option sets ( Figure 1) (for example, to indicate to the user user input, appliance status, appliance settings, or any other related information ).
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the sensor plate 212 as being axially spaced apart from the outer panel 210 and disposed behind the outer panel 210, alternative embodiments may place the sensor plate 212 in contact with the inner surface 218, or alternatively Optionally, the sensor board 212 is disposed on the outer surface 216 of the outer panel 210.
  • the light source and touch sensor can be mounted on an external panel or a common printed control board behind the lens.
  • an opaque light guide is arranged axially between each light source and the outer panel.
  • Such an opaque light guide defines one or more guide openings to guide light emission from one or more light sources to one or more corresponding icons defined on the outer panel.
  • a coating or film may be applied to the exterior panel to further define one or more icons.
  • FIGS 3 to 8 provide various views of the user interface 200, including the control panel 240 (for example, provided as the control panel 160 or as part of the control panel 160, Figure 1), the control panel having multiple A menu icon 250 that can be selected to light up or disappear.
  • the control panel 240 for example, provided as the control panel 160 or as part of the control panel 160, Figure 1
  • the control panel having multiple A menu icon 250 that can be selected to light up or disappear.
  • each specific icon is shown as a specific word or signal, the present disclosure is generally applicable to any arrangement or format in which text/symbols can be defined.
  • Each menu icon 250 includes a corresponding light source 224 (FIG. 2) (ie, one or more light sources).
  • a corresponding light source 224 ie, one or more light sources.
  • one or more light channels 222 may be defined in front of the corresponding light source 224 (for example, according to a specific word or symbol), as described above.
  • the user interface 200 may provide a physical fixed number and type of menu icons 250, so the menu icons 250 cannot be expanded after assembly. Then, each menu icon 250 can be selectively illuminated in a predefined area of the control panel 240. One or more discrete menu icons 250 may be spaced apart from each other (eg, radially). For clarity, FIG. 3 shows each potential menu icon 250 of the exemplary embodiment. Even so, during use, only the menu icon 250 that is active at a given moment (ie, the active icon 254, lit by the corresponding light source 224, FIG. 2) can be seen by the user. When the specific menu icon 250 is disabled or not illuminated in other ways, the corresponding predefined area (such as text, graphics, or symbol) may be displayed as a blank or solid area.
  • the corresponding predefined area such as text, graphics, or symbol
  • a separate or separate menu branch (ie, a set of menu branches) may be provided (for example, according to the program provided on the controller 170, FIG. 1) 252A , 252B, 252C, 252D, 252E, so that users can only view or select certain electrical features or options at a given moment.
  • 4 to 8 respectively show different menu branch sets of the same exemplary user interface 200. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows a first menu branch 252A, FIG. 5 shows a second menu branch 252B, FIG. 6 shows a third menu branch 252C, and FIG. 7 shows a fourth menu branch 252D, and FIG. 8 shows the fifth menu branch 252E.
  • each menu branch 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D, 252E has one or more active icons 254 that can be illuminated at the same time. Therefore, during use, only the active icon 254 of the discrete menu icon 250 is visible or selectable (e.g., by a user touching the corresponding touch sensor 238 in proximity, FIG. 2). All other (such as inactive) icons of the discrete menu icon 250 will not be lit, invisible, or not selectable in other ways.
  • one or more menu icons 250 may be continuous activity icons that maintain the same activity brightness level on multiple menu branches 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D, and 252E, as shown in the "settings" in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 8. , "Water”, “Ice” and “Lights” etc.
  • the brightness level (such as brightness, intensity, average power, etc.) of the active icon 254 can be preset.
  • each active icon 254 may have one or more working brightness levels (i.e., greater than 0 or non-lighting levels).
  • certain active icons 254 may have a higher or vivid brightness level and a lower or dull brightness level.
  • the corresponding menu branch 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D, or 252E is displayed (for example, depending on which corresponding menu branch 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D, or 252E is displayed), such an active icon 254 can be displayed in a bright and dull manner. Switch or alternate between brightness levels.
  • one or more of the corresponding menu branches 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D, 252E may have at least one bright icon 256 and one or more dull icon 258.
  • the vivid icon 256 may show a feature or setting that is "real-time" or otherwise adjusted (e.g., as indicated by user interaction) at a given moment.
  • the dim icon 258 may show other features or settings of a corresponding given branch, which can be selected or changed, but not selected or adjusted in other ways at a given moment. Therefore, according to user input or interaction, the specific bright and dull icons 258 of the discrete menu icons 250 of a given menu branch 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D, 252E can be changed or replaced.
  • the vivid icon 256 maintains a constant operating brightness level (eg, a vivid brightness level).
  • the dull icon 258 maintains a constant brightness level (eg, a dull brightness level) that is less than the brightness level of the vivid icon 256. Therefore, given that the discrete menu icon 250 is a vivid icon 256, it will be displayed brighter than the dull icon 258.
  • the brightness level of the light source 224 (FIG. 2) of the menu icon 250 can be designated or changed according to any suitable method.
  • a constant supply voltage eg, from the controller 170
  • the working brightness level can be changed (for example, between a vivid brightness level and a dull brightness level).
  • the duty cycle can pulsate the supply voltage according to the programmed refresh rate, thereby temporarily stopping the lighting of the light source and the corresponding activity icon 254. Therefore, changing the duty cycle can effectively change the voltage at the corresponding active icon 254.
  • the refresh rate of the duty cycle is fast enough so that when the lighting is interrupted, the user will not directly see that the lighting is temporarily stopped. Conversely, multiple temporary stops during lighting are regarded as a decrease in brightness.
  • the refresh rate may be faster than a period of 50 milliseconds (eg, a period less than or equal to 40 milliseconds, a period less than or equal to 30 milliseconds, etc.).
  • reducing or reducing the brightness of the active icon 254 is achieved by reducing the PWM percentage (ie, increasing the amount of time in each period during which lighting is temporarily stopped). For example, a new brightness level signal can be received to reduce the PWM percentage.
  • reducing the brightness level includes reducing the PWM of the power source of the light source to the first menu icon 250 (for example, by reducing the PWM voltage supply).
  • the constant supply voltage to the active icon 254 may be stable and uninterrupted (for example, so that the lighting of the active icon 254 is not temporarily stopped).
  • the constant supply voltage to the active icon 254 may be interrupted accordingly (e.g., so that the lighting of the active icon 254 is temporarily stopped).
  • the constant supply voltage to the active icon 254 is interrupted every half period (for example, so that the active icon 254 is provided with lighting for the half period).
  • a brightness change between a plurality of discrete active icons 254 can be established.
  • the bright icon 256 may have a relatively large first PWM percentage (for example, 100%)
  • the dim icon 258 may have a relatively small second PWM percentage (for example, 50%).
  • the brightness of one or more active icons 254 can be selectively changed. Specifically, the brightness of such an active icon 254 may be changed disproportionately, so that the increase in brightness is indicated in a different manner from the decrease in brightness.
  • changing the menu branches 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D, 252E of the user interface 200 (for example, changing from one menu branch 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D or 252E to another menu branch 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D or 252E) can be used to light up a new or selected menu branch 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D, or 252E at a faster rate than the dimming rate of the currently or previously selected menu branch 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D, or 252E.
  • the change from the first menu branch 252A to the second menu branch 252B can be used immediately and light up the second menu branch 252B at a
  • the brightness of such menu icons 250 is instantly increased.
  • the incremental change in brightness may be instantaneous and correspond to a single signal (for example, a signal from the controller 170).
  • the menu icon 250 may be immediately lit in an active state under its full working brightness level (for example, a predetermined brightness level corresponding to the corresponding menu branch, selected input, general brightness setting of the control panel 240, etc.). For example, if the vivid icon 256 is lit (for example, from an inactive or dull state), the PWM percentage of the vivid state may be immediately provided to the vivid icon 256. Additionally or alternatively, if the dull icon 258 is illuminated (eg, from an inactive state), the PWM percentage of the dull state may be provided to the dull icon 258 immediately.
  • full working brightness level for example, a predetermined brightness level corresponding to the corresponding menu branch, selected input, general brightness setting of the control panel 240, etc.
  • the decremental change can be achieved by any suitable signal or predetermined scheme.
  • the decremental change can be through a single command signal (e.g., when the voltage is naturally attenuated by the capacitor 260 as described below) or alternatively, through multiple discrete command signals (e.g., when the constant supply voltage is reduced by successively The percentage of PWM to provide brightness reduction) to achieve. Therefore, the menu icon 250 can gradually darken from its full working brightness level in a way that the human eye can visually perceive.
  • the PWM percentage may be reduced within a set time period or at a set rate (such as a linear rate) until the dull state is reached.
  • the user can perceive the brightness level between the working brightness levels in the vivid state and the dull state.
  • the dim icon 258 is dimmed to an inactive state, the PWM percentage can be reduced within a set period of time or at a set rate (e.g., linear rate) until the corresponding icon is turned off (ie, no Emit light from there). Therefore, the user can perceive the brightness level between the working brightness levels in the dull state and the non-lighted state.
  • the fading of the specific menu icon 250 may be context-driven (for example, according to the specific menu branches 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D, 252E on which the specific menu icon 250 is based, according to the settings or features indicated by the specific menu icon 250, etc.). Therefore, the brightness reduction changes of certain menu icons 250 can be programmed to be different from other menu icons 250.
  • menu icons 250 can be programmed to fade as described above, such as when a menu branch (e.g., 252B) is dimmed after selecting a new menu branch (e.g., 252A, 252C, 252D, or 252E), you can Program other menu icons 250 or the entire menu branch 252A, 252B, 252C, 252D, or 252E to dim or decrease the brightness immediately (for example, when transitioning from an active state to an inactive state, when transitioning from a brightly active state to a dull state When the activity status is, etc.).
  • the temperature menu icon 250 as shown in FIG. 5 can be programmed to be dimmed from the active state, and one or more of the remaining menu icons 250 of the menu branch 252B of FIG. 5 can be programmed to be from the active operating brightness The level gradually darkens.
  • the change in the lighting of the relevant icon 250 can be easily and quickly perceived by the user (for example, without causing the impression of frustration or stagnation).
  • the capacitor 260 is electrically connected (eg, in series) between the controller 170 and the light source 224 of the corresponding discrete menu icon 250.
  • the capacitor 260 may be arranged along the same electrical path through which the supply voltage (such as from the controller 170) is transmitted to the corresponding light source 224.
  • the capacitor 260 may temporarily hold or store electrical energy therein. Therefore, the capacitor 260 can store energy from the supply voltage.
  • the capacitor 260 may discharge the stored voltage (for example, at a predetermined attenuation rate). As the stored voltage is released and attenuated at the light source 224, the lighting of the light source and the corresponding menu icon 250 is attenuated accordingly.
  • the various steps of the method as disclosed herein may be performed by the controller 170 as part of a display operation configured to be initiated by the controller 170.
  • the controller 170 can receive input from various other components of the electrical appliance 100 and send output.
  • the controller 170 transmits signals to and receives signals from the user interface 200, and the user interface 200 includes a light source 224 and an input 166.
  • the present disclosure further relates to a method for operating the electrical appliance 100 as indicated by 300. Such methods are advantageously regarded by users as responsive and easy to understand.
  • the method 300 includes: illuminating a first menu icon with a working brightness level indicator.
  • the working brightness level may be constant (for example, during the duration of 310 or when the first menu icon is active). Therefore, 310 generally needs to keep the light source of the first menu icon in an active state, in which light is emitted from the light source and when the user views it, the brightness of the first menu icon does not change perceptibly (eg, visibly). For example, according to a duty cycle having a programmed refresh rate and a PWM percentage corresponding to the working brightness level, a constant supply voltage can be transmitted to the first menu icon.
  • the working brightness level may be a sharp brightness level or a dull brightness level.
  • other discrete menu icons may remain in a darker state, such as an inactive state (ie, a non-lighted state), or alternatively, remain in a dim state.
  • an input signal corresponding to the first menu icon e.g., one or more user inputs via a user interface
  • the method 300 includes receiving a selection signal corresponding to the second menu icon (for example, during a portion of 310 or immediately after 310).
  • the second menu icon may be set in the same menu branch as the first menu icon, or alternatively, set in a separate menu branch. Therefore, the selection signal received in 320 corresponds to different features or settings within the same menu branch as the first menu icon, or alternatively, corresponds to a different menu branch of the user interface.
  • the selection signal may be received in response to user interaction and input of the user interface (for example, a touch sensor).
  • the selection signal received in 320 may generally refer to the user's desire to focus on features or settings that are different from the first menu icon.
  • the second menu icon is not illuminated before or during 320 (ie, so that no light is emitted at the light source of the second menu icon and no light is projected from the light source of the second menu icon).
  • the method 300 includes sending an instant lighting signal indicating to increase lighting of the second menu icon.
  • the sending of the instant lighting signal may be based on receiving the second menu icon selection signal in 320 (for example, being prompted by it or responding to it in other ways). For example, when the second menu icon selection signal is received, the brightness of the second menu icon can be increased from an inactive or non-lit brightness level to a full working brightness level. Therefore, the user can perceive that the activation of the second menu icon is instantaneous (for example, after selecting a new menu branch corresponding to the second menu icon).
  • the method 300 includes instructing the first menu icon to gradually decrease the brightness.
  • gradually decreasing the brightness may be based on receiving the second menu icon selection signal in 320 (e.g., prompted by it or in response to it in other ways).
  • 340 may overlap with the lighting of the second menu icon added in 330 or occur at the same time.
  • 340 may be performed after completion of 330 (e.g., directly in response to it) or occur immediately.
  • the brightness decreases it can be set to 0 (ie, inactive or non-lit brightness level), so that no voltage is received at the first menu icon, and no light is emitted from the first menu icon (for example, making The first menu icon appears to disappear or close).
  • the decrease in brightness level is linear (e.g., from the operating brightness level in 310 to 0). Therefore, the fading or dimming of the first menu icon may appear to occur at a constant (eg, predetermined, programmed) rate, which is beneficial to prevent stagnation or false impressions.
  • 340 includes: sending a plurality of sequentially decreasing brightness level signals to the first menu icon. For example, it is possible to transmit 3 or more successively decreasing brightness level signals (for example, 99% PWM signal, 66% PWM signal, and 33% PWM signal that are sequentially transmitted at 30 millisecond intervals) at a set rate. Therefore, the brightness level of the first menu icon can be sequentially reduced. As mentioned above, each sequential brightness level signal can reduce the PWM percentage. Therefore, 340 includes: PWM that reduces the power of the light source to the first menu icon.
  • the brightness level of the first menu icon can be set to 0 (that is, the inactive or non-lit brightness level), so that no voltage is received at the first menu icon and no Light is emitted in the first menu icon (for example, making the first menu icon appear to disappear or close).
  • the reduction from the working brightness level to 0 can be set to be less than or equal to the maximum value (for example, 5 seconds, 2 seconds, 1 second, 0.5 seconds) but greater than or equal to the minimum value (for example, 0.05 seconds, 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds) occurs on the preset fade time interval.
  • decreasing from 310 to 0 can be set as the preset fade time interval less than or equal to 2 seconds and greater than or equal to 0.05 seconds.
  • any other exemplary maximum/minimum values can be considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the number of brightness level signals that are sequentially reduced may be set to a predetermined interval value greater than 3 (for example, 5, 10, 15, 20). Therefore, the first menu icon can be reduced by more than three steps or intervals before being set to an inactive or non-lit brightness level. Additionally or alternatively, according to a linear reduction rate (for example, a refresh rate of a light source based on a menu icon), the number of brightness level signals that are sequentially reduced can be set. Then, reducing the sharp menu icon to 0 may take longer than reducing the dull menu icon.
  • a linear reduction rate for example, a refresh rate of a light source based on a menu icon
  • instructing to gradually reduce the brightness includes: reducing the voltage at the first menu icon.
  • the voltage can be reduced according to sequential steps or signals, as described above. Alternatively, the voltage can decay naturally.
  • the supply voltage transmitted to the first menu icon can be temporarily stored, and then once the controller sends a signal to stop transmitting the supply voltage, the attenuation rate can be reduced from the capacitor. Therefore, 340 includes: attenuating the transmitted voltage through a capacitor in electrical communication with the light source of the first menu icon.
  • multiple other menu icons also appear to gradually decrease in brightness. Additionally or alternatively, one or more icons may have a significant decrease in brightness.
  • the method 300 can be used to immediately reduce the brightness of another (such as the third) menu icon.
  • the method 300 further includes: after 340, illuminating the second menu icon with a working brightness level (eg, a constant working brightness level).
  • the second menu icon can optionally be a temperature setting display, as described above.
  • the method 300 may further include: receiving a third icon selection signal corresponding to a third menu icon of the plurality of discrete menu icons during the instructing to light up the second menu icon. During the period in which the second menu icon is instructed to light up, the third menu icon may not be lighted up.
  • the method 300 further includes sending an instant lighting signal indicating to increase the lighting of the third menu icon (for example, based on or in response to receiving the third icon selection signal).
  • the method 300 includes: (for example, based on the third icon selection signal) instructing the second menu icon to instantly decrease the brightness from the working brightness level of the second menu icon.

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Abstract

一种用于家用电器的用户界面，其包括一种用于操作该用户界面的方法，该用户界面用于以工作亮度等级指示点亮多个分立菜单图标中的第一菜单图标，并在指示点亮第一菜单图标期间，接收与多个分立菜单图标中的第二菜单图标对应的选择信号。第二菜单图标可以在指示点亮第一菜单图标期间处于较暗的状态。此外，用户界面可以用于基于第二菜单图标选择信号，发送指示增加对第二菜单图标的点亮的即时点亮信号；基于第二菜单图标选择信号，指示第一菜单图标从工作亮度等级逐渐降低亮度。

Description

消费类电器的用户界面和用于淡化被点亮图标的方法 技术领域
本发明一般涉及用于制冷电器等消费类电器的用户界面，以及用于淡化用户界面中一个或多个图标的点亮方法。
背景技术
冰箱、烤箱、微波炉、洗碗机等家用电器常常通过一个或多个随控制面板或用户界面一起设置的图标(即，预定义文本、图形、符号等)来进行控制。具体而言，可选择地点亮或停用某些图标(即，停止点亮图标)，以引导用户浏览一个或多个菜单选项。举例来说，通过点亮一个或多个图标，用户界面可以指出在给定时刻用户可以选择哪些功能或设置。通过可选择地点亮/停用各个图标，用户界面可提供用于访问大量适用功能/设置的简洁菜单，无需同时点亮所有图标，同时点亮所有图标可能在视觉上造成混乱、困扰或者无法引人注意。
尽管具有这些优点，但现有电器的用户界面仍然存在许多缺点，这些缺点主要在菜单的一部分与另一部分之间进行切换时出现。举例来说，可更改菜单，从而点亮一些图标并停用其他图标。虽然如此，但如果这些图标立即点亮和停用，用户可能难以准确地识别出哪些图标已更改或停用。给人总体印象可能是用户界面价格低廉或品质低劣。可以尝试逐渐增加某些图标的亮度并逐渐降低其他图标的亮度来解决这些问题，但这可能会形成用户界面缓慢或无响应的印象，使用户感到挫败。
因此，提供一种解决一个或多个上述问题的家用电器或用户界面将会非常有益。具体而言，提供一种用户认为响应迅速且易于理解的用户界面或其操作方法可能有益。
发明内容
本发明的各方面和优点将在以下描述中进行部分阐述，或者通过该描述清晰呈现，或通过实施本发明充分理解。
在本公开的一个示例性方面，提供一种操作家用电器用户界面的方法。该方法包括：以工作亮度等级指示点亮多个分立菜单图标中的第一菜单图标，其中在指示点亮第一菜单图标期间，接收与多个分立菜单图标中第二菜单图标对应的选择信号。第二菜单图标可以在指示点亮第一菜单图标期间处于较暗的状态。该方法进一步包 括：基于第二菜单图标选择信号，发送指示增加对第二菜单图标点亮的即时点亮信号；基于第二菜单图标选择信号，指示第一菜单图标从工作亮度等级逐渐降低亮度。
在本公开的另一个示例性方面，提供一种电器的用户界面面板。该电器的用户界面面板包括外部面板、第一光源、第二光源和控制器。外部面板可根据第一菜单图标限定出第一光通道并根据第二菜单图标限定出第二光通道。第一光源可安装在外部面板的后面并指向第一光通道。第二光源可安装在外部面板的后面并指向第二光通道。控制器可操作地联接到第一光源和第二光源。控制器可配置成启动显示操作。该显示操作包括：以工作亮度等级指示点亮第一菜单图标，并在指示点亮第一菜单图标期间，接收与第二菜单图标对应的选择信号。第二菜单图标可以在指示点亮第一菜单图标期间处于较暗的状态。该显示操作进一步包括：基于第二菜单图标选择信号，发送指示增加对第二菜单图标的点亮的即时点亮信号；基于第二菜单图标选择信号，指示第一菜单图标从工作亮度等级逐渐降低亮度。
在本公开的另一个示例性方面，提供一种制冷电器。该制冷电器包括箱体、可旋转地附接到箱体的门、安装到门上的用户界面和控制器。用户界面包括外部面板、第一光源和第二光源。外部面板可以根据第一菜单图标限定出第一光通道并根据第二菜单图标限定出第二光通道。第一光源可安装在外部面板的后面并指向第一光通道。第二光源可安装在外部面板的后面并指向第二光通道。控制器可操作地联接到第一光源和第二光源。控制器可配置成启动显示操作。该显示操作包括：以工作亮度等级指示点亮第一菜单图标，并在指示点亮第一菜单图标期间，接收与第二菜单图标对应的选择信号。第二菜单图标可在指示点亮第一菜单图标期间处于较暗的状态。该显示操作进一步包括：基于第二菜单图标选择信号，发送指示增加对第二菜单图标的点亮的即时点亮信号；基于第二菜单图标选择信号，指示第一菜单图标从工作亮度等级逐渐降低亮度。
在本公开的另一个示例性方面，提供一种电器的用户界面面板。该电器的用户界面面板包括外部面板、第一光源、第二光源和控制器。外部面板可以根据第一菜单图标限定出第一光通道并根据第二菜单图标限定出第二光通道。第一光源可安装在外部面板的后面并指向第一光通道。第二光源可安装在外部面板的后面并指向第二光通道。控制器可操作地联接到第一光源和第二光源。控制器可配置成启动显示操作。该显示操作包括：以工作亮度等级指示点亮第一菜单图标，并在指示点亮第一菜单图标期间，接收与第二菜单图标对应的选择信号。第二菜单图标可在指示点亮第一菜单图标期间处于较暗的状态。该显示操作进一步包括：基于第二菜单图标 选择信号，发送指示增加对第二菜单图标的点亮的即时点亮信号；基于第二菜单图标选择信号，指示第一菜单图标从工作亮度等级逐渐降低亮度。
参考以下描述和所附权利要求，将更好地理解本发明的上述和其他特征、方面和优点。并入本说明书中并构成本说明书一部分的附图，示出了本发明的实施例，并与描述一起用于说明本发明的原理。
附图说明
在参考附图的说明书中，针对本领域普通技术人员阐述了本发明的完整、可行公开内容，其中包括其最佳方式。
图1提供了根据本公开的示例性实施例的家用电器的透视图。
图2提供了根据本公开的示例性实施例的家用电器用户界面一部分的简化剖视图。
图3提供了根据本公开的示例性实施例家用电器用户界面一部分的主视图，其中为清楚起见示出多个菜单图标中的每个菜单图标。
图4提供了图3的示例性用户界面的主视图，其中一个菜单分支集的菜单图标被点亮。
图5提供了图3的示例性用户界面的主视图，其中另一个菜单分支集的菜单图标被点亮。
图6提供了图3的示例性用户界面的主视图，其中另一个菜单分支集的菜单图标被点亮。
图7提供了图3的示例性用户界面的主视图，其中另一个菜单分支集的菜单图标被点亮。
图8提供了图3的示例性用户界面的主视图，其中另一个菜单分支集的菜单图标被点亮。
图9提供了示出根据本公开的示例性实施例的一种操作家用电器用户界面方法的流程图。
具体实施方式
现在将详细介绍本发明的实施例，这些实施例的一个或多个示例已在附图中示出。所提供的每个示例均用于说明本发明，而不是用于限制本发明。实际上，对于本领域技术人员而言，在不脱离本发明范围的情况下，可以对本发明进行各种修改 和改变。举例来说，作为一个实施例一部分示出或描述的特征，可以和另一个实施例一起使用，以形成其它实施例。因此，本发明旨在涵盖落入所附权利要求及其等同物范围内的此类修改和变型。
在本文中，术语“或”一般旨在具有包含性(即，“A或B”旨在表示“A或B或二者”)。术语“第一”、“第二”和“第三”可以互换使用，以将一个部件与另一个部件区分开来，并不旨在指示各个部件的位置或重要性。
转到附图，图1示出了根据本公开的示例性实施例的家用电器100。通常，家用电器100包括箱体120，其上安装有一个或多个通信特征(例如，控制面板160)。在图1的示例性实施例中，将家用电器用作制冷电器100。然而，如将理解，除非另行指出，可将家用电器100用作任何合适的家用电器(例如，微波炉、烤箱、炉灶面、炉灶、洗碗机、洗衣机、烘干机等)。
如在图1中一般所示，制冷电器100包括外壳或箱体120，该外壳或箱体120限定出用于容纳储藏食物制品的制冷间室。特别地，箱体120限定出位于箱体120的顶部或其附近的食物保鲜室122，以及布置在箱体120底部或其附近的冷冻室124。制冷电器100一般称为底置式冰箱。然而，可提供任何其他合适的电器或冰箱类型，如顶置式制冷电器、对开门制冷电器等。因此，本文阐述的说明书仅出于说明，并不在任何方面限值任何特定的冷藏室配置或上述任何特定样式的电器。
冷藏门128可旋转地铰接至箱体120的边缘，以便选择性地进入食物保鲜室122。在一些实施例中，冷冻门130布置在冷藏门128下方，以便选择性地进入冷冻室124。冷冻门130附接至冷冻抽屉(未示出)，冷冻抽屉滑动地安装在冷冻室124内。图1显示的冷藏门128和冷冻门130处于关闭配置中。
在一些实施例中，制冷电器100还包括用于分配液态水或冰的分配组件140。分配组件140包括分配器142，该分配器142位于或安装在制冷电器100的外部部分(例如，在其中一个冷藏门128上)。分配器142包括用于取用冰和液态水的排放出口144。致动机构146示为拨片，安装在排放出口144下方，用于操作分配器142。在另选的示例性实施例中，使用任何合适的致动机构来操作分配器142。例如，分配器142包括传感器(如超声传感器)或按钮，而不使用拨片。
排放出口144和致动机构146是分配器142的外部部件，安装在分配器凹部150中。分配器凹部150位于预定高度处，以便用户获取冰或水，并在无需弯腰和打开冷藏门128的情况下获取冰。
如图所示，提供具有控制面板160的用户界面148，以便用户与制冷电器100交 互(如输入或输出)。例如，用户界面148一般用于控制运行模式或传达关于电器运行的信息。可在控制面板160上设置任何合适类型的用户输入164(如按键、开关、触摸屏等)，以启动或指示制冷电器100的操作。如下文更详细描述的，可为一个或多个输入164提供预定义菜单图标(如触摸输入)。在一些这样的实施例中，接触表面162由覆盖在控制面板160至少一部分上的触摸面板166(如电容或电阻触摸面板)限定。因此，在使用期间，用户可通过与控制面板160接触进行交互，选择或调整控制面板160上的各个输入164。
制冷电器100的运行一般通过控制器170进行控制或调节。在一些实施例中，控制器170可操作地联接到用户界面面板148和各个其他部件，如下文所描述的。用户界面面板148提供用于用户操纵制冷电器100的选择。作为示例，用户界面面板148提供全冰或碎冰、冷水、或具体运行模式之间的选择。响应于一个或多个输入信号(例如，对用户界面面板148的用户操纵或从所连接传感器接收的一个或多个传感器信号)，控制器170可以根据当前运行模式对制冷电器100的各个部件进行操作。
控制器170包括存储器和一个或多个微处理器、CPU等，可操作成执行与制冷电器100的操作相关联的编程指令或微控制代码的通用或专用微处理器。存储器可以表示DRAM之类的随机存取存储器，或ROM或FLASH之类的只读存储器。在一些实施例中，处理器执行存储在存储器中的编程指令。对于某些实施例，指令包括配置为操作电器100的软件包。存储器可以是与处理器分离的部件，或包含在处理器内的板上。另选地，控制器170可设计成不使用微处理器(例如，使用分立模拟或数字逻辑电路的组合；如开关、放大器、积分器、比较器、触发器、“与”门等)执行控制功能，相反，而是依靠软件。
控制器或其部分可以位于整个制冷电器100中的各个位置。在示例性实施例中，控制器170位于用户界面面板148上或其后面(如在冷藏门128内)。在其他实施例中，控制器170可以位于制冷电器100内任何合适的位置，如在食物保鲜室122、冷冻门130等内部。输入/输出(“I/O”)信号可以在控制器170和制冷电器100的各个操作部件之间进行路由。例如，用户界面面板148可以经由一根或多根信号线或共享的通信总线可操作地联接到控制器170。
转到图2，其提供根据本公开的示例性实施例的用户界面200(例如，作为控制面板160或作为控制面板160的一部分而提供，图1)一部分的剖视图。如图所示，用户界面200一般限定出从用户界面200的前端延伸到用户界面200后端的轴向A。 例如，前端可以设置在电器100的触摸表面162(图1)出(例如，用于接收用户的触摸或输入)，而后端则设置在门128或箱体120内(例如，在电器100运行期间用户一般无法进入)。除了轴向A外，用户界面200一般限定出垂直于轴向A的径向R。
在可选实施例中，用户界面200包括多个层或面板。举例来说，外部面板210(例如，作为控制面板160或作为控制面板160的一部分，图1)、传感器板212和灯板214可以沿着轴向A堆叠在一起。如将理解，一个或多个机械紧固件(如螺栓、螺母、支架等)、粘合剂、焊料或其组合可以将堆叠的各层接合在一起，或以其他方式将其保持在相对于彼此的固定位置。如图所示，外部面板210、传感器板212和灯板214的至少一部分可以各自沿着轴向A和径向R彼此对齐。组装时，将传感器板212和灯板214设置为与控制器170通信(如电气或无线通信)或设置为控制器170的一部分。
如图所示，外部面板210包括外表面216。组装时，外表面216面向外，以便用户在外表面216处与外部面板210交互或接触。外表面216可以沿着轴向A限定出用户界面200的外表面或最外表面。外部面板210包括与外表面216相对(例如，相对于轴向A)的内表面218。举例来说，内表面218可以面向或以其他方式指向电器的门或箱体的内部空间。
在某些实施例中，外部面板210的至少一部分由一种或多种合适的固体或不可渗透的电介质材料形成，如塑料材料(如丙烯酸、聚碳酸酯等)或陶瓷材料(如玻璃或玻璃陶瓷)。在可选实施例中，外部面板210包括透光(如透明或半透明)窗格220。透光窗格220可以限定出光通道222。光通道222可以是不可渗透材料的固体通道，或另选地，可以是准许安装在外部面板210后面的光源224进行一次或多次光发射226的空隙。因此，从光源224引导的光发射226的至少一部分可以透射通过光通道222(例如，进入用户界面200前面的周围区域)。组装时，可在对应的菜单图标250处限定出光通道222，使得可选择地对菜单图标250进行点亮(例如，根据利用一个或多个输入164的用户交互，图1)。
如图所示，传感器板212可以安装在外部面板210后面。在一些实施例中，传感器板212设有印刷电路板(“PCB”)，可以在印刷电路板上设置一个或多个电气部件和电路路径。组装时，传感器板212的前向表面228可以向前面向外部面板210。传感器板212的后向表面230(例如，相对于轴向A与前表面228相对)可以背向外部面板210。举例来说，后向表面230可以指向灯板214。
可选地，将多个堆叠的板232、234(如多个单面PCB)在前向表面228和后向 表面230之间保持在一起(例如，通过合适的紧固件、粘合剂等)。另选地，传感器板212可以设有限定出前向表面228和后向表面230二者的单面PCB。
在前向表面228和后向表面230之间，传感器板212可以限定出光孔236。举例来说，光孔236可以与光通道222轴向对齐，使得可以引导光发射226通过传感器板212并到达外部面板210。
在传感器板212上，可以安装一个或多个触摸传感器238。因此，触摸传感器238支撑在传感器板212的一部分上。每个触摸传感器238可用作任何合适的传感器，用于(如通过刚性介电面板)检测由用户身体产生的电场。举例来说，如将理解的，触摸传感器238可以是用于检测电容变化的电容传感器。组装时，触摸传感器238可以安装在对应的菜单图标处或其附近，使用户交互或触摸可选择对应的菜单图标250。这样的交互可以在触摸传感器238处检测到并传送至控制器170(如作为选择信号)，以指出用户打算选择与菜单图标250相对应的设置或特征。另外或另选地，来自特定触摸传感器238的激活或接受可以对应于对应菜单图标250的点亮(例如，使得除非对相应的菜单图标250进行点亮，否则将不会检测到来自用户的触摸输入)。
与一个或多个触摸传感器238分离或除一个或多个触摸传感器238之外，可以将一个或多个光源224安装在灯板214上。例如，光源224可安装在(如支撑在)外部面板210或传感器板212后面的灯板214处。在一些这样的实施例中，光源224与对应的光孔236间隔开(例如，沿着轴向A轴向间隔开)。通常，可在光通道222或光孔236(例如，与之轴向对齐)处引导光源224，以引导光发射226通过光通道222或光孔236，从而点亮相应的菜单图标。因此，每个菜单图标可设有对应的光源。
光源224可用作任何合适的电光源224，如发光二极管(LED)、荧光灯泡、卤素灯泡等。光源224的激活或点亮一般由控制器170等根据一个或多个活动菜单分支或选项集进行控制(图1)(例如，以便向用户指出用户输入、电器状态、电器设置或任何其他相关信息)。
注意，尽管图2将传感器板212图示为与外部面板210轴向间隔开并设置在外部面板210的后面，但另选的实施例可将传感器板212设置成与内表面218接触，或者另选地将传感器板212设置在外部面板210的外表面216上。
还应注意，其他另选的实施例提供具有多个预定菜单图标的任何合适的背光显示器，如将理解的。举例来说，光源和触摸传感器可以安装在外部面板或镜头后面的公共印刷控制板上。可选地，将不透明的光导轴向设置在每个光源和外部面板之间。这种不透明的光导限定一个或多个导引开口，以便将来自一个或多个光源的光 发射引导至在外部面板上限定的一个或多个对应图标。另外或另选地，可向外部面板施用涂层或膜，以便进一步限定出一个或多个图标。
现在转到图3至图8，其提供用户界面200的各种视图，其中包括控制面板240(例如，作为控制面板160或作为控制面板160的一部分而提供，图1)，该控制面板具有多个可选择地点亮或消失的菜单图标250。尽管将各个特定图标示出为特定的单词或信号，但本公开一般适用于可定义文本/符号的任何布置或格式。
通常，用户界面200提供多个分立菜单图标250。每个菜单图标250包括对应的光源224(图2)(即一个或多个光源)。举例来说，可在对应的光源224的前面(例如，根据特定单词或符号)限定出一个或多个光通道222(图2)，如上所述。
转到图3，用户界面200可以提供在实体上固定数量和类型的菜单图标250，因此菜单图标250在组装之后不能扩展。继而，每个菜单图标250可选择地点亮在控制面板240的预定义区域。一个或多个分立菜单图标250可以彼此(如径向)间隔开。为清楚起见，图3示出了示例性实施例的每个潜在菜单图标250。虽然如此，但在使用过程中，只有在给定时刻处于活动状态的菜单图标250(即，活动图标254，由相应的光源224点亮，图2)才可被用户看到。当停用或以其他方式不点亮特定菜单图标250时，对应的预定义区域(如文本、图形或符号)可以显示为空白或实心区域。
由于同时点亮每个菜单图标250可能会在视觉上造成困扰或混乱，可(例如，根据控制器170上提供的程序，图1)提供单独或分立的菜单分支(即，菜单分支集)252A、252B、252C、252D、252E，使得用户在给定时刻只能查看或选择某些电器特征或选项。图4至图8分别示出了同一示例性用户界面200的不同菜单分支集。具体而言，图4示出了第一菜单分支252A，图5示出了第二菜单分支252B，图6示出了第三菜单分支252C，图7示出了第四菜单分支252D，并且图8示出了第五菜单分支252E。如图所示，每个菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D、252E都具有一个或多个可同时点亮的活动图标254。因此，在使用期间，只有分立菜单图标250的活动图标254可见或可选(例如，通过用户邻近相应的触摸传感器238进行触摸，图2)。分立菜单图标250的所有其他(如非活动的)图标将不会被点亮、不可见或无法以其他方式选择。可选地，一个或多个菜单图标250可以是多个菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D、252E上保持相同活动亮度等级的持续活动图标，如图3至图8的实施例中“设置”、“水”、“冰”和“灯”等。
通常，可预先设置活动图标254的亮度等级(如亮度、强度、平均功率等)。具 体地，每个活动图标254可以具有一个或多个工作亮度等级(即，大于0或非点亮等级)。作为示例，某些活动图标254可具有较高或鲜明的亮度等级和较低或暗哑的亮度等级。在显示相应的菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D或252E时(例如，取决于显示哪个相应的菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D或252E)，这样的活动图标254可在鲜明和暗哑的亮度等级之间切换或交替。因此，相应的菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D、252E中的一个或多个可以具有至少一个鲜明图标256和一个或多个暗哑图标258。如将理解的，举例来说，鲜明图标256可以示出给定时刻的“实时”或以其他方式进行调整(例如，如由用户交互所指示的)的特征或设置。举例来说，暗哑图标258可示出相应的给定分支的其他特征或设置，该其他特征或设置可以选择或改变，但在给定时刻时未选择或未以其他方式进行调整。因此，根据用户输入或交互，可以改变或替换给定菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D、252E的分立菜单图标250的特定的鲜明的和暗哑图标258。
在一些实施例中，鲜明图标256保持恒定工作亮度等级(例如，鲜明的亮度等级)。在另外的或另选的实施例中，暗哑图标258保持小于鲜明图标256的亮度等级的恒定亮度等级(例如，暗哑的亮度等级)。因此，给定分立菜单图标250是鲜明图标256，它会比暗哑图标258显示得更亮。
菜单图标250的光源224(图2)的亮度等级可以根据任何合适的方法进行指定或改变。在示例性实施例中，举例来说，将恒定供给电压(例如，从控制器170)引导至活动图标254。通过改变恒定电压的占空比或脉冲宽度调制(PWM)，可以(例如，在鲜明亮度等级和暗哑亮度等级之间)改变工作亮度等级。如将理解的，占空比可以根据编程的刷新率使供给电压发生脉动，从而暂时停止光源和相应活动图标254的点亮。因此，改变占空比可有效地改变相应的活动图标254处的电压。
通常，占空比的刷新率足够快，使得点亮中断时用户不会直接看到点亮暂时停止。相反，会将点亮中的多次暂时停止视为亮度降低。举例来说，刷新速率可以快于50毫秒的周期(例如，小于或等于40毫秒的周期、小于或等于30毫秒的周期等)。在一些这样的实施例中，通过减小PWM百分比(即，增加暂时停止点亮的每个周期内的时间量)，实现降低或减小活动图标254的亮度。举例来说，可以接收新的亮度等级信号来减小PWM百分比。因此，减小亮度等级包括：降低到第一菜单图标250的光源的电源的PWM(例如，通过降低PWM电压供给)。作为示例，在100％PWM下，到活动图标254的恒定供给电压可以是稳定且不间断的(例如，使得不会暂时停止对活动图标254的点亮)。响应于减小的亮度等级信号，可相应地中断对活 动图标254的恒定供给电压(例如，使得暂时停止对活动图标254点亮)。在50％PWM的情况下，每半个周期中断到活动图标254的恒定供给电压(例如，使得一半周期为活动图标254提供点亮)。另外或另选地，通过这样的活动图标254处的分立PWM百分比，可建立多个分立活动图标254(例如，鲜明图标256和暗哑图标258)之间的亮度变化。举例来说，鲜明图标256可以具有相对较大的第一PWM百分比(例如100％)，而暗哑图标258可以具有相对较小的第二PWM百分比(例如50％)。
在使用期间，一个或多个活动图标254的亮度可选择地改变。具体地，可以不成比例地改变此类活动图标254的亮度，使得以与亮度减少不同的方式指示亮度增加。举例来说，改变用户界面200的菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D、252E(例如，从一个菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D或252E改变到另一个菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D或252E)可以用于以比当前或先前选择的菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D或252E变暗速率更快的速率点亮新的或选择的菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D或252E。在具体示例中，从第一菜单分支252A改变到第二菜单分支252B可立即用于并以比第一菜单分支252A的变暗的速率更快速率点亮第二菜单分支252B。
在一些实施例中，如当一个或多个(如全部的或部分另选地)分立菜单图标250从非活动状态或暗哑的活动状态点亮时，这样的菜单图标250的亮度即时增加。换言之，亮度的递增变化可以是瞬时的，并对应于单个信号(例如，来自控制器170的信号)。在根据工作亮度等级的PWM百分比将(例如，恒定的)供给电压引导至对应的活动图标254时，可能(例如，在控制器170处)没有延迟。因此，菜单图标250可以在其完整的工作亮度等级(例如，对应于相应菜单分支、所选输入、控制面板240的一般亮度设置等的预定亮度等级)下以活动状态立即点亮。举例来说，如果鲜明图标256(例如，从非活动或暗哑状态)点亮，可以将鲜明状态的PWM百分比立即提供给鲜明图标256。另外或另选地，如果暗哑图标258(例如，从非活动状态)被点亮，可以将暗哑状态的PWM百分比立即提供给暗哑图标258。
在另外的或另选的实施例中，如当一个或多个分立菜单图标250从活动状态变暗到非活动状态、或此类图标从鲜明的活动状态变暗到暗哑的活动状态时，这样的菜单图标250的亮度逐渐降低。因此，可淡化特定分立菜单图标250的亮度。换言之，可以逐渐进行亮度的降低或递减变化。
递减变化可以通过任何合适的信号或预定方案来实现。举例来说，递减变化可以通过单个指令信号(例如，当电压通过如下所述的电容器260自然衰减时)或另 选地，通过多个分立的指令信号(例如，当通过依次减小恒定供给电压的PWM百分比来提供亮度降低时)来实现。因此，菜单图标250能够以人眼可在视觉上感知的方式逐渐从其完全工作亮度等级变暗。作为示例，如果鲜明图标256变暗为暗哑状态，PWM百分比可以在设置的时间段内或以设定速率(如线性速率)减小，直到达到暗哑状态。因此，用户可以感知到处于鲜明状态和暗哑状态的工作亮度等级之间的亮度等级。另外或另选地，如果暗哑图标258变暗为非活动状态，PWM百分比可以在设置的时间段内或以设定速率(例如，线性速率)减小，直到对应的图标关闭(即，不从那里发射光)。因此，用户可以感知到处于暗哑状态和非点亮状态的工作亮度等级之间的亮度等级。
具体菜单图标250的淡化可以由情境驱动(例如，根据具体菜单图标250基于的具体菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D、252E，根据具体菜单图标250所指出的设置或特征等)。因此，可以将某些菜单图标250的亮度降低变化编程为与其他菜单图标250不同。举例来说，尽管一些菜单图标250可编程为如上所述的淡化，如当一个菜单分支(例如，252B)在选择新菜单分支(例如，252A、252C、252D或252E)之后变暗时，可以将其他菜单图标250或整个菜单分支252A、252B、252C、252D或252E编程为立即变暗或降低亮度(例如，当从活动状态过渡到非活动状态时，当从鲜明的活动状态过渡到暗哑的活动状态时，等等)。作为示例，如图5中所示的温度菜单图标250可编程为从活动状态立即变暗，而图5的菜单分支252B的剩余菜单图标250中的一个或多个可编程为从活动的操作亮度级别逐渐变暗。
有利地，有关图标250点亮的变化可被用户轻松地快速感知到(例如，而不会引起挫败感或停滞的印象)。
简短地返回图2，在可选实施例中，电容器260电连接(如串联)在控制器170和对应的分立菜单图标250的光源224之间。具体地，电容器260可以沿着同一电气路径设置，通过该电气路径将供给电压(如从控制器170)传输到相应的光源224。如将理解的，电容器260可以在其中暂时保持或存储电能。因此，电容器260可以存储来自供给电压的能量。在一些这样的实施例中，向相应的光源224传输的供给电压一旦停止，电容器260就可以释放出存储的电压(例如，以预定衰减率)。随着所存储的电压释放并在光源224处衰减，光源和相应的菜单图标250的点亮相应地衰减。
现在转到图9，提供与根据本公开的家用电器(例如，电器100)一起使用的各种方法。通常，在示例性实施例中，如本文公开的方法的各个步骤可以作为显示操 作的一部分由控制器170执行，该显示操作配置为由控制器170启动。采用这样的方法时，控制器170可从电器100的各个其他部件中接收输入并发送输出。例如，控制器170向用户界面200发送信号并从用户界面200接收信号，用户界面200包括光源224和输入166。特别地，本公开进一步涉及如300所指示的用于操作电器100的方法。这样的方法有利地被用户视为响应灵敏且易于理解。
在310中，方法300包括：以工作亮度等级指示点亮第一菜单图标。工作亮度等级可以是恒定的(例如，在310的持续时间内或第一菜单图标处于活动状态时)。因此，310一般需要将第一菜单图标的光源保持在活动状态，在该状态下，从光源发射光且当用户查看时，第一菜单图标的亮度不是可感知地(如可见地)改变。举例来说，根据具有与工作亮度等级相对应的编程的刷新率和PWM百分比的占空比，可以将恒定的供给电压传输到第一菜单图标。可选地，工作亮度等级可以是鲜明的亮度等级或暗哑的亮度等级。在310期间，其他分立菜单图标(如第二或第三菜单图标)可以保持在较暗的状态，例如非活动状态(即，非点亮状态)，或者另选地，保持在暗哑状态。另外或另选地，可以接收与第一菜单图标相对应的输入信号(例如，经由用户界面的一个或多个用户输入)。
在320中，方法300包括：接收与第二菜单图标相对应的选择信号(例如，在310的一部分期间或紧接在310之后)。第二菜单图标可以设置在与第一菜单图标相同的菜单分支中，或者另选地，设置在单独的菜单分支中。因此，在320中接收到的选择信号对应于与第一菜单图标相同的菜单分支内的不同特征或设置，或者另选地，对应于用户界面的不同菜单分支。可以响应于用户交互与用户界面的输入(例如，触摸传感器)来接收选择信号。在320中接收到的选择信号一般可以是指用户期望专注于与第一菜单图标不同的特征或设置。在一些实施例中，第二菜单图标在320之前或期间未被点亮(即，使得在第二菜单图标的光源处没有发射光且没有从第二菜单图标的光源投射光)。
在330中，方法300包括：发送指示增加对第二菜单图标点亮的即时点亮信号。具体地，即时点亮信号的发送可以基于在320中接收第二菜单图标选择信号(例如，由其提示或以其他方式响应于其)。举例来说，在接收到第二菜单图标选择信号时，第二菜单图标的亮度可以从非活动或非点亮亮度等级增加到完全工作亮度等级。因此，用户可以感知到第二菜单图标的激活是瞬时的(例如，在选择与第二菜单图标相对应的新菜单分支后)。
在340中，方法300包括：指示第一菜单图标逐渐降低亮度。具体地，逐渐降 低亮度可以基于在320中接收第二菜单图标选择信号(例如，由其提示或以其他方式响应于其)。可选地，340可以和330中的增加第二菜单图标的点亮重叠或同时发生。另选地，340可以在完成330之后(例如，直接响应于其)进行或立即发生。随着亮度的降低，可以将其设置为0(即，非活动或非点亮亮度等级)，使得第一菜单图标处没有接收到电压，并且没有光从第一菜单图标中发出(例如，使得第一菜单图标看起来消失或关闭)。在某些实施例中，亮度等级的降低是线性的(例如，从310中的工作亮度等级降低到0)。因此，第一菜单图标的淡化或变暗可能看起来是以恒定的(如预定、编程)速率发生，有利于防止停滞或错误的印象。
在一些实施例中，340包括：将多个依次减小的亮度等级信号发送到第一菜单图标。举例来说，能够以设定速率发送3个或更多个依次减小的亮度等级信号(例如，按顺序以30毫秒间隔发送的99％PWM信号、66％PWM信号和33％PWM信号)。因此，可以依次减小第一菜单图标的亮度等级。如上所述，每个顺序亮度等级信号可以减小PWM百分比。因此，340包括：减少到第一菜单图标的光源的功率的PWM。
在多个依次减小的亮度等级信号之后，可以将第一菜单图标的亮度等级设置为0(即，非活动或非点亮亮度等级)，使得第一菜单图标处没有接收到电压并且没有从第一菜单图标中发射光(例如，使得第一菜单图标看起来消失或关闭)。在310中，从工作亮度等级降低到0可以设置为在小于或等于最大值(例如，5秒、2秒、1秒、0.5秒)但大于或等于最小值(例如，0.05秒、0.1秒、0.2秒)的预设淡化时间间隔上发生。举例来说，从310中降低到0可以设置为预设的淡化时间间隔小于或等于2秒且大于或等于0.05秒。尽管如此，任何其他示例性的最大值/最小值均可以视为处于本公开的范围内。
可选地，依次减小的亮度等级信号的数量可以设置为大于3(例如，5、10、15、20)的预定间隔值。因此，在设置为非活动或非点亮亮度等级之前，第一菜单图标可以减少多于三个步长或间隔。另外或另选地，根据线性降低率(例如，基于菜单图标的光源的刷新率)，可以设置依次减小的亮度级信号的数量。继而，将鲜明的菜单图标降低到0可能要比降低暗哑菜单图标花费更长的时间。
在某些实施例中，指示逐渐降低亮度包括：降低第一菜单图标处的电压。举例来说，可以根据顺序步骤或信号降低电压，如上所述。另选地，电压可以自然衰减。作为示例，传输到第一菜单图标的供给电压可以暂时存储，然后控制器一旦发出信号来停止传输供给电压，即可以衰减速率从电容器中降低。因此，340包括：通过与第一菜单图标的光源电连通的电容器使传输的电压衰减。
在一些实施例中，多个另外的菜单图标同样出现亮度逐渐降低。另外或另选地，一个或多个图标可以具有明显的亮度降低。举例来说，方法300可以用于立即降低另一个(如第三)菜单图标的亮度。在一些这样的实施例中，方法300进一步包括：在340之后，以工作亮度等级(例如，恒定的工作亮度等级)指示点亮第二菜单图标。举例来说，第二菜单图标可选地是温度设置显示，如上所述。方法300可以进一步包括：在指示点亮第二菜单图标期间，接收与多个分立菜单图标中的第三菜单图标相对应的第三图标选择信号。在指示点亮第二菜单图标期间，可不点亮第三菜单图标。方法300进一步包括：发送指示增加第三菜单图标的点亮的即时点亮信号(例如，基于或响应于接收第三图标选择信号)。方法300包括：(例如，基于第三图标选择信号)指示第二菜单图标从第二菜单图标的工作亮度等级即时降低亮度。
根据本公开，将理解其他菜单图标的更进一步的点亮/变暗。
本书面描述使用示例来公开本发明(包括最佳方式)，可让使本领域技术人员实践本发明，包括制造和使用任何设备或系统以及执行任何包含的方法。本发明的可授予专利权的范围由权利要求限定，包括本领域技术人员想到的其他示例。如果此类其他示例包括与权利要求的字面语言并无区别的结构元件，或此类其他示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有实质性区别的等效结构元件，此类其他示例则处于权利要求的范围内。

Claims (20)

  1. 一种操作家用电器用户界面的方法，所述用户界面包括多个分立菜单图标，每个所述菜单图标具有对应的光源，所述方法包括：
    以工作亮度等级指示点亮所述多个分立菜单图标中的第一菜单图标；
    在指示点亮所述第一菜单图标期间，接收与所述多个分立菜单图标中的第二菜单图标对应的选择信号，所述第二菜单图标在指示点亮所述第一菜单图标期间处于较暗的状态；
    基于所述第二菜单图标选择信号，发送指示增加对所述第二菜单图标的点亮的即时点亮信号；并且
    基于所述第二菜单图标选择信号，指示所述第一菜单图标从所述工作亮度等级逐渐降低亮度。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其特征在于，所述指示逐渐降低亮度包括：将多个依次减少的亮度等级信号发送到所述第一菜单图标。
  3. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其特征在于，所述指示逐渐降低亮度包括：降低所述第一菜单图标处的电压。
  4. 根据权利要求3所述的方法，其特征在于，所述降低电压包括：通过与所述第一菜单图标光源电连通的电容器使传输的电压衰减。
  5. 根据权利要求4所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第一菜单图标的电压以线性速率从所述工作亮度等级降低到非点亮亮度等级。
  6. 根据权利要求5所述的方法，其特征在于，从所述工作亮度等级到非点亮亮度等级以线性速率指示所述逐渐降低亮度。
  7. 根据权利要求6所述的方法，其特征在于，所述逐渐降低亮度包括：在预设淡化时间跨度中，将所述第一菜单图标处的亮度从所述工作亮度级降低到非点亮亮度等级，所述预设淡化时间跨度小于或等于两秒。
  8. 根据权利要求7所述的方法，其特征在于，所述预设淡化时间跨度大于或等于0.05秒。
  9. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其特征在于，所述指示逐渐降低亮度包括：减小对所述第一菜单图标光源的电源的脉冲宽度调制。
  10. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，还包括：
    在发送所述即时点亮信号之后，以工作亮度等级指示点亮所述第二菜单图标；
    在指示点亮所述第二菜单图标期间，接收与所述多个分立菜单图标中的第三菜单图标对应的第三图标选择信号，所述第三菜单图标在指示点亮所述第二菜单图标期间处于较暗的状态；
    基于所述第三图标选择信号，发送指示增加对所述第三菜单图标的点亮的即时点亮信号；并且
    基于所述第三图标选择信号，指示所述第二菜单图标从所述第二菜单图标的所述工作亮度等级即时降低亮度。
  11. 一种电器的用户界面面板，其包括：
    外部面板，其根据第一菜单图标限定出第一光通道并根据第二菜单图标限定出第二光通道；
    第一光源，其安装在所述外部面板的后面并指向所述第一光通道；
    第二光源，其安装在所述外部面板的后面并指向所述第二光通道；和
    控制器，其可操作地耦合到所述第一光源和所述第二光源，所述控制器配置为启动显示操作，所述显示操作包括：
    以工作亮度等级指示点亮所述第一菜单图标，
    在指示点亮所述第一菜单图标期间，接收与第二菜单图标对应的选择信号，所述第二菜单图标在指示点亮所述第一菜单图标期间处于较暗的状态；
    基于所述第二菜单图标选择信号，发送指示增加对所述第二菜单图标的点亮的即时点亮信号；并且
    基于所述第二菜单图标选择信号，指示所述第一菜单图标从所述工作亮度等级逐渐降低亮度。
  12. 根据权利要求11所述电器的用户界面面板，其特征在于，所述指示逐渐降低亮度包括：将多个依次减少的亮度等级信号发送到所述第一菜单图标。
  13. 根据权利要求11所述电器的用户界面面板，其特征在于，所述指示逐渐降低亮度包括：降低所述第一菜单图标处的电压。
  14. 根据权利要求13所述电器的用户界面面板，其特征在于，所述降低电压包括：通过与所述第一菜单图标光源电连通的电容器使传输的电压衰减。
  15. 根据权利要求13所述电器的用户界面面板，其特征在于，所述第一菜单图标的电压以线性速率从所述工作亮度等级降低到非点亮亮度等级。
  16. 根据权利要求11所述电器的用户界面面板，其特征在于，以线性速率指示所 述逐渐降低亮度从所述工作亮度等级到非点亮亮度等级。
  17. 根据权利要求11所述的电器的用户界面面板，其特征在于，所述逐渐降低亮度包括：在预设淡化时间跨度中，将所述第一菜单图标处的亮度从所述工作亮度级降低到非点亮亮度等级，所述预设淡化时间跨度小于或等于两秒。
  18. 根据权利要求17所述的电器的用户界面面板，其特征在于，所述预设淡化时间跨度大于或等于0.05秒。
  19. 根据权利要求11所述的电器的用户界面面板，其特征在于，所述指示逐渐降低亮度包括：减小对所述第一菜单图标光源的电源的脉冲宽度调制。
  20. 一种制冷电器，其包括：
    箱体；
    门，其可旋转地附接到所述箱体；
    用户界面，其安装到所述门，所述用户界面包括：
    外部面板，其根据第一菜单图标限定出第一光通道并根据第二菜单图标限定出第二光通道，
    第一光源，其安装在所述外部面板的后面并指向所述第一光通道，和
    第二光源，其安装在所述外部面板的后面并指向所述第二光通道；和
    控制器，其可操作地耦合到所述第一光源和所述第二光源，所述控制器配置为启动显示操作，所述显示操作包括：
    以工作亮度等级指示点亮所述第一菜单图标，
    在指示点亮所述第一菜单图标期间，接收与第二菜单图标对应的选择信号，所述第二菜单图标在指示点亮所述第一菜单图标期间处于相对较暗的状态；
    基于所述第二菜单图标选择信号，发送指示增加对所述第二菜单图标的点亮的即时点亮信号；并且
    基于所述第二菜单图标选择信号，指示所述第一菜单图标从所述工作亮度等级逐渐降低亮度。
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