In a world first, Alps Ltd. and Utsunomiya University Corporation jointly developed the "Invisible Air Interface," a next-generation human-machine interface product that enables aerial display - aerial imaging through reflection and mid-air input , and controls based on high-sensitivity capacitive sensing - while also incorporating icons, as decorative printing techniques are applied to achieve superior designs. The invisible air interface will provide a new touchless control experience, providing users with a new normal of safety, comfort and emotion. The product was jointly launched by Alps and Utsunomiya University at the International Display Workshop (IDW'21) from December 1 to 3, 2021, and received a positive response from display industry experts. After conducting market research and improving the level of completion of the product, our initial goal was to adopt the product by 2025 in display and control applications in public spaces, such as elevators and ticket machines, and where safety concerns are required.
development background
In many cases, people prefer to avoid direct contact with input devices in public places. Elevator buttons, train ticket machines, supermarket self-checkout systems… Who else might have touched them? What if they are not clean? What if their own hands are dirty? This aversion to touch has become more pronounced recently due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and increased fears of disease spread. Other social issues include the theft of fingerprints left on controllers during touch operations. These hygiene considerations and safety risks highlight the growing need for touchless operation of input devices in a society transitioning to a new normal.
However, for the existing non-contact control devices, the user feels a lot of pressure, cannot intuitively perceive the operating distance, and ultimately can only resort to touch. Contactless controls will only become mainstream if they allow comfortable, intuitive operation.
Since 2008, Alpine has been developing air input devices by applying the original high-sensitivity capacitive sensing technology, and with the recent surge in demand for non-contact control, even acquiring the AirInputTM trademark, the company has accelerated the pace of product development. In May 2021, AirInputTM solutions were trialled for elevator and interior lighting applications1. Since then, Alpine has been running promotions related to the AirInputTM line in preparation for mass production in 2022. In optics, a core technology area established through activities such as the development of optical communication lenses, Alps has also been developing basic technologies related to aerial reflection imaging since 2019.
The Yamamoto Laboratory of Utsunomiya University has been conducting research related to 3D display and multimodal perceptual information science since 2014, especially aerial imaging by retrospective reflection (AIRR). The academic leader of the laboratory, Professor Hikojin Yamamoto, is a pioneer in the field of antenna interfaces and has received many awards for his research and development.
In order to achieve comfortable and more intuitive contactless operation, and to accelerate the spread of contactless devices in society, the two parties have embarked on joint development involving the fusion of contactless control devices developed by Alpine, using original high-sensitivity capacitive sensing and Retroreflection technology based on aerial imaging theory researched by Utsunomiya University.
Development outline
The jointly developed stealth antenna interface combines an in-air input device - based on high-sensitivity capacitive sensing - with air-imaging capabilities - an application of retro-reflection technology - to enable comfortable, intuitive and stress-free device operation and image interaction in the air, just like Operate any switch, touchpad or other traditional touch control device.
The invisible air interface also utilizes decorative printing technology to enhance the design of the final product. At first glance, its surface has no obvious display effect, and it looks like a clever crafting of wood, metal or other materials. The invisible icon appears in mid-air only when a hand approaches, affecting the capacitance.
Non-contact operation reduces the risk of disease transmission and the risk of fingerprint theft, contributing to the safety of the user, while superior operability and a design that blends with the space to avoid any reduction in the surrounding atmosphere provides unprecedented comfort and emotional transfer a Novel touchless control experience.
This jointly developed product is the world's first human-machine interface integrating capacitive sensing, aerial display and decorative printing technologies. The advantages of non-contact technology over the use of cameras and infrared light are high input accuracy, especially when operating at close range, and excellent design performance. Additionally, since there is no need to install sensors or projectors outside the package, there is greater flexibility in the final product design, creating potential for a wide range of applications.
Alpine is uniquely positioned to handle everything from providing highly sensitive capacitive sensors and aerial imaging optics, to designing user interfaces to ensure clear information is communicated to users, and designing systems to connect them together and Make the input output smooth and appropriate. The product will reach a higher level of completion through research applications related to aviation display control, an area in which Utsunomiya University has been a global pioneer.
From December 1-3, 2021, Alps and Utsunomiya University jointly launched this product at the International Display Workshop (IDW'21), the world's largest academic conference on display technology, and received positive feedback from display industry experts. respond.
Outlook
After conducting market research, further identifying needs and issues, and improving the level of completion of the product, our initial goal is to adopt the product in the display and control of public spaces such as elevators and ticket machines by 2025. We will also explore applications in amusement rides and automotive systems. Beyond that, we would like to see a world where Extended Reality (XR) 2 services are commonplace, and plan to advance development with a view to deploying the product on the body as a visual information display device, since no goggles and other Wearable device. Our goal is to provide human-machine interface (HMI) users with safety, comfort and emotion in the new standard, and to contribute to a post-2030 world where people interact seamlessly with cyberspace.