Waveguide-based interferometric multi-point/distributed force and touch sensors
US10824275B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 2018 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/04109
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed herein are structures, devices, and systems for detecting touch and force inputs at multiple sensing locations on a surface of an electronic device using waveguide-based interferometry. A laser light source, such as a VCSEL, inserts light into a waveguide positioned adjacent to the sensing locations, and an input at a sensing location alters the inserted light in the waveguide allowing for determination of the input's touch or force at the sensing location. Wavelength modulation of the inserted light allows isolation in frequency of the signals from each sensing location. Optical phase locking can be used to lock an absolute distance beat frequency corresponding to a stationary reference point in the waveguide.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.