Apparatus and method for a folded optical element waveguide for use with light based touch screens
US8184108B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0421
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A folded optical element waveguide that allows a minimum width bezel to be used around the perimeter of a light-based touch screen display. The apparatus and method includes a touch screen and a waveguide substrate provided adjacent the touch screen. The waveguide substrate includes a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical elements provided adjacent the touch screen. The waveguides include an internally reflective surface to reflect light perpendicular to the surface of the touch screen. The emitting and detecting waveguides are thus folded and provided around the side edges of the display. As a result, the width of the bezel around the display can be minimized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.