Pressure-sensing touch system utilizing total-internal reflection
US9880653B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/04109
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A pressure-sensing touch system that utilizes total-internal reflection of light is disclosed. The touch system includes a transparent sheet having a surface. At least one light source and at least one detector are operably arranged relative to the transparent sheet respective to transmit light through the sheet and to detect the transmitted light. A touch event at the top surface of the transparent sheet causes light to scatter from the transparent sheet, thereby changing the amount of light received at the detector. Since the amount of scattered light generated at the touch event location is a function of the applied pressure at the touch event, the change in the detector signal is used to determine the relative amount of applied pressure. Embodiments that include multiple waveguides and channel waveguides, as well as force-sensing devices, are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.