Optical Touch Screen

Abstract

The touch detection device includes a top plate having one or more light sources, wherein light from the one or more light sources is transmitted by total internal reflection, and a base plate including a plurality of base plate elements, the base plate elements being optically isolated from one another and capable of transmitting light therethrough. The top plate and the base plate are configured such that when an external object contacts a first surface of the top plate, thereby performing a touch, light is coupled from a second surface of the top plate to an underlying base plate element and transmitted within the base plate element. Each of the base plate elements has one or more sensors associated therewith for detecting light transmitted within the base plate element. The touch detection device further includes processing means for determining information from the sensors related to a touch on the first surface of the top plate.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to optical touchscreen technology, and more particularly to the construction and operation of touchscreens for device control. [Background technology]

[0002] The installation of touch-sensitive screens for device control is becoming increasingly popular, especially for portable electronic devices. A conventional touch screen device may include an LCD display surface and a resistive or capacitive overlay disposed over the LCD display surface.

[0003] In a resistive touchscreen, when pressure is applied to the LCD display surface through an overlay, electronic signals representing relative position are generated by a controller IC and device driver, etc., and the host computing device interprets such signals as touch-based inputs such as key presses, scrolling actions, etc. Similarly, a capacitive touchscreen uses disturbances in the electric field created by the overlay to determine touch actions.

[0004] Resistive touchscreens are particularly popular in many applications due to their low cost, low power consumption, and stylus support. Resistive touchscreens typically contain a conductive layer and a resistive film separated by a thin space. When a pointer, such as a finger or stylus, touches the screen, the layers make contact, effectively closing a switch and allowing current to flow. A controller determines the current flow between the layers and derives the location of the touch point. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, resistive touchscreens have many drawbacks. As a result of the overlay, the screen is not completely transparent and is usually unreadable in direct sunlight. Furthermore, such screens are prone to deterioration of the pressure-sensitive layer and require periodic recalibration. Furthermore, they require sufficient pressure for detection; therefore, insufficient pressure applied by the pointer will go undetected. Furthermore, resistive touchscreens cannot distinguish between what is known as "multi-touch," i.e., when two or more pointers are touching the screen simultaneously.

[0006] Capacitive touchscreens overcome some of the problems associated with resistive touch, typically at a higher cost. Such systems work by detecting the change in capacitance due to touch of an array of embedded conductors. This detection can be based either on the differential change in capacitance of these conductors (self-capacitance) or the differential change in capacitance of a pair (or set) of these conductors (mutual capacitance). Disadvantages of capacitive touchscreens include false activation, electromagnetic interference, and relatively expensive tooling costs.

[0007] One of the most significant drawbacks of both resistive and capacitive technologies is their inherent inability to determine touch pressure intensity with any significant dynamic range. This means that it is not easy to distinguish between a light, accidental touch and a firmer, intentional touch, and the use of touch pressure as an additional control input is essentially unfeasible.

[0008] Other types of touchscreen technologies are being developed, for example the applicant has devised an alternative technology based on frustrated total internal reflection as described in WO2015 / 155508, which addresses many of the problems of conventional touchscreens.

[0009] However, alternative touch screens are still generally limited in use to conventional device displays, where a flat sheet of glass forms the front user interface surface of the device. It is desirable to expand the use of touch screen technology so that it can be used effectively and reliably in situations where this form factor is inconvenient or inappropriate.

[0010] The present invention was conceived in light of this background. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a touch detection device comprising: a top plate having one or more light sources, wherein light from the one or more light sources is transmitted by total internal reflection; and a base plate including a plurality of base plate elements capable of transmitting light therethrough and optically isolated from one another, wherein the top plate and the base plate are configured such that when an external object contacts a first surface of the top plate, thereby performing a touch, light is coupled from a second surface of the top plate to an underlying base plate element and transmitted within the base plate element, each of the base plate elements having one or more sensors associated therewith for detecting light transmitted within the base plate element, and further comprising processing means for determining information from the sensors related to a touch on the first surface of the top plate.

[0012] Using this approach, touch-sensitive devices with a wide range of functionality can be achieved. Touchscreen devices can be designed for specific functions, such as control functions, and the design can be optimized for effective user interaction. Furthermore, in embodiments, multiple touches and complex motions can be effectively used to provide input.

[0013] In an embodiment, one or more base plate elements are of a first base plate element type adapted to detect the presence or absence of a touch, but not the location of the touch. Base plate elements of such a first base plate element type may also be adapted to detect the intensity of the pressure of a touch. This base plate element type may be effective by itself to provide a touchscreen element such as a button, or may be used in combination with other base plate elements to achieve more complex functionality.

[0014] In an embodiment, the one or more base plate elements are of a second base plate element type, the second base plate element type having a first end and a second end, one or more first end sensors associated with the first end, and one or more second end sensors associated with the second end, and the base plate elements of the second base plate element type are adapted to detect the presence or absence of a touch and the location of the touch between the first end and the second end.

[0015] Here again, one or more base plate elements of the second base plate element type may be adapted to detect the intensity of pressure of a touch. However, here the processing means may be adapted to detect movement along the base plate element of the second base plate element type between the first end and the second end. This allows the base plate element to provide the functionality of a slider or, as shown below, a dial. Again, it can be combined with other base plate elements to provide more complex functionality.

[0016] One or more of the base plate elements of the second base plate element type may not be substantially rectangular, for example, may describe a curve between the first and second ends.

[0017] In embodiments, the top plate may be non-planar, e.g., grooved or contoured. For example, one or more base plate elements may be located beneath a groove or recess in the top plate. The device may include a groove in the top plate with a second base plate element type located beneath the groove, and such a groove may function as a finger guide. Such curvature does not prevent effective device operation. The extent of curvature is limited only by the need to retain light within the top plate by total internal reflection.

[0018] In some embodiments, there may be one or more protruding regions raised from the top plate having one or more associated base plate elements. At least one of these protruding regions may include a central region having a peripheral region between the central region and the planar region of the top plate. The peripheral region may have one or more base plate elements associated therewith. The peripheral region may have a base plate element of a second base plate element type disposed therebelow for detecting touches to the peripheral region.

[0019] In this manner, the processing means can provide dial functionality to a base plate element of a second base plate element type disposed below the peripheral region. The peripheral region can have one or more base plate elements of a first base plate element type disposed below it for detecting touches to the peripheral region. One or more base plate elements can be below the central region. The base plate element located below the central region can be of a third base plate element type, the base plate element of the third base plate element type adapted to detect the presence or absence of a touch and the location of the touch on the central region.

[0020] Thus, it can be seen that embodiments of the present invention provide a touch-sensitive screen including a plurality of independent touch-sensitive screen elements as described above, which can use at least three different types of base plate elements. The touch-sensitive screen elements can be configured such that the top plate of the device is continuous and the base plate is segmented. For example, the top plate can be formed from a single continuous sheet or panel of material, and the base plate can be segmented to define different touch-sensitive areas of the screen. The top plate can be optically continuous across multiple base plate elements. The individual base plate elements, like the touch screen elements, can define straight or curved paths on a plane or trace circular paths around a ring.

[0021] The processing means is typically adapted to determine which of a plurality of touch sensitive screen elements has been touched, but can make more determinations. It may determine the order in which the touch screen elements were touched. Furthermore, it can determine whether a plurality of touch sensitive elements have been touched simultaneously. The touch detection device can be adapted to determine simultaneous touches associated with different base plate elements, and the processing means can then be adapted to associate the simultaneous touches on the different base plate elements with a user action. The processing means can determine the touch pressure intensity, touch pressure, or rate of change of touch pressure of a touch by an external object.

[0022] In an embodiment, the display element is disposed below one or more baseplate elements.

[0023] In embodiments, some or all of the base plate elements are lossy. The approach taught in WO 2015 / 155508, in which frustrated total internal reflection is used in combination with a lossy base plate, is particularly useful for use in embodiments of the present invention. The transmission loss between light incident on the base plate element and one or more sensors associated with the base plate can then be used by a processing means to determine the location of a touch. In embodiments, the lossy base plate elements are doped to impart transmission loss. Different doping levels may be imparted to different base plate elements. For example, different doping levels may be imparted to base plate elements of different base plate element types.

[0024] It is desirable for the base plate elements to be optically isolated from other base plate elements. A masking layer may be provided between the top plate and the base plate elements to provide optical isolation. Cutouts may be used in the base plate to separate one base plate element from another. One or more moldings may be provided to separate the base plate elements from other base plate elements. A coating may be provided around some or all of the periphery of the base plate element to prevent optical transmission between the base plate element and other base plate elements. These approaches may be used alone or in combination depending on the needs of the embodiment.

[0025] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a user interface including a touch detection device, the touch detection device comprising: a top plate having one or more associated light sources through which light from the one or more light sources is transmitted by total internal reflection; a base plate including a plurality of base plate elements through which light can be transmitted and which are optically isolated from one another; and a plurality of sensors, the top plate and the base plate being configured such that when an external object contacts a first surface of the top plate, thereby performing a touch, light is coupled from a second surface of the top plate to an underlying base plate element and transmitted within the base plate element, each of the base plate elements having one or more sensors of the plurality of sensors associated therewith for detecting light transmitted within the base plate element, the method comprising: detecting a plurality of user touch events at the touch detection device from signals received from the plurality of sensors; and interpreting the plurality of user touch events as user interface actions.

[0026] In embodiments, the plurality of user touch events are associated with a plurality of baseplate elements. In certain embodiments, two or more of the plurality of user touch events are associated with the same baseplate element.

[0027] In some cases, multiple user touch events occur simultaneously. In other cases, the multiple user touch events are associated with a single touch at multiple times, where the multiple user touch events can be interpreted as swiping or scrolling actions.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the multiple user events relate to multiple simultaneous touch events at multiple times. In one such example, the touch detection device has a protruding region for detecting touches on a base plate, the protruding region raised from a top plate with a peripheral region having one or more base plate elements thereunder, and the method further includes detecting the multiple simultaneous touch events at the multiple times, the touch events being rotational movements.

[0029] In order that the invention may be more readily understood, preferred non-limiting embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch screen device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a base plate comprising a single touchscreen element. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a shows a touchscreen device incorporating the touchscreen element. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the top plate of the touch screen device of FIG. 3a, showing the contours of the top plate that provide finger guides. [Figure 3c] FIG. 3c shows an alternative configuration for the top plate of the touchscreen device of FIG. 3a. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touchscreen element having a curved profile. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch screen device according to an embodiment of the present invention having a curved profile. [Figure 6a] 6a is a plan view of the touch screen device of FIG. 5, and FIG. 9b is a perspective view of a mask layer that may be positioned between the top plate and the segmented base plate of FIG. 9a in a screen device of the present invention showing multiple base plate elements of the device. [Figure 6b]FIG. 6b is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the touch screen device of FIG. 5, in which two sensors are provided on the outer edge of each base plate element. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch screen device having a curved profile according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the touchscreen arrangement of FIG. [Figure 9a] FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a segmented base plate for use in a screen arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9b] FIG. 9b is a perspective view of a mask layer that may be located between the top plate and the segmented base plate of FIG. 9a in a screen arrangement of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the segmented base plate of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a device incorporating the touchscreen apparatus of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows another device incorporating the touchscreen apparatus of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In the drawings and the following description, like features are assigned like reference characters. The embodiments of the present invention described below use a functional system based on frustrated total internal reflection as described in WO2015 / 155508, which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted by law. This functional system will be described with reference to FIG.

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a touchscreen device 8 including an optically transparent top plate 10 and one or more light sources 12 located on one or more edges thereof. The top plate 10 may be formed of any optically transparent material, such as glass or acrylic. The light sources 12 may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other known light sources, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Lenses (not shown) may be provided between the light sources 12 and the edges of the top plate 10 to focus and / or laterally spread the illumination light, if desired.

[0033] To allow the device to operate effectively in bright ambient conditions, the light source 12 may comprise an intensity-modulated infrared or visible light source. Multiple light sources 12 may be provided, in which case the ability to accurately detect touch location may be enhanced by uniquely modulating each light source 12 using either a spread spectrum based approach or multiple modulation frequencies. Note that while FIG. 1 shows the light sources 12 provided at the edges of the top plate 10, in other embodiments light may be incident on the top plate 10 from different locations.

[0034] An optional intermediate layer 14 is located below the top plate 10, and the intermediate layer 14 has a refractive index lower than that of the optically transparent plate. In the example shown, the intermediate layer 14 consists of air, but the material used for the intermediate layer 14 is limited only by the requirement that it have a lower refractive index than the material used for the top plate 10.

[0035] The top plate 10 is illuminated by a light source 12, causing total internal reflection of light within the top plate 10. Total internal reflection is a phenomenon that occurs when an incident light wave hits a boundary of a medium at an angle greater than a certain critical angle relative to the surface normal. If the refractive index is lower on the other side of the boundary and the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle, the light cannot pass through the boundary and is totally reflected within the medium.

[0036] The touchscreen device 8 further includes an optically dispersive and lossy bottom or base plate 18 and sensors 20 in the form of light sensors located at its edges. The base plate 18 has dispersive properties that cause light incident from above to be scattered towards its edges as well as lost from the top and bottom surfaces of the plate to form a primarily lossy plate. Such dispersive properties can be achieved in many different ways, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0037] For example, the plate 18 of FIG. 1 has very small optically refractive and / or reflective particles or molecules 18a embedded therein. In other words, the base plate 18 is doped with light-scattering particles 18a to impart transmission loss to light traveling within the base plate 18. Such particles 18a refract and / or reflect light incident thereon, causing it to be scattered within the base plate 18, thereby causing scattering / loss as the light spreads across the base plate 18 toward the edges (further causing light to be lost through the top and bottom surfaces of the plate) and can be detected by the optical sensor 20. Other methods of imparting similar dispersion and loss properties to the base plate 18 include coating the base plate 18 with a diffractive / dispersive material or surface patterning.

[0038] When a pointer, such as a stylus or finger 22, contacts the first surface 23 of the top plate 10, total internal reflection within the top plate 10 is interrupted by frustrated total internal reflection (FIR). This causes some light 23 to be transmitted through the top plate 10 and intermediate layer 14 to the base plate 18, and the light is transmitted from the second surface 25 of the top plate 10 to the base plate 18 at the bottom for transmission within the base plate 18. The dispersion / loss characteristics of the base plate 18 cause light incident from above to be lossily dispersed and scattered through the plate 18 towards the edges, as previously described, and some of the light is detected by the light sensor 20.

[0039] As the pressure from a flexible pointer such as a finger 22 increases, the touch area becomes larger, the degree of contact under the finger 22 increases, and the total internal reflection light is more hindered, thereby increasing the intensity of the evanescent light emitted from the top plate 10.

[0040] It will be appreciated that the location at which the top plate 10 is touched determines the relative location at which light is incident on the base plate 18, i.e., determines the distance of the incident light from the edge of the base plate 18 (i.e., the distance the light must travel to reach the edge of the light sensor). As a result, the relative amount of light detected by the light sensor 20 depends entirely on the location at which the top plate 10 is touched, i.e., the location on the base plate 18 at which the light is incident.

[0041] Furthermore, the strength or pressure of the touch on the top plate 10, i.e., how hard the user presses on the top plate 10, determines the absolute amount of light emitted from the top plate 10, and therefore the absolute amount or intensity of light captured by the base plate 18. The absolute light intensity detected by the light sensor 20 for a given touch location is therefore indicative of the touch strength or pressure, with higher absolute light intensity indicating a stronger, more forceful touch on the top plate 10 and lower light intensity indicating a lighter, less forceful touch on the top plate 10.

[0042] The scattering / dispersion properties of the lossy base plate 18 can be used to control the attenuation behavior of the captured light with distance from the original touch, so that the location of the touch point can be uniquely calculated and the accuracy of the touch location can be controlled. By controlling the spatial profile of the concentration of the scattering / dispersion material 18a embedded in the base plate 18, the intensity profile of the attenuated captured light with distance can also be controlled.

[0043] Processing means (not shown) are provided for receiving data from the light sensors 20 representing the amount and intensity of light detected thereby, and can calculate the location of the touch point on the top plate 10 and the nature and / or shape of the touch. By comparing the relative intensities at each photodiode 20 and their relative positions, and by using knowledge of the dispersion and attenuation characteristics of the base plate 18, it is possible to calculate the location and nature of a touch or even multiple touches. A device driver (not shown) can interpret the resulting data as touch-based input, such as a key press or a scrolling action.

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail. By using one or more basic elements employing the functional system shown in FIG. 1, a diverse range of touchscreen structures can be developed that achieve a wide range of functionality. FIG. 2 illustrates the implementation of one type of touchscreen element 24 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates the base plate 18 of this element 24 in plan view. As will be explained below, this type of element 24 may have a more dimensionally limited or functionally limited purpose that may not require detection of touches across an extended two-dimensional area. However, as will be shown later, the use of multiple elements 24 can achieve a wide range of functionality.

[0045] 2, the top plate 10 is approximately the same size and shape as the base plate 18 and overlies the base plate 18. In this manner, the screen device 8 is configured such that when a user touches the top plate 10, the base plate 18 receives light emitted from the top plate 10. In other embodiments, the top plate 10 may extend beyond the base plate 18 such that only a portion of the top plate 10, the area that overlies the base plate 18, has touch functionality.

[0046] The base plate 18 and the top plate 10 are each elongated in this case and, in the version shown in Figure 2, are generally trapezoidal in shape, having first and second ends 26, 28 and joined by first and second sides 30, 32, respectively. However, it should be understood that the shape of the top plate 10 and the base plate 18 is not limited to this particular shape, and that the plates 10, 18 may be any number of other shapes, such as a simple rectangle, or may be a more complex shape, such as a horseshoe.

[0047] A first sensor 34 is provided at a first end 26 of the base plate 18, and a second sensor 36 is provided at a second end 28 of the base plate 18. The first and second sensors 34, 36 are oriented inward toward the base plate 18 and toward each other to detect light exiting the base plate 18 at its first and second ends 26, 28. That is, multiple sensors 20 can be used at the base plate ends 26, 28 to improve sensitivity or range. The use of multiple sensors 20 improves the overall light collection efficiency and adds further precision to determining the contact location within the element 24. As described further below, embodiments can use only a single sensor 20 at one end of the base plate 18 if more limited functionality is required.

[0048] 1, at least one light source 12 is positioned at an edge of the top plate 10, although in other embodiments the light source 12 can input light to the top plate 10 from other locations. In use, light is input from one or more light sources 12 into the top plate 10 and is totally internally reflected within the top plate 10.

[0049] When a user touches the top plate 10, light is transmitted downward from the top plate 10 into the underlying base plate 18, which in this example, as in the example of Figure 1, is doped with light scattering particles (not shown in Figure 2) that give the base plate 18 its lossy and dispersive characteristics. The location within the top plate 10 where the touch occurs determines the distance that light captured within the base plate 18 must travel to reach the first and second sensors 34, 36.

[0050] 1, processing means (not shown) receives data from the first and second sensors 34, 36 representing the amount and intensity of detected light and calculates the position along the length of the base plate 18 between its first and second ends 26, 28 at which light leaking from the top plate 10 is incident. In this way, the corresponding touch position on the top plate 10, i.e., the touch position along the length of the top plate 10 between its first and second ends 26, 28, and the nature of the touch, can be determined. The apparatus thus enables motion along the base plate 18 to be detected, for example in the form of a sliding or swiping motion, i.e., a user sliding or swiping a finger or pointer along the length of the touchscreen element 24 between its first and second ends 26, 28.

[0051] The sampling rate of device 8 in this embodiment is approximately 50 samples per second. As such, the time response of the system is essentially instantaneous, allowing a user to swipe or scroll at any feasible speed without noticing a time lag. Note that the system is not limited to this particular sampling rate, and in other embodiments, the sampling rate may be higher or even lower.

[0052] A device driver in a processing means (not shown) that receives the data from the sensor then interprets the resulting data. There may also be a display screen or other display means (not shown in FIG. 2) located below the base plate 18, which may be controlled based on the nature and location of the touch.

[0053] For example, the display screen may be controlled to be illuminated at a location corresponding to the touch location on the top plate 10 such that the area of ​​the display screen directly below the touch point on the top plate 10 is illuminated.

[0054] In another example, the display screen may be controlled to illuminate in an area away from the touch point, depending, for example, on the type of touch and the pressure / force of the touch, in which case the touchscreen element 24 may not overlie any portion of the display screen.

[0055] The location of a touch along the length of the top plate 10 can be determined at any point in time, and therefore scrolling or swiping motions along the length of the top plate 10 can also be detected. In response to such motions, for example, the illumination of the display screen may be controlled to follow the swiping motion.

[0056] Additionally, while the embodiment of FIG. 2 includes a sensor 20 at each end of the base plate 18, other embodiments may instead include one or more sensors 20 at only one end of the base plate 18. In such embodiments, the presence or absence of a touch on the top plate 10 can be detected, but the exact location of the touch cannot be determined. The sensor 20 records the presence or absence of a touch at a specific time or period. Thus, this is a different type of base plate element, providing different functionality than that shown in FIG. 2.

[0057] 3a shows an embodiment of the invention in which a top plate 10 similar to that of FIG. 2 forms part of a larger, extended, planar top plate 10 and defines the touch sensitive area 38 of the top plate 10. Correspondingly, a base plate 18 forms part of a larger, extended, planar base plate 18 and defines the light collection area of ​​the base plate 18.

[0058] The touch sensitive area 38 is defined from the surrounding area 40 of the top plate 10 by two ridges or contours 42 provided on the top plate 10, as shown in FIG. 3b, that extend along respective first and second sides 44, 46 of the touch sensitive area 38 to provide finger guides for orienting the user's finger 22 during use. That is, the contours 42 assist or enable the user to identify the area of ​​the top plate 10 that functions as the touch sensitive area 38 and act as guides for the user's finger 22 when swiping or scrolling along the length of the touch sensitive area 38.

[0059] FIG. 3c illustrates another arrangement that can be utilized in embodiments of the present invention, in which surface grooves 48 in the top plate 10 act as guides for a user's finger 22 or stylus. The light collection region defines a portion of the base plate 18 that is optically isolated from the surrounding portion of the base plate 18, essentially defining a base plate element within a larger base plate. The use of optical isolation between different base plate elements can be used to more generally provide different functionality in different regions by providing separate touchscreen elements that can be used independently of one another. As further described below, new functionality can also be achieved by considering interactions with different touchscreen elements.

[0060] Light enters the top plate 10 from one or more light sources 12 located at an edge or edges of the top plate 10, and one or more sensors 20 for detecting the intensity of the light are provided at the light collection area of ​​the base plate 18 or at each end of the base plate element 50.

[0061] As in the embodiment of Figure 2, the processing means can determine the location of a touch, e.g., a touch in the touch sensitive area 38 of the top plate 10 can illuminate the area directly below the touch, and can detect scrolling or swiping movements along the length of the touch sensitive area 38 and respond accordingly.

[0062] 1-3, the top plate 10 and the base plate 18 are generally flat sheets of material having a generally flat first or upper surface 52. However, in some embodiments of the present invention, the top plate 10 and the base plate 18 of the screen assembly 8 may be curved.

[0063] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, utilizing curved screen devices is generally difficult for other types of touch screen technologies due to the nature of the touch detection process used. However, the underlying technology supporting embodiments of the invention described herein is flexible and robust enough to allow it to be implemented in a wide range of non-planar configurations, not just curved screens.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows a different approach to that of FIG. 3a, using a touchscreen element 24 of the type shown in FIG. 2 in connection with a non-planar surface.

[0065] In particular, FIG. 4 shows a touchscreen element 24 similar to FIG. 2, but including a top plate 10 and a base plate 18 having curved profiles instead of flat profiles.

[0066] In this embodiment, the top plate 10 is curved such that its first and second ends 26, 28 are at different levels or heights and therefore at different planes of the screen apparatus 8. Thus, the first or upper surface 23 of the top plate 10 is curved between the plane of the first end 26 and the plane of the second end 28. As in the embodiment of FIG. 2, light enters the top plate 10 from one or more light sources 12 located at an edge or edges of the top plate 10 and is totally internally reflected within the top plate 10. As discussed with reference to FIG. 2, in other embodiments, light may enter from other locations and need not enter the edge of the top plate 10.

[0067] The base plate 18 is positioned below the top plate 10 and spaced apart from the top plate 10 to define an optional intermediate layer 14 between the top plate and the base plate, which in this embodiment comprises air. In this embodiment, a masking strip 65 is provided between the top plate 10 and the base plate 18 to mask the electronic circuitry and support structure provided below the top plate 10 from the user. In this example, the base plate 18 is curved to follow and match the curvature of the top plate 10. A first sensor 34 is provided at a first end 26 of the base plate 18, and a second sensor 36 is provided at a second end of the base plate 18. The first and second sensors 34, 36 are directed inward toward the base plate 18 and detect light emitted from the base plate 18 at their first and second ends 26, 28.

[0068] In use, when a user touches the top plate 10, light transmitted from the top plate 10 is captured by the base plate 18. The detection and processing of the touch action in this case is substantially the same as that described for the device of Figure 2, although it will be appreciated that small additional losses will be seen in the curved system compared to a substantially flat system.

[0069] 5 and 6a, which illustrate another embodiment of the present invention in which the touchscreen device 8 has a curved profile. In this embodiment, the screen device 8, also referred to as a touch sensitive device, includes a plurality of touchscreen elements 24 of FIG.

[0070] The top plate 10 of this device is contoured and has an upper surface 56 that defines a central region and curved sides 58 that define a peripheral region. The upper surface 56 is substantially planar and generally circular in plan view. The curved sides 58 extend downwardly and radially outward from a periphery 60 of the upper surface 56 to a peripheral portion 62 of the top plate 10, which in this case is a planar region.

[0071] The top plate 10 includes a touch sensitive area 38 capable of detecting a touch on the top plate 10. The touch sensitive area 38 is defined by curved side surfaces 58 of the top plate 10 in this embodiment, and will be referred to as an outer touch sensitive area 39 hereinafter.

[0072] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the upper surface 56 of the top plate 10 may also be touch-sensitive, such as in the embodiments of Figures 7 and 8 described below. Additionally, in some embodiments, a peripheral portion 62 of the top plate 10 may also be touch-sensitive and define an additional detection area, although such additional detection area is not explicitly shown here.

[0073] Similar to the device of FIG. 1, light is incident on the top plate 10 from one or more light sources 12 positioned at an edge or edges of the top plate 10 and is totally internally reflected within the top plate 10 .

[0074] The base plate 18 is segmented to form a plurality of optically isolated base plate elements 50, which are spaced apart from the top plate 10, defining an optional intermediate layer of air 14 between the top plate 10 and the base plate 18. In this embodiment, optical isolation of the base plate elements 50 is achieved by providing one or more gaps or spaces 64 between each of the base plate elements 50, in which masking strips that are opaque to the frequency of the modulated light are disposed. Additionally, in this embodiment, masking strips 65 are provided between the top plate 10 and the base plate 18 to mask the electronic circuitry and support structure located below the top plate 10 from the user. In other embodiments, the base plate elements 50 can be optically isolated by forming selectively opaque regions of the base plate 18 between each of the base plate elements 50 by multiple shot molding, or by coating the edges of the base plate elements 50 with an opaque paint or the like.

[0075] In some embodiments, the mask may be a three-dimensional component 66, as shown in FIG. 9b, that is inserted between the top and bottom plates 16, 18 to provide optical isolation between the top and bottom plates 10, 18 in areas where touch sensitivity is not required. This can be used in conjunction with coloring the top plate 10, as in FIG. 9b, to hide the presence of electronics and support structures beneath the top plate 10 from the user. The material selected for the mask should be of a type that does not emit significant amounts of evanescent light when in contact with either the top plate 10 or the base plate 18, such as EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam.

[0076] The base plate element 50 is disposed below the touch-sensitive area 38 of the top plate 10. In this embodiment, the base plate element 50 conforms to or follows the contours of the touch-sensitive area 38 of the top plate 10, such that the contours of the base plate element 50 generally match the contours of the touch-sensitive area 38 of the top plate 10. In other embodiments, the base plate element 50 could have a different contour relative to the overlying touch-sensitive area 38 of the top plate 10. For example, in some embodiments, the touch-sensitive area 38 of the top plate 10 may be contoured as in the embodiment of FIG. 5, but the base plate element 50 may be substantially flat. In this case, additional optics may be included to direct light output from the top plate 10 to the base plate 18, although such additional optics may not be required in some cases, such as when the distance between the top plate 10 and the base plate 18 is small.

[0077] Here, the base plate 18 includes a plurality of outer base plate elements 68. The outer base plate elements 68 are positioned below the outer detection region 39 of the top plate 10 such that the outer detection region 39 overlies the outer base plate elements 68. In this manner, the outer base plate elements 68 are configured to capture light transmitted from the outer detection region 39 when a user touches the top plate 10 within the outer detection region 39. In particular, each outer base plate element 68 is configured to capture light transmitted from a corresponding region of the outer detection region 39 of the top plate 10 that covers it.

[0078] 6a, this embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of outer base plate elements 68. In this particular example, the configuration includes 16 outer base plate elements 68, although other embodiments are possible with more or fewer outer base plate elements 68. The base plate elements 68 are evenly spaced around the outer detection area 38.

[0079] Each outer base plate element 68 is identical to the base plate 18 of FIG. 2 and has a generally trapezoidal shape in plan view, including first and second ends 26, 28, and is joined by first and second sides 30, 32, respectively. The first end 26 of each outer base plate element 68 is located below the peripheral edge 60 of the upper surface 56 of the top plate 10. Each outer base plate element 68 extends downward and radially outward from the first end 26 to the second end 28. The first and second ends 26, 28 of each outer base plate element 68 are curved to match the contour of the overlying portion of the top plate 10, as best shown in FIG. 5. As previously mentioned, in other embodiments, the contour of one or all of the base plate elements 68 could differ from the contour of the touch-sensitive area 38 of the overlying top plate 10.

[0080] In this embodiment, as described above, each outer base plate element 68 is identical to the base plate 18 of Figure 2. In this manner, each of the outer base plate elements 68 has the same level of doping, i.e., doping density, of the light-scattering particles 18a, and essentially the same dispersion and loss characteristics. However, in other embodiments, some or all of the outer base plate elements 68 can have different levels of doping from one another.

[0081] The apparatus further includes two outer sensors 70 associated with each outer baseplate element 68. In this embodiment, the outer sensors 70 are in the form of photodiodes and are mounted on a printed circuit board 72.

[0082] A first outer sensor 74 is provided at the first end 26 of each outer base plate element 68, and a second outer sensor 76 is provided at the second end 28 of each outer base plate element 68. Each of the first and second outer sensors 74, 76 is positioned to face inward toward the corresponding outer base plate element 68 to detect light transmitted through the corresponding outer base plate element 68. By including a sensor 70 at each end 26, 28 of each outer base plate element 68, the position along the length of the outer base plate element 68, also referred to as the radial position, radial press position, or radial touch position, at which light is incident from the top plate 10 can be determined. This allows for the detection of a swiping motion along the base plate element 68.

[0083] In further embodiments, multiple sensors 70 can be located at the first and / or second ends 26, 28 of the base plate element 68 to add an additional dimension of rotational position location to the element 68, i.e., to allow for determining the position between the first and second sides 30, 32 of the base plate element 68. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6b, two second outer sensors 76 are provided at the second end 28 of each base plate element 68. In a dial-shaped configuration, this can be used to increase the rotational sensitivity of touches on the outer sensor elements relative to the overall system. In embodiments where one or more sensors 70 are provided at only one end of the outer base plate 68, the presence or absence of a touch on the corresponding area of ​​the top plate 10 covering the outer base plate element 68 can be detected, but the exact radial location of the touch along the element 68 cannot be determined.

[0084] The touchscreen device 8 further includes a display area 78 disposed below the base plate 18 and configured to display information.

[0085] The display area 78 includes an outer display area 80 below the outer touch sensitive area 38 and a central display area 82 below the upper surface 56 of the top plate 10 .

[0086] The outer display area 80 includes display elements in the form of a plurality of flexible light pipes 84 and associated LEDs 86, as shown in FIG. 5. Light pipes are known optical components that include optical fibers or transparent rods for transmitting light from the LEDs. In this embodiment, one or more light pipes 84 made of transparent rods are positioned beneath each outer base plate element 68, with one or more LEDs 86 at each end that inject light into the light pipes 84. In this manner, for example, the light pipes 84 can be used to illuminate an area of ​​the display area 78 that includes a touch point on the top plate 10, thereby displaying positional information regarding a touch within the outer detection area 38.

[0087] Central display area 82 includes a display element in the form of a display screen 88, which in this embodiment is generally circular in plan view and is an LCD screen, although in other embodiments display screen 88 can take different forms, such as an OLED display.

[0088] When a user touches the first surface 23 of the top plate 10 within the outer detection area 38, light is coupled from the second surface 25 of the top plate 10 to the corresponding outer base plate element 68 below for transmission within that base plate element 68. The location at which the top plate 10 is touched determines the distance the incident light travels from the first and second ends 26, 28 of the outer base plate element 68, i.e., the distance the light must travel to reach the first and second outer sensors 74, 76 of the corresponding base plate element 68. The touch pressure, i.e., how hard the top plate 10 is pressed by the user, determines the absolute amount of light emitted from the top plate 10 and, therefore, the absolute intensity of light captured by the corresponding base plate element 68. Thus, the absolute light intensity detected by the sensor 70 for a given touch location indicates the touch pressure, with a higher absolute intensity of light indicating a harder, more forceful touch and a lower intensity of light indicating a lighter touch on the screen device 8.

[0089] Processing means (not shown) receiving data from the outer sensor 70 representing the amount and intensity of detected light can then calculate the radial position along the length of the outer base plate element 68 between the first and second ends 26, 28 and the touch pressure at the time of incidence of light leaking from the top plate 10, in the same manner as previously described with respect to the apparatus of FIG. 2. The transmission loss between the light incident on the base plate element 68 and the one or more sensors or sensors 70 associated with the base plate element 68 is used by the processing means to determine the location of the touch. The slight increase in loss due to the curvature of the base plate element 68 does not require a significant change to the radial position calculation process, since the curvature is not excessive enough to cause significant additional light loss beyond the angle of total internal reflection. The required calculations are relatively simple given the logarithmic nature of light loss with distance from the sensor 70.

[0090] The display area 78 can then be controlled based on the nature and location of the touch.

[0091] For example, a touch in the outer touch sensitive area 38 may cause illumination in a corresponding area of ​​the outer display area 80. Alternatively or additionally, a touch in the outer touch sensitive area 39 may cause illumination in other areas of the screen device 8 having display capabilities. For example, a touch in the outer touch sensitive area 39 may cause illumination in other areas of the outer display area 80 that are distant from the touch point. It should also be understood that other display areas may be provided in other embodiments. These display areas may be associated with other touch sensitive areas 38 or may simply be display areas configured to display information when a user touches the top plate 10 within the touch sensitive area 38 that is distant from the display area. It should also be understood that the illumination of the display area 78 and the type of information displayed thereby will depend on the particular application of the screen device 8.

[0092] Depending on the particular embodiment of the screen device 8, touches at particular locations and / or particular types of touches may be associated with particular control functions. For example, in an embodiment in which the screen device 8 is incorporated into a control screen for a speaker, touches in particular areas and / or particular types of touches may select device settings and even illuminate the control screen in some suitable location.

[0093] In addition to being configured to display information based on the location of a touch, as already indicated, the screen device 8 may also be configured to display information based on the nature of the touch.

[0094] For example, a swipe action by a user may cause particular information to be displayed or a particular action to be performed (such as selecting a particular device setting). For example, in the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6a, a swipe action along the length of the top plate 10 overlying the base plate element 68 may be detected and cause particular information to be displayed or a particular action to be performed, such as controlling a volume setting.

[0095] As another example, multiple simultaneous touches may be detected in the outer touch detection area 39 and attributed with different control functions. For example, again taking the example of a speaker system control panel, a two-finger tap in the outer detection area 39 may, for example, pause the speaker output.

[0096] Additionally, outer detection area 39 of Figures 5 and 6a can be configured to be used as a "static dial." That is, when a user grasps outer detection area 39 and moves their finger as if rotating a rotary dial, the control function typically associated with rotating the rotary dial is performed. For example, in the case of a control panel for a speaker system, when a user grasps outer detection area 39 and moves their hand as if rotating a movable dial, the speaker volume can be increased or decreased accordingly.

[0097] The outer detection area 39 can also be configured for use as a computer mouse. For example, the system could be configured so that grasping or pinching the outer detection area 39 causes an action on the associated display that would normally be caused by clicking a button on a standard mouse. The outer detection area 39 could also be configured so that scrolling or sweeping actions in the outer detection area 39 cause an action on the associated display that would normally be caused by standard mouse movement, i.e., moving a pointer on the screen.

[0098] In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6a that includes a sensor 70 at each end 26, 28 of each outer base plate element 68, the position along the length of the outer base plate element 68 at which light is incident from the top plate 10 onto the outer base plate element 68 can be determined. This allows for detection of scrolling or swiping motions up and / or down the curved side defining the outer detection area 39 of the top plate 10. In response to such motion, the display area 78 may be illuminated to follow the swiping motion. For example, if a user swipes a finger along the area of ​​the top plate 10 overlying the outer base plate element 68 from its first end 26 to its second end 28, the display area 78 may illuminate from its first end 26 to its second end 28 to follow this movement.

[0099] Rotation around the outer detection area 39 on an area of ​​the top plate 10 overlying multiple outer base plate elements 68 may sequentially illuminate the display areas 78 associated with each of these base plate elements 68. Performing such a swiping motion while grasping the outer detection area 39 between two or more fingers may essentially mimic the action of rotating a rotatable dial, as previously described, which may be used in the manner in which a rotatable dial may be used, for example, as a volume or other suitable control.

[0100] Pressure applied simultaneously to different areas of the top plate 10 in association with different outer base plate elements 68 can be detected, indicating that the user is grasping or pinching the dial area defining the outer detection area 39, or simply that the user is pressing the outer detection area 39 in multiple areas, and these actions can themselves have associated control functions.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above are just a selection of functions that the screen device 8 as shown in Figures 5 and 6a may have. Many other functions are possible depending on the application of the screen device 8.

[0102] Figures 7 and 8 show another embodiment of the present invention. Many aspects of this embodiment are the same as the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6a, and for the sake of brevity, similar features will not be described again here. This embodiment differs from that of Figures 5 and 6a in that the screen layout of Figures 7 and 8 further includes a touch-sensitive central detection area 90 in addition to the touch-sensitive outer detection area 39.

[0103] The central detection area 90 is defined by the top surface 56 of the top plate 10, which is substantially planar and generally circular in plan view. To enable touch detection, a central base plate element 92 is disposed below the central touch detection area 90 of the top plate 10 such that the central touch detection area 90 is positioned below and overlaps the central base plate element 92. In this manner, the central base plate element 92 is configured to capture light transmitted outside of the central touch detection area 90 when a user touches the top plate 10 within the central touch detection area 90.

[0104] With particular reference to FIG. 8, the central baseplate element 92 is multi-sided in this embodiment and forms the top surface 56 of the baseplate 18.

[0105] At least one central sensor 94 for detecting light emanating from the central baseplate element 92 is located on an edge 96 of the central baseplate element 92. In this embodiment, eight central sensors 94 are equally spaced around the edge 96 of the central baseplate element 92 and face inward toward the center of the central baseplate element 96.

[0106] Using this approach, we can see how three different types of base plate elements, and therefore three different types of touchscreen elements, can be used in a single touchscreen device. The first type includes a base plate element that can have only one sensor and detects the presence or absence of a touch. The second type has sensors on both ends and can detect the location of a touch and movement between the ends. And the third type has sensors that detect the position of a two-dimensional surface, similar to a traditional touchscreen. All of these can be configured together in a single device, and can even be placed between a continuous (optically continuous) top plate.

[0107] 5 and 6a, the display screen 88 is positioned below the top surface 56 of the top plate 10. However, in this embodiment, the display screen 88 is also positioned below the central base plate element 92, such that the central base plate element 92 is located between the top plate 10 and the screen 88.

[0108] When a user touches the top plate 10 within the central detection area 90, light is transmitted from the top plate 10 down to the central base plate element 92. The location at which the top plate 10 is touched and the nature of the touch can be determined in the same manner as already described using associated processing means (not shown).

[0109] The display area 78 can then be controlled based on the nature and location of the touch, similar to the methods already described in connection with the embodiments of Figures 5 and 6a. For example, a touch in the central detection area 90 can illuminate a corresponding point or area of ​​the display screen 88. A touch in the central detection area 90 can cause predetermined information to be displayed in the central display area 82. A touch in the central detection area 90 can cause all or a portion of the external display area 80 to illuminate and / or display information. Additionally, a touch in the central detection area 90 can cause an action, such as turning the device on or off. Many other functions are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0110] 9a and 10 show a base plate 18 of a further embodiment of the present invention, which is segmented or patterned to define multiple optically isolated touch sensitive areas 38 when incorporated into a screen device 8 for use.

[0111] The base plate 18 of Figures 9a and 10 is substantially planar and generally circular in plan view, although in other embodiments the base plate 18 may be curved, contoured, or take on other shapes.

[0112] In this embodiment, the base plate 18 includes three separate regions 98 that correspond to three different touch sensitive areas when incorporated into the screen device 8. These three separate regions 98 of the base plate 18 are referred to as elements 100 of the base plate 18. That is, the base plate in this embodiment includes a first base plate element 102, a second base plate element 104, and a third base plate element 106. Each of the base plate elements 100 form part of the same common fabric, and all form part of the same larger base plate 18, but are optically isolated from one another, as will be described below.

[0113] The first and second baseplate elements 102, 104 are each generally trapezoidal in shape and are approximately the same size as each other. The third baseplate element 106 has a first end 108 adjacent the first baseplate element 102 and a second end 110 adjacent the second baseplate element 104. The third baseplate element 106 extends around the periphery of the circular baseplate 18 between the first and second baseplate elements 102, 104, curving between its first and second ends 108, 110 to form a curved band.

[0114] The base plate elements 100 are optically separated from one another by openings or cutouts 112 in the base plate 18 into which opaque masking strips / shapes are inserted. Specifically, the base plate 18 includes cutouts 112 that define the outer edge of each base plate element 100. While this embodiment of the present invention utilizes the cutouts 112 to create optically separated segments of the base plate 18, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many different methods of creating such optical separation exist and may be utilized in the base plate 18 of embodiments of the present invention. As one example, the optically separated base plate elements 18 may be achieved by forming selectively opaque regions to separate the base plate, such as by multiple shot molding.

[0115] The cutouts 112 also define a plurality of sensor receiving openings 114 for receiving sensors 20, which in this example are in the form of photodiodes. The sensor receiving openings include two first sensor receiving openings 114, two second sensor receiving openings 116, and four third sensor receiving openings 118. The first sensor receiving openings 114 are located at an outer edge 120 of the first baseplate element 102. The second sensor receiving openings 116 are located at an outer edge 122 of the second baseplate element 104. Two of the third sensor receiving openings 118 are located at the first end 108 of the third baseplate element 106, and two of the third sensor receiving openings 118 are located at the second portion 110 of the third baseplate element 106. In this case, multiple sensors 20 are used to increase the efficiency of light collection from the base plate 10 and also to make the third base plate element 106 very insensitive to variations in any press radial position 124, since the third element 106 is primarily related to the press rotational position 126, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0116] When the screen device 8 incorporating the base plate 18 of this embodiment is assembled, a first sensor (not shown) for detecting light emanating from the first base plate element 102 is received in each of the first sensor receiving openings 114. Correspondingly, a second sensor (not shown) for detecting light emanating from the second base plate element 104 is received in each of the second sensor receiving openings 116, and a third sensor (not shown) for detecting light emanating from the third base plate element 106 is received in each of the third sensor receiving openings 118. Each of the sensors 20 faces the associated base plate element 102, 104, 106 to detect light emanating from the associated base plate element 102, 104, 106.

[0117] When incorporated into a screen device 8 for use, the base plate 18 may be provided below the substantially planar top plate 10 such that the areas of the top plate 10 overlying the first, second, and third base plate elements 102, 104, and 106 define first, second, and third touch sensitive areas, respectively. As with the other embodiments, the top plate 10 may have the same dimensions as the base plate 18 such that the edges of the top plate 10 terminate at or extend beyond the edges of the base plate 18.

[0118] In the latter case, where the top plate 10 extends beyond the edge of the base plate 18, a masking or mask layer 66 can be inserted between the top plate 10 and the base plate 18 to provide optical isolation between the top plate 10 and the base plate 18, as shown in FIG. 9b. The mask layer 66 shields the base plate 18, ensuring that a press or touch on the top plate 10 can introduce light into the base plate 18 only within the required region of touch sensitivity associated with the openings 128 in the mask layer 66. In the case shown in FIG. 9b, the three-dimensional mask layer 66 combines the mask insert required to isolate the individual base plate elements with an inter-plate mask used to shield the base plate 18 from stray light due to touches on the top plate 10 outside of the active touch area.

[0119] It can therefore be seen that optical isolation strategies can be combined according to device requirements: masking between the top and base plates may be used, blocking of any optical path between adjacent base plate elements may be used, or a combination of the two approaches may be used.

[0120] Processing means (not shown) receives data from the sensor 20 representing the amount and intensity of light detected and operation of the screen arrangement 8 incorporating the base plate 18 of Figures 9a, 10 is essentially the same as already described in relation to the previous embodiments.

[0121] The sensor 20 of this embodiment is capable of detecting the presence or absence of a touch in the first and second touch sensitive areas, and the force of the touch, i.e., the pressure or intensity of the touch. The system can detect whether a user is contacting the top plate within the first and second touch sensitive areas, but cannot detect the location of the touch within these areas. Thus, the first and second base plate elements 102, 104 are of a first base plate element type adapted to detect the presence or absence of a touch, but not the location of a touch, such that the first and second touch sensitive areas effectively function as buttons.

[0122] The presence, presence, and location of a touch, as well as the pressure of the touch, in the third touch sensitive area can be determined because both the first and second ends 108, 110 of the third base plate element 106 include sensors 20. Thus, the third base plate element 106 is a second base plate element type adapted to detect the presence, presence, and location of a touch between its first and second ends 108, 110, with each first and second end 108, 110 having an associated sensor 20 received within a sensor-receiving opening 118 of the third base plate element 106.

[0123] One possible embodiment of the device is for use in a screen configuration 8 forming a control panel for a speaker system. In this case, the first and second touch detection areas can essentially form buttons for controlling track selection, e.g., a touch in the first touch detection area selects or indicates the previous audio track, and a touch in the second touch detection area selects or indicates the next audio track. The third touch detection area has the function of detecting the touch position and can be used, for example, as a volume adjustment slider. In this case, a user can swipe a finger in one direction along the third touch detection area to increase the volume and swipe a finger in the opposite direction along the third touch detection area to decrease the volume.

[0124] It should be understood that although the segmented base plate 18 of Figures 9a and 10 is substantially planar in this example, in other embodiments the base plate 18 may be curved or contoured.

[0125] Examples of devices in which the touchscreen device 8 of the present invention can be used are handheld or portable devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops, as well as larger electronic devices such as washing machines, refrigerators or other white goods, although it will be clear that the present invention is not limited to use in these products.

[0126] 11 and 12 show two example devices that include the curved touchscreen device 8 of FIGS.

[0127] Figure 11 shows the curved touchscreen device 8 of Figures 7 and 8 implemented in a touch mouse 130 that may be used, for example, with a laptop (not shown). Figure 12 shows the touchscreen device of Figures 7 and 8 incorporated as a touch mouse 132 integrated into a keyboard 134.

[0128] In these embodiments, scrolling and swiping in different detection areas allows different actions to be performed on an associated screen, e.g., a laptop screen, without moving any part of the touchscreen device. For example, swiping in a particular direction on a detection area may cause a particular action to be performed on the screen. That is, the system may be configured so that swiping up or down or in other directions within the detection area causes a particular action or control to be performed. Thus, the techniques of the present invention, as previously described, may provide a static dial that allows a user to apply and detect swipes, scrolls, and presses on the dial without moving any part of the dial itself.

[0129] In general, embodiments of the present invention enable the location and type of touch to be detected. As described, depending on the placement of sensors 20 relative to base plate 18, the presence or absence of a touch can be detected, or the presence or absence and associated location of a touch can be determined. Position detection provides an additional useful function to the system in that it allows for the detection of movement, i.e., swiping or scrolling motion. Furthermore, the force of the touch, i.e., touch pressure, as well as the duration of the touch, may be determined with all sensor configurations.

[0130] The ability to determine touch pressure can have many different applications, including, but not limited to, the ability to accommodate different touch pressures resulting from different control functions, or detecting dynamic changes in touch pressure, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, a short, light touch can turn off the screen of an associated device, while a strong, long touch can turn off the device itself. Additionally, the ability to determine touch pressure can allow light touches to be ignored, which may be accidental and can be assumed by the system to be so due to the small force applied, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidental activation of a device or control function, for example.

[0131] In addition to the above, the use of multiple light collection plates, i.e., multiple base plate elements, each treated essentially as a separate detection system, allows for easy detection of multiple simultaneous touches without additional processing complexity. Furthermore, this segmentation of the base plate 18 creates touch detection areas that are easily customizable depending on the application. The top plate 10 of these devices advantageously provides a multi-detection surface upon which the presence, location, and type of touch can be detected in multiple different areas of the top plate 10 depending on the particular configuration of the touchscreen device 8.

[0132] As an example of possible customization of touch sensitive regions in a multiple base plate element system, in embodiments in which the base plate elements are doped with light scattering particles, some or all of these base plate elements can have different doping densities. The doping densities selected may be based, for example, on the required detection range or the intended functionality of the different touch sensitive regions defined by the different base plate elements. For example, if the intended use of a touch sensitive region requires determining the location of a touch with high precision, it may be preferable to use a higher doping level than a touch sensitive region that is only required to detect the presence or absence of a touch.

[0133] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be modified to take many alternative forms to those described herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. a top plate having one or more light sources, the top plate having light from the one or more light sources transmitted by total internal reflection; a base plate including a plurality of base plate elements optically isolated from one another and capable of transmitting light therethrough; the top plate and the base plate are configured such that when an external object contacts a first surface of the top plate, thereby performing a touch, light is coupled from a second surface of the top plate to an underlying base plate element and transmitted within the base plate element, the top plate being optically continuous over a plurality of the base plate elements; each said baseplate element having one or more sensors associated therewith for detecting light transmitted within said baseplate element; The touch detection device further comprising processing means for determining information from the sensor relating to a touch on the first surface of the top plate.

2. The touch detection device according to claim 1 , A touch detection device wherein one or more of said base plate elements are of a first base plate element type adapted to detect the presence or absence of a touch but not the location of a touch.

3. The touch detection device according to claim 2, The touch detection device, wherein one or more base plate elements of the first base plate element type are also adapted to detect a pressure intensity of a touch.

4. 4. The touch detection device according to claim 1, one or more of the base plate elements is a second base plate element type; The second base plate element type has a first end and a second end, one or more first end sensors associated with the first end, and one or more second end sensors associated with the second end, and the base plate elements of the second base plate element type are adapted to detect the presence or absence and location of a touch between the first end and the second end.

5. The touch detection device according to claim 4, A touch detection device wherein one or more of the base plate elements of the second base plate element type are also adapted to detect the pressure intensity of a touch.

6. The touch detection device according to claim 4 or 5, The touch detection device, wherein the processing means is adapted to detect movement along the base plate element of the second base plate element type between the first end and the second end.

7. 7. The touch detection device according to claim 4, A touch sensitive device wherein one or more of the base plate elements of the second base plate element type are not substantially rectangular.

8. The touch detection device according to claim 7, One or more of the base plate elements of the second base plate element type define a curve between the first end and the second end of the touch sensitive device.

9. 8. The touch detection device according to claim 1, The top plate is a non-flat touch sensitive device.

10. The touch detection device according to claim 9, A touch sensitive device in which one or more of the base plate elements are located under grooves or recesses in the top plate.

11. The touch detection device according to claim 10, A touch sensitive device having the groove in the top plate, under which the base plate element of the second base plate element type is located.

12. 12. The touch detection device according to claim 9, There are one or more raised areas raised from the top plate with which one or more of the base plate elements are associated.

13. The touch detection device according to claim 12, At least one of the protruding regions includes a central region having a peripheral region between the central region and a planar region of the top plate.

14. The touch detection device according to claim 13, The peripheral region has one or more of the base plate elements associated therewith.

15. The touch detection device according to claim 14 dependent on claim 4, The touch sensitive device, wherein the peripheral region has the base plate element of the second base plate element type disposed thereunder for detecting touches on the peripheral region.

16. The touch detection device according to claim 15, The processing means provides a touch sensitive device with dial functionality on the base plate elements of the second base plate element type located below the peripheral area.

17. The touch detection device according to any one of claims 13 to 16 dependent on claim 2, The peripheral region has one or more of the base plate elements of the first base plate element type disposed thereunder, the touch detection device detecting a touch on the peripheral region.

18. 18. The touch detection device according to claim 13, A touch sensitive device wherein one or more of the base plate elements underlie the central region.

19. 19. The touch detection device according to claim 18, The base plate element located below the central region is of a third base plate element type, and the base plate element of the third base plate element type is adapted to detect the presence or absence of a touch and the position of the touch on the central region.

20. 20. The touch detection device according to claim 1, A touch sensitive device in which a display element is disposed beneath one or more of said base plate elements.

21. 21. The touch detection device according to claim 1, A touch sensing device in which some or all of the base plate elements are lossy such that transmission losses occur.

22. The touch detection device according to claim 21 dependent on claim 4 or claim 19, A touch detection device wherein the transmission loss between light incident on the base plate element and one or more sensors associated with the base plate is utilized by the processing means to determine a location of a touch.

23. 23. The touch detection device according to claim 21 or 22, A touch sensing device wherein a lossy baseplate element is doped to impart said transmission loss.

24. 24. The touch detection device according to claim 23, A touch sensitive device in which different said base plate elements are provided with different levels of doping.

25. 25. The touch detection device according to claim 24, A touch sensing device wherein the base plate elements of different base plate element types are provided with different levels of doping.

26. 26. The touch detection device according to claim 1, A touch detection device adapted to identify simultaneous touches to the top plate.

27. 27. The touch detection device according to claim 26, A touch detection device adapted to determine simultaneous touches associated with different said baseplate elements.

28. 28. The touch detection device according to claim 27, The touch detection device, wherein the processing means is adapted to associate simultaneous touches on different said base plate elements with a user action.

29. 29. The touch detection device according to claim 1, A touch sensitive device in which the base plate elements are optically isolated from other base plate elements.

30. 30. The touch detection device according to claim 29, A mask layer is disposed between the top plate and the base plate elements to provide optical isolation.

31. 31. The touch detection device according to claim 29 or 30, One or more moldings are provided to separate the base plate elements from other base plate elements of the touch sensitive device.

32. 31. The touch detection device according to claim 29 or 30, A touch sensitive device in which a coating is provided around part or all of the periphery of the base plate element to prevent light transmission between the base plate element and other base plate elements.

33. 1. A method of operating a user interface including a touch detection device, the touch detection device comprising: a top plate having one or more associated light sources through which light from the one or more light sources is transmitted by total internal reflection; a base plate including a plurality of base plate elements capable of transmitting light therethrough and optically isolated from one another; and a plurality of sensors, the top plate and the base plate being configured such that when an external object contacts a first surface of the top plate, thereby performing a touch, light is coupled from a second surface of the top plate to an underlying base plate element and transmitted within the base plate element, the top plate being optically continuous over the plurality of base plate elements, each base plate element having one or more sensors associated therewith for detecting light transmitted within the base plate element; The method of operating the user interface includes: detecting a plurality of user touch events on the touch detection device from signals received from the plurality of sensors; A method of operating a user interface that interprets the plurality of user touch events as user interface actions.

34. 34. The method of operating a user interface according to claim 33, comprising: A method of operating a user interface, wherein the plurality of user touch events are associated with the plurality of baseplate elements.

35. 35. A method of operating a user interface according to claim 33 or claim 34, comprising: A method of operating a user interface, wherein two or more of the plurality of user touch events are associated with the same baseplate element.

36. 36. A method of operating a user interface according to any one of claims 33 to 35, comprising: A method of operating a user interface in which a plurality of user touch events occur simultaneously.

37. 36. A method of operating a user interface according to any one of claims 33 to 35, comprising: The method of operating a user interface, wherein the multiple user touch events relate to a single touch at multiple times.

38. 38. The method of operating a user interface according to claim 37, comprising: The method of operating a user interface, wherein the plurality of user touch events are interpreted as swiping or scrolling actions.

39. 34. The method of operating a user interface according to claim 33, comprising: The method of operating a user interface, wherein the plurality of user touch events relates to a plurality of simultaneous touch events at a plurality of times.

40. 40. The method of operating a user interface of claim 39, further comprising: the touch sensitive device has a protruding region for detecting touches on the base plate, the protruding region rising from the top plate with a peripheral region having one or more of the base plate elements thereunder; The method of operating a user interface further includes detecting a plurality of simultaneous touch events at a plurality of time points, the touch events being rotational movements.

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