Coordinate Locating Apparatus Using Optical Retro-Reflection for Multi-Touch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coordinate locating devices can only detect the coordinates of a single object, leading to limited applications and increased manufacturing costs when attempting to locate multiple objects, as they often require multiple image sensors.
Innovation Solution
A coordinate locating apparatus using two detectors and an optical element capable of retro-reflecting and reflecting light to detect mirrored images of objects, allowing for the localization of multiple touch points on a plane while reducing manufacturing costs and complexity of calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors are used to locate multiple objects, then the ability to detect multiple touch points is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical elements (mirrors and retro-reflectors) to create virtual copies of the light emitting elements. These optical copies allow a single physical detector to receive light that appears to come from multiple locations, enabling multi-touch detection without requiring multiple physical image sensors. This reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to detect multiple touch points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single detector perform multiple functions by using optical elements to direct light from multiple apparent sources to the same detector. The detector universally handles light signals that originate from different virtual positions, allowing it to detect multiple touch points simultaneously without requiring separate detectors for each location.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image sensors are used to locate multiple objects, then the measurement capability for multiple touch points is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical elements (mirrors and retro-reflectors) as intermediaries between the light emitting elements and the detector. These intermediaries manipulate light paths to create virtual images that allow a single detector to measure multiple touch points. This intermediary approach maintains measurement capability while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical elements to create virtual images in different spatial positions, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the detection system. By manipulating the apparent position of light sources through reflection and retro-reflection, the system can detect multiple touch points without requiring multiple physical detectors in different locations.
3Device complexity
If conventional coordinate locating devices are used, then the structure is simple, but the application scope is limited to single object detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of light emitting elements using optical elements, allowing a simple single-detector structure to achieve multi-touch detection capability. This approach maintains structural simplicity while expanding application scope from single-object to multi-object detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the cost-effective localization of multiple objects by using fewer detectors and simplifying calculations, achieving faster touch response and lower hardware costs compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element arranged along an edge of the plane for reflecting and retro-reflecting light from the first and the second light emitting elements; and a second and third optical elements arranged along two edges of the plane for performing at least one of reflecting and retro-reflecting light
Data Source
AI summary
A coordinate locating apparatus for locating at least one touch point on a plane and the method thereof are provided. The coordinate locating apparatus comprises: a first detecting unit, comprising a first light emitting element and a first light receiving element, arranged at a first location of the plane; a second detecting unit, comprising a second light emitting element and a second light receiving element, arranged at a second location of the plane; a first optical element arranged along an edge of the plane for reflecting and retro-reflecting light from the first and the second light emitting elements; and a second and third optical elements arranged along two edges of the plane for performing at least one of reflecting and retro-reflecting light from the first and the second light emitting elements or light reflected from the first optical element, both of the two edges being adjacent to the edge along which the first optical element is arranged, wherein the at least one touch point is located on the basis of the detected intensities of light received by the first and the second light receiving elements, and the detected intensities of light are compared with a first threshold and a second threshold.