Integrated Display and Input Device with Proximity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch screen technologies lack the ability to differentiate between the proximity and touch of an object, such as a finger, leading to limitations in user interface functionalities like mouse over and click functions without the need for active styluses.
Innovation Solution
An integrated display and input device with a pixel array and sensors that sense the position of objects using IR illuminators and detectors, providing non-imagewise input to circuitry for distinguishing between object proximity and touch, enabling chording, panning, scrolling, and other advanced functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional touch screen technologies are used, then the display can show visual output, but the system cannot differentiate between object proximity and touch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display pixel array with a sensor array to create an integrated display and input device. The sensor array is positioned behind the pixel array and detects light reflected from objects, enabling the system to distinguish between proximity and touch events while maintaining a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: the pixel array provides visual display output while the sensor array detects object position, proximity, and touch events. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate input devices and enables advanced user interface functionalities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are added to detect object position and proximity, then user interface functionalities are enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display and sensor arrays are merged into a single integrated structure where the sensor array is positioned behind the pixel array. This integration enables proximity and touch detection while maintaining a compact device form factor and unified manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
Light acts as an intermediary between the object and the sensor array. The sensor array detects light reflected from objects to determine position and proximity, enabling sophisticated user interface functionality without direct mechanical contact or complex structural interactions.
3Measurement precision
If active styluses are required for precise input, then input accuracy is improved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's finger or hand as the input device itself, eliminating the need for separate active styluses. The sensor array detects the natural presence and position of the user's body parts, providing input accuracy without requiring additional hardware or complex user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical touch detection with optical detection. Instead of relying on conductive touch screens that require active styluses, the sensor array uses light reflection to detect object position and proximity, enabling passive input devices like fingers to provide precise input naturally.
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
Enhances user interface capabilities by allowing differentiation between object proximity and touch, enabling intuitive finger control of devices without the need for active styluses, thus improving user interaction with devices like computers and mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor senses light reflected from the at least one object
Implementation Method 2
at least one IR illuminator for illuminating the at least one object
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated display and input device including a pixel array operative to provide a visually sensible output, at least one sensor operative to sense at least a position of at least one object with respect to the pixel array when the at least one object has at least a predetermined degree of propinquity to the pixel array and circuitry receiving an output from the at least one sensor and providing a non-imagewise input representing the position of the at least one object relative to the pixel array to utilization circuitry.