Multitouch Control Panel Radiation Network for Touch Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-touch control panels face challenges in efficiently generating a source image to accurately determine the position of multiple touch devices with complex lighting arrangements and camera systems, leading to inflexibility and high computing power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a radiation network of intersecting threads generated by emitters around a detection area, where the source image is created by activating sensors based on whether beam paths are interrupted, allowing for a simple and robust generation of a digital source image using optical image recording, enabling standardized tracking software to determine touch positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lighting arrangement is arranged around the edge of the control panel and a camera is mounted at a distance, then multiple touch devices can be imaged simultaneously, but the installation space increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting arrangement and camera system into an integrated evaluation unit that processes optical signals directly at the control panel surface. This eliminates the need for separate edge-mounted lighting arrangements and distance-mounted cameras, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining multi-touch detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an evaluation unit as an intermediary component that receives optical signals from sensors embedded in the control panel surface and converts them into touch position information. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for complex external camera systems while preserving the ability to track multiple touch devices simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If infrared emitters and sensors form an X-Y grid to detect touch positions, then the position of touch means can be determined, but only a maximum of two touch means can be determined simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional X-Y grid of emitters and sensors to a surface-based sensor array that detects optical signals across the entire control panel surface. This dimensional change enables simultaneous detection of multiple touch points beyond the limitation of two touches, while maintaining precise position determination through the sensor distribution pattern
3Adaptability or versatility
If the FTIR method is used with light radiated into Plexiglas, then multiple touch devices can be tracked simultaneously, but the device complexity increases due to the necessary camera system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the camera function from the FTIR system and replaces it with embedded optical sensors that directly detect touch positions on the control panel surface. This extraction eliminates the need for complex external camera systems while preserving the ability to track multiple touch devices simultaneously through the sensor array
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical camera-based detection system with an optical sensor array that directly interfaces with the control panel surface. This substitution eliminates moving parts and complex optical paths required for camera operation, reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-touch tracking capability
4Measurement precision
If areas between beam paths are analyzed for all sensors to determine touch positions, then touch positions can be calculated, but a large amount of data has to be processed requiring high computing power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control panel surface into discrete sensor zones, each independently detecting touch events in its region. This segmentation allows parallel processing of touch data from different zones, reducing the computational burden compared to analyzing all sensor data globally, while maintaining accurate touch position calculation through localized sensor responses
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
This approach allows for flexible and efficient tracking of multiple touch devices with reduced computing power and installation space, enabling easy interaction with the display medium.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation network of intersecting radiation threads is generated by activating emitters (E1-E16) arranged around a detection area (12), whose radiation hits sensors (S1-S16)
Implementation Method 2
The emitters and sensors are designed for an infrared working area
Implementation Method 3
Beam paths (16) are interrupted by introducing at least one touch device (T1, T2, T3) into the radiation network
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for creatinga source imageof adetection region (12), wherein the position of at least one touch means (T1, T2, T3) within the detection region (12) can be gathered from the source image. The position of the touch means (T1, T2, T3) can be evaluated and tracked by means of tracking software. The invention is characterized in that the source image is created in that emitters (E) and sensors (S) for electromagnetic waves are provided, which are arranged around the detection region (12), wherein the emitters (E) are connected to the associated sensors (S) by beam paths (16). The replication of the touch means (T1, T2, T3) in the source image is carried out by evaluating the beam paths (16) that are interrupted by the touch means (T1, T2, T3).