Optical Touch Detection Using Reflector Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interactive display devices using optical touch detection systems are often power-intensive, which limits their efficiency and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A low-power interactive display device is designed with an optical system that utilizes a modulated light source and sensor to detect touch inputs by analyzing the deformation of a reflector layer, allowing for efficient touch detection and vision analysis while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a vision system including a camera and light source is used for optical touch detection, then touch detection capability is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the existing display backlight as the light source for touch detection, removing the need for a separate dedicated light source. This extraction of the backlight's dual functionality significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining touch detection capability through optical sensors that detect light interruptions or reflections caused by touch events.
Solution Approach 2:
The display backlight serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for visual display and simultaneously acts as the light source for optical touch detection. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and reduces overall power consumption by leveraging the same light source for both display and touch sensing operations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If optical power is reflected for touch detection, then power consumption is reduced, but imaging capability beyond the surface may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical detection into different functional zones or modes: one optimized for touch detection using reflected light, and another for imaging beyond the surface. By dividing the optical system's functionality, the patent can optimize each mode separately, allowing reflected light to be utilized for touch detection without compromising the imaging capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its optical configuration or detection mode based on operational requirements. When touch detection is the primary function, the system utilizes reflected light to minimize power consumption. When imaging beyond the surface is required, the system can switch to transmission mode or adjust optical paths, providing adaptability without permanent interference between the two functions.
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
The system achieves low power consumption by reflecting most of the optical power and capturing only the necessary light for touch detection, enabling a mobile and efficient interactive display device that can also image beyond the surface without interfering with touch detection.
Implementation Method 1
A low-power interactive display device is designed with an optical system that utilizes a modulated light source and sensor to detect touch inputs by analyzing the deformation of a reflector layer
Data Source
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AI summary
Optical touch detection is provided by an interactive display device including an elastomer layer, a reflector configured to transmit light having a first characteristic and to reflect light having a second characteristic, and a display positioned to output modulated light having the first characteristic through the elastomer layer and the reflector as a display image. The interactive display device further comprises a test light source positioned to output light having the second characteristic through the elastomer layer for reflection off of the reflector, and a sensor configured to receive light having the second characteristic reflected from the reflector.