Touch Pane Light Receiver Multi-Touch Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch screen displays struggle with accurate detection of multiple concurrent touches due to interference from users and shadows, leading to user confusion and detection failures, especially in large interactive surfaces like floors where multiple users interact simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A touch detection system utilizing a diffuse, broad area illumination source and a network of display panels with detection light data processing, where the illumination source provides shadow-free detection light, allowing precise interpretation of touch points through changes in detection light intensity, enabling accurate detection of multiple concurrent touches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic properties (capacitance or inductance) are used to detect touch points, then single touch detection is achieved, but multiple concurrent touches cannot be accurately detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch detection accuracyVSAvoidmulti-touch capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the detection function by using multiple independent light receivers positioned at different locations on the display surface. Each light receiver independently detects touches in its local area, allowing multiple concurrent touches to be detected simultaneously without interference. This segmentation transforms the single-point detection limitation into a distributed multi-point detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If overhead camera systems are used to detect multiple touches, then multi-touch detection capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-touch detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the illumination function and detection function into the display structure itself. Light sources are integrated behind the display, and light receivers are positioned at the front surface, combining multiple functions (illumination, display, and touch detection) into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate overhead camera systems while maintaining multi-touch detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses light as an intermediary to detect touch points. Instead of using complex camera systems, the system employs light sources to illuminate the display surface and light receivers to detect changes in light transmission when touched. This intermediary approach simplifies the detection mechanism while enabling accurate multi-touch detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If users are positioned between the display surface and overhead cameras, then interaction is enabled, but shadow interference obscures touch point detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoidtouch point detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system inverts the traditional overhead detection approach by positioning light sources behind the display and light receivers at the front surface, facing the same direction as the user. This inversion eliminates shadow interference because the light travels from behind the display through the touch point to the receiver, rather than from above the user's head. Users can interact naturally without casting shadows on the detection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 provides reliable and accurate detection of multiple concurrent touches, reducing user confusion and enabling efficient interaction on large interactive surfaces without the need for complex overhead camera systems, making it suitable for various environments, including those with low ceilings.

Implementation Method 1

A touch detection system utilizes a diffuse, broad area illumination source and a network of display panels with detection light data processing, where the illumination source provides shadow-free detection light, allowing precise interpretation of touch points through changes in detection light intensity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission and absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9524047B2Multi-touch detection system using a touch pane and light receiver

Publication Date: 2016.12.20 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

Disclosed are touch detection systems and methods. In one embodiment, a display panel enabling touch detection comprises a touch pane configured to allow a light including a detection light, a back inner surface, and a display generation module located between the touch pane and the back inner surface. The display generation module is configured to produce a visual display at the touch pane. The display generation module is further configured to pass the detection light received from the touch pane. The display panel also comprises a detection light receiver situated at the back inner surface configured to detect the detection light received through the display generation module for enabling a detection of touches to the touch pane of the display panel.