Touch Screen Sub-Surface Detection for Multi-User Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimedia systems with integrated touch screens and displays face performance compromises, such as reduced touch screen area and interference from objects placed on the surface, limiting their usability in environments like restaurants and venues where multiple users need to interact with media and order food.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia system featuring a touch screen with a large diagonal detection area, protected from environmental contaminants, and a sub-surface detection mechanism that allows objects to be placed on the screen without interfering with touch detection, enabling multi-user operation and simultaneous actions on a thin, robust surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated touch screen/display device is used, then the system can control and display media files, but the touch screen area is reduced and performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the touch detection surface from the display surface, allowing each to be optimized independently. The touch screen is a distinct component that can be positioned separately from the media display, enabling full touch screen area without compromising display real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate touch detection surface acts as an intermediary between user input and the media control system. This intermediary layer allows touch gestures to be detected without interfering with the display output, resolving the conflict between touch interaction area and media display area.
2Ease of operation
If objects are placed on the touch screen surface, then the screen can be used in dining environments, but touch detection is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct surface contact detection with sub-surface detection mechanisms. Instead of detecting touches on the outer surface where objects would interfere, the detection occurs beneath the surface, allowing objects to be placed on the screen without affecting touch gesture recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch detection is moved from the two-dimensional surface plane to a sub-surface dimension. This dimensional shift allows the touch screen to detect gestures through the surface rather than on it, enabling objects to rest on the screen while maintaining accurate touch detection below.
3Area of moving object
If a large diagonal touch area is provided, then multi-user interaction is enabled, but the touch screen becomes thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves large touch detection area without increased thickness by moving the detection mechanism to a sub-surface dimension. This allows the touch screen to maintain a thin profile while providing extensive touch detection capability across the entire surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch detection surface is implemented as a thin film or substrate that can be positioned separately from the display. This thin-film approach allows for large touch detection area while maintaining minimal thickness, enabling the screen to be mounted at dining height without bulk.
Data Source
AI summary
A table system includes a touch screen having a touch detection surface and a display, and a computer. The touch screen serves as an input device for the computer and the computer is configured to supply a continuous video signal to the display. The touch detection surface is configured to receive an object thereon without interference with detection, to send a first input to the computer in response to a first touch the computer configured to perform a first action on the touch screen in response thereto and, when a second touch occurs at a different location on the touch screen while the first action is being performed on the touch screen, to send a second input to the computer in response to the second touch, the computer being configured to perform a second action in response thereto, so that first and second actions are performed simultaneously.