Touch-Sensing Panel With Normal-Axis Light Path Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-sensitive panels face issues with sub-optimal performance due to complex opto-mechanical components, leading to increased cost, size, and manufacturing complexity, along with compromised detection accuracy and resolution.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive apparatus with a light directing portion and channel arrangement that allows emitters and detectors to be positioned opposite a panel's rear surface, using a frame element to direct light through a channel parallel to the panel's normal axis, reducing the number of components and optimizing light path alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex opto-mechanical components are used to improve detection accuracy, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light directing function and detector housing into a single integrated opto-mechanical component. The light director is positioned adjacent to detectors and directs light onto the touch surface, while also serving as part of the detector assembly structure. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The opto-mechanical component performs multiple functions: it houses the detectors, directs light onto the touch surface, and provides structural support for the optical path. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the system architecture while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If more opto-mechanical components are incorporated to improve detection performance, then detection performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple opto-mechanical functions into fewer integrated components, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. The light director is integrated with the detector assembly, eliminating the need for separate alignment and mounting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into functional modules (emitters, light directors, detectors, signal processing units) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining overall system performance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional light path arrangement is used, then light propagation is achieved, but stray light effects and signal-to-noise ratio are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The light director acts as an intermediary component that precisely controls light propagation from emitters to the touch surface and from the touch surface to detectors. By positioning the light director adjacent to detectors and configuring its light directing surface, the system achieves controlled light paths that minimize stray light while maximizing signal strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The light directing surface is positioned and oriented to provide localized, precise light direction toward specific detector elements. This localized control of light paths ensures that each detector receives light from its designated emitter through the touch surface, minimizing cross-talk and stray light effects.
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 design results in a compact, cost-effective, and robust touch-sensing apparatus with improved signal-to-noise ratio, reduced stray light effects, and enhanced detection accuracy and resolution, while minimizing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
optical and mechanical solutions for controlling and tailoring the light paths above the panel via fully or partially randomized refraction, reflection or scattering
Implementation Method 2
optical and mechanical solutions for controlling and tailoring the light paths above the panel via fully or partially randomized refraction, reflection or scattering
Implementation Method 3
the light directing surface and the channel are arranged on opposite sides of the panel and overlap in the direction of the plane, whereby the light directing surface receive light from the emitters, or direct light to the detectors, through the panel and through the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensing apparatus is disclosed comprising a panel having a touch surface, emitters and detectors arranged along a perimeter, a light directing portion arranged adjacent the perimeter and comprising a light directing surface, the emitters and/or the detectors are arranged opposite a rear surface of the panel to emit and/or receive light through a channel in a frame element, the channel is arranged opposite the rear surface and extends in a direction of a normal axis of the touch surface, the light directing surface and the channel are arranged on opposite sides of the panel and overlap in the direction of the plane, the light directing surface receive light from the emitters, or direct light to the detectors, through the panel and through the channel, in the direction of the normal axis. A method of manufacturing a frame element for a touch sensing apparatus is disclosed.