PRESSURE SENSING TOUCH SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

Pressure-sensing touch systems and methods are disclosed for sensing the occurrence of a touch event based on pressure applied at a touch location. The touch system includes a light-source system and a detector system operably adjacent respective input and output edges of a waveguide. Pressure at a touch location on the waveguide gives rise to a touch event causes the waveguide to bend or flex. The waveguide bending causes a change in the optical paths of light traveling by FTIR, causing the light distribution in the output light to change. The changes are detected and are used to determine whether a touch event occurred, as well as the time-evolution of the touch event. The changes in the output light can include polarization changes caused by birefringence induced in the waveguide by the applied pressure applied. Various detector configurations are disclosed for sensing the location and pressure of a touch event.

主权项

1. An article, comprising:
a waveguide, comprising:
an ion-exchanged glass sheet having:
an upper surface;a lower surface; andan input edge; and havinga waveguide region, comprising
a channel waveguide adjacent the upper surface of the glass sheet; and a light source system in optical communication with and configured to introduce light into the waveguide region.