Optical generic switch panel
First Claim
1. A switch panel comprising:
- a touch plate comprising an optically transparent layer having first and second surfaces, said optically transparent layer having an index of refraction greater than that of air, said touch plate conducting light of an excitation wavelength between said first and second surfaces and emitting part of said light through said second surface at one of a plurality of emission locations determined by pressure being applied to said first surface at a corresponding location;
a light converter positioned to receive said light emitted through said second surface at each of said plurality of emission locations, said light converter generating light having a plurality of distinct location-specific spectra, one of said location-specific spectra corresponding to each of said emission locations, said one of said location-specific spectra being determined by said emission location; and
a light analyzer that generates a signal indicative of which of said location-specific spectra was generated by said light converter.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A switch panel having a touch plate, light converter, and light analyzer are disclosed. The touch plate includes an optically transparent layer having first and second surfaces, and having an index of refraction greater than that of air. The touch plate conducts light of an excitation wavelength between the first and second surfaces and emits part of that light through the second surface at one of a plurality of emission locations depending on the position at which pressure is applied to the first surface. The light converter is positioned to receive the light emitted through the second surface and generates light having a plurality of distinct location-specific spectra, one of the location-specific spectra corresponding to each of the emission locations. The light analyzer generates a signal indicative of which of the location-specific spectra was generated by the light converter.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A switch panel comprising:
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a touch plate comprising an optically transparent layer having first and second surfaces, said optically transparent layer having an index of refraction greater than that of air, said touch plate conducting light of an excitation wavelength between said first and second surfaces and emitting part of said light through said second surface at one of a plurality of emission locations determined by pressure being applied to said first surface at a corresponding location; a light converter positioned to receive said light emitted through said second surface at each of said plurality of emission locations, said light converter generating light having a plurality of distinct location-specific spectra, one of said location-specific spectra corresponding to each of said emission locations, said one of said location-specific spectra being determined by said emission location; and a light analyzer that generates a signal indicative of which of said location-specific spectra was generated by said light converter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification