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Optical touchpad system and waveguide for use therein

  • US 20080007540A1
  • Filed: 07/06/2006
  • Published: 01/10/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An optical touchpad system comprising:

  • one or more emitters configured to emit electromagnetic radiation;

    one or more sensors configured to receive electromagnetic radiation and output one or more output signals that correspond to one or more properties of the received electromagnetic radiation;

    a waveguide that guides a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitters to the sensors, the waveguide comprising;

    an irradiation layer that is optically coupled to the one or more emitters to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted therefrom, the irradiation layer being disposed within the waveguide such that the electromagnetic radiation received by the irradiation layer from the one or more emitters is trapped within the irradiation layer at least in part by total internal reflection;

    an interface surface spaced apart from the irradiation layer, the interface surface being configured to be engaged by a user with an object; and

    a signal layer separate from the irradiation layer that is optically coupled to the one or more sensors;

    wherein the waveguide is configured such that if the interface surface is engaged with the object, the engagement therebetween causes the irradiation layer to deform such that a portion of the electromagnetic radiation trapped within the irradiation layer is leaked from the irradiation layer and guided to the one or more sensors at least in part by the signal layer.

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