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Structure-augmented touch sensing with frustated total internal reflection

  • US 8,624,853 B2
  • Filed: 04/09/2010
  • Issued: 01/07/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2009
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A touch-screen device comprising:

  • a radiation source;

    a pliable waveguide configured to receive radiation emitted by the radiation source and to cause at least some of the received radiation to undergo total internal reflection within the pliable waveguide;

    a frustrating layer disposed relative to the pliable waveguide such that a small gap exists between the frustrating layer and the pliable waveguide so as to enable the frustrating layer to contact the pliable waveguide when the pliable waveguide is physically deformed, the frustrating layer being configured to;

    cause frustration of the total internal reflection of the received radiation within the pliable waveguide at a contact point between the frustrating layer and the pliable waveguide when the pliable waveguide is physically deformed to contact the frustrating layer such that some of the received radiation undergoing total internal reflection within the pliable waveguide escapes via frustrated total internal reflection from the pliable waveguide at the contact point and proceeds through the frustrating layer;

    a display device fixed to a bottom surface of the frustrating layer comprising;

    an imaging sensor embedded in the display device, the imaging sensor configured to detect at least some of the radiation that escapes from the pliable waveguide and proceeds through the frustrating layer; and

    a structure configured to steer at least a portion of the radiation that escapes from the pliable waveguide toward the imaging sensor and proceeds through the frustrating layer;

    a coupling layer in contact with a side of the display device, the side being furthest from the frustrating layer, and wherein the coupling layer is configured to couple radiation out of the display device; and

    a cladding layer positioned on a surface of the pliable waveguide;

    wherein the frustrating layer is in optical contact with the display device; and

    wherein portions of the cladding layer are located within one or more grooves defined by the structure.

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