KR20090077771A - Optical touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical touch panel including a support, an optical fiber illumination assembly arranged along and above at least part of a periphery of the support to define a detection region, the assembly including at least one optical fiber and a light source arranged for directing light along the at least one optical fiber, at least one light detector, arranged to detect changes in the light received from the optical fiber illumination assembly produced by the presence of an object in the detection region and detection circuitry receiving at least one output from the at least one light detector and providing an output indication of the two dimensional location of object impingement in the detection region.

Description

Optical touch panel {OPTICAL TOUCH PANEL}

(Reference to Related Applications)

United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 827,223, filed on September 28, 2006, entitled "OPTICAL SENSING SYSTEM," which is given priority under 37 CFR 1.78 (a) (4) and (5) (i). See for.

See US Provisional Application No. 60 / 819,891, filed Jul. 12, 2006, entitled "LOW PROFILE TRIANGULATION AND SYSTEMS CALIBRATION METHOD." See US Provisional Application No. 60 / 832,508, filed Jul. 24, 2006, entitled "ACCUMULATOR BASED TRIANGULATION FOR TRACKING MULTIPLE EVENTS." See US Provisional Application No. 60 / 889,746, filed Feb. 14, 2007, entitled "TRIANGULATION WITH ENHANCED RESOLUTION."

See US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 691,508, filed Mar. 27, 2007, entitled "OPTICAL SYSTEM."

United States Patent Application No. 11 / 691,510, filed March 27, 2007, entitled "OPTICAL TOUCH SCREEN," which is given priority under 37 CFR 1.78 (a) (4) and (5) (i). See.

US Patent Application No. 11 / filed on July 12, 2007, entitled "ILLUMINATION FOR OPTICAL TOUCH PANEL," which is given priority under 37 CFR 1.78 (a) (4) and (5) (i). See 776,563.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to optical systems comprising optical fibers and optical light guides, and more particularly to optical touch panels and optical assemblies usable in optical systems.

The following US patent publications are believed to indicate the current state of the art: US Pat. No. 7,099,553; 7,034,809; 7,034,809; 6,972,401; 6,972,401; No. 6,783,269; 5,257,340; 5,257,340; 5,905,583 and 5,295,047 and US published patent applications 2005/0248540.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved optical touch screen, or touch panel.

Therefore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an optical touch panel is provided, the panel comprising: a support; An optical fiber illumination assembly arranged along and over at least a portion of the perimeter of the support to form a sensing area; At least one light detector arranged to sense a change in light received from the optical fiber illumination assembly generated by the presence of an object in the sensing area; And sensing circuitry for receiving at least one output from the at least one light detector and providing an output indication of a two-dimensional position of object collision in the sensing area, wherein the fiber optic lighting assembly comprises at least one with a core and a cladding; Optical fiber; And a light source arranged to direct light along the at least one optical fiber, the at least one optical fiber having a cross section forming a circumference, wherein the at least one optical fiber is at least one at at least one location along it With a light scattering break, the at least one optical fiber has light power in at least one light transmitting region having a focal point located proximate to the break.

Advantageously, said at least one light scattering break has an angular range of less than 10 percent of said circumference, and said at least one light transmissive region has an angular range of greater than 25% of said circumference.

Advantageously, light power of said at least one optical transmission region and said at least one optical fiber at said at least one light scattering break is received from said light source along said at least one optical fiber and said at least one light And directs the light scattered by the scattering breaks in a generally one plane extending in a direction generally away from the at least one break, indirectly through cladding from the at least one break. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one light transmitting region is located generally opposite the at least one light scattering break with respect to the circumference of the at least one optical fiber.

Advantageously, said at least one optical fiber extends along at least a majority of a circumference of the light curtain area, said at least one light scattering break extends along said circumference, directing light generally in one plane, It fills the inside of the perimeter and thereby forms a light curtain therein. Additionally, the optical touch panel includes at least one optical curtain collision sensor operative to sense collision of the optical curtain and generate a collision output signal comprising two-dimensional collision position information; And an output signal processing circuit for providing an output indication of the two-dimensional dispatch position.

Advantageously, said at least one optical fiber extends along at least a majority of a circumference of the light curtain area, and said at least one light scattering break comprises a plurality of light scattering breaks distributed along said circumference. The light scattering breaks in direct light directly into one plane, fill the interior of the perimeter, and thereby form a light curtain therein.

Preferably, the light scattering function of the at least one break varies along the length of the at least one optical fiber to provide compensation for the attenuation caused by the optical fiber. Additionally, the optical power of at least one optical transmission region, and at least one optical fiber at at least one light scattering break with variable light scattering function is received from a light source along the at least one optical fiber, and at least Directing light scattered by one light scattering break in a generally one plane extending directly from the at least one break through cladding in a direction generally away from the at least one break. do.

Advantageously, said at least one optical fiber has a non-spherical cross section and said at least one break is precisely located at the focal point of said at least one light transmissive region. Further, the optical power of at least one optical fiber having a non-spherical cross section, and at least one light transmission region and at least one light scattering interruption portion, and at least one light scattering disconnection portion accurately positioned at the focal point of the at least one light transmission region are The direction received generally from the light source along at least one optical fiber and scattered by the at least one light scattering break, directly away from the at least one break, directly through the cladding from the at least one break Operate to direct, generally in one plane, of uniform thickness extending therefrom.

Preferably, the sensing circuit operates at least in part by triangulation.

Advantageously, said at least one optical fiber extends along three sides of said sensing region, said at least one detector comprising a pair of detectors located in adjacent corners of the sensing region parallel to the ends of the at least one optical fiber, and sensing circuitry Operates at least in part by triangulation.

In addition, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an optical touch panel, the panel comprising: a support forming a generally planar surface; A light illumination assembly arranged along and over at least a portion of the perimeter of the support to form a sensing area; At least one light detector arranged to sense a change in light received from the light illumination assembly caused by the presence of an object in the sensing area; And sensing circuitry for receiving at least one output from at least one light detector and providing an output indication of a two-dimensional position of object collision in the sensing area; The light illumination assembly includes at least one light guide having at least one light scatterer, the light guide having optical power on at least one surface having a focus located proximate to the light scatterer; And at least one light source arranged to direct light along the at least one light guide, wherein the light power of the at least one light guide and the at least one light scatterer is from the at least one light source. Operative to direct light received along the at least one light guide and scattered by the at least one light scatterer to a generally one plane parallel to the generally planar surface.

Preferably, the at least one light guide extends along at least a majority of the perimeter of the light curtain parallel to the generally planar surface, the at least one scatterer extends along the perimeter of the light curtain area, Providing light distributed generally uniformly in the plane, filling the interior of the perimeter of the light curtain area, thereby forming a light curtain therein. Additionally, the optical touch panel also includes at least one optical curtain collision sensor operative to sense collision of the optical curtain and generate a collision output signal including two-dimensional collision position information; And an output signal processing circuit for providing an output indication of the two-dimensional collision location.

Advantageously, said at least one light guide comprises a single light guide and said at least one light source comprises two light sources situated at each end of said single light guide. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one light source is located only at one corner of the circumference of the sensing area.

Advantageously, the light scattering function of said at least one light scatterer varies along the length of said at least one light guide to provide compensation for the attenuation generated by said light guide.

Preferably, the sensing circuit operates at least in part by triangulation.

Advantageously, said at least one light guide extends along three sides of said sensing region, said at least one detector comprising a pair of detectors located at adjacent ends of said sensing region parallel to the ends of said at least one light guide. And the sensing circuit is operated at least in part by triangulation.

Advantageously, said at least one light guide has an aspherical cross section and said at least one light scatterer is precisely located at the focal point of said at least one surface. In addition, the non-spherical cross section may include a curved front with optical power. In addition, the non-spherical cross section may comprise a generally parallel intermediate portion. It may also include an inclined rear portion that meets a relatively narrow rear strip portion.

Preferably, the present optical touch panel includes an elongated transparent mounting and a window forming a guide fixed to the support, the elongated transparent mounting and the window forming a guide having a U-shaped cross section including a parallel surface, and The parallel surface engages the generally parallel intermediate part.

Advantageously, said at least one light scatterer comprises a light scattering paint layer.

Preferably, the optical touch panel further includes an elongated transparent mounting and a window forming a guide fixed to the support. In addition, the elongate transparent mountings and windows forming the guide can be operable to ensure the correct arrangement of the light illumination assembly with respect to the support. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate transparent mountings and windows forming the guide have a U-shaped cross section. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate transparent mountings and windows forming the guide operate to minimize light loss from the at least one light guide.

The invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by the following examples in conjunction with the following drawings:

1A and 1B are schematic views of a touch panel constructed and operative in accordance with two alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention;

2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are schematic, partial cross-sectional, partial views, respectively, of portions of optical fiber assemblies usable for the touch panel of FIG. 1A;

2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H are schematic, partial cross-sectional, partial views of portions of optical fiber assemblies usable for the touch panel of FIG. 1B, respectively;

3 is a schematic diagram of a fiber optic assembly structure usable with the touch panel of FIG. 1A and providing attenuation compensation;

4A and 4B are schematic cross-sectional views of the optical fiber assembly structure of FIG. 3, taken along lines IVA-IVA and IVB-IVB, respectively;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another fiber optic assembly structure usable with the touch panel of FIG. 1A and providing attenuation compensation; FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical fiber assembly structure of FIG. 5, taken along line VI-VI; FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a fiber optic assembly structure usable with the touch panel of FIG. 1B and providing attenuation compensation; FIG. And,

8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views of the optical fiber assembly structure of FIG. 7, taken along lines XA-XA and XB-XB, respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an optical touch panel 100 constructed and operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the touch panel 100 includes a light illumination assembly 102 which is preferably arranged along or over all or a portion around the support 104, which is typically a glass plate. Alternatively, the glass plate may be omitted and the support 104 may be a frame (not shown). Typically, the fiber optic illumination assembly 102 extends along three of the four edges of the generally planar sensing region 105.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light illumination assembly 102 is a light source 106, such as an LED or diode laser, and preferably an infrared laser or LED, disposed at each end 108 of the assembly 102. Receive light from Alternatively, a single light source 106 may be employed and disposed at one end 108 of the assembly 102. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the light source 106 is located at a corner around the generally planar sensing area 105.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1A, the optical illumination assembly 102 has a core 112, such as an 'ESKA' plastic optical fiber commercially available from Mitsubishi, having a circular cross section. And at least one light guide 110, such as an optical fiber 111 with a cladding 114. The cladding 114 preferably faces at least one light transmissive region 117 of the light guide 110 in a region where the light guide 110 has optical power, and thus cuts off light scattering at at least one location. It is preferred to have a portion and at least one light scatterer 116.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1A, the light scatterer 116 is preferably formed by forming a scratch extending entirely through the cladding 114 along at least a substantial portion of the total length of the optical fiber illumination assembly 102. . This scratch is not necessary but can penetrate into the core 112.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the light illumination assembly 102 includes at least one light guide 110, such as at least one plastic rod, with the plastic rod at least one light in at least one location along it. It is preferred to have a scatterer 116, which preferably faces at least one light transmissive region 117 of the light guide 110, in which the light guide 110 has optical power. In the transmissive region 117, the surface of the light guide 110 preferably has a focal point located proximate the light scatterer 116.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, the light scatterer 116 is preferably formed by a narrow strip of white paint extending along the plastic rod along a substantial portion of the overall length of the light illumination assembly 102.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one light scatterer 116 operates to scatter light received from the light source 106 and passing along the at least one light guide 110. The optical power of the light guide 110 in the at least one light transmissive region 117 generally collimates and directs the scattered light in a direction generally away from the scatterer 116, indicated at 118. . It should be understood that generally all locations within the generally planar sensing area 105 receive light from substantially all locations along at least one light transmitting area 117.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one light guide 110 extends substantially continuously along the perimeter of the light curtain area formed by the sensing area 105, and the at least one light scatterer 116 is surrounded by Extending substantially continuously along, directing the light to a generally one plane, filling the inside of the perimeter, and thereby forming a light curtain therein.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one light guide 110 extends along the perimeter of the light curtain area defined by the sensing area 105, and the at least one light scatterer 116 is distributed along the perimeter Thereby, the plurality of light scatterers direct light generally into one plane, fill the interior of its periphery, and together form a light curtain therein.

One or more light sensors, preferably on the support 104, where the collision of an object, such as a stylus or finger 120, is disposed along one edge of the sensing area 105, in which the light illumination assembly 102 does not extend. It is desirable to be detected by 122. The detector detects a change in light received from the light illumination assembly 102 generated by the presence of the finger 120 in the sensing area 105. The detector 122 is preferably located in the same plane as the light illumination assembly 102. Preferably, two detectors are sufficient to detect the finger 120 in any area within the sensing area 105, each detector being located at an adjacent corner of the sensing area 105, as shown, and at least It has 90 degrees of coverage.

The detector 122 is preferably each a linear CMOS sensor, such as the 'RPLIS-2048' linear image sensor commercially available from Panavision SVI, LLC of New York Homer One Technology Place, suitable for use in triangulation. Do. The output of the detector 122 is assigned to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0187198, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60 /, which provides an indication of the output of the two-dimensional position of a finger 120 collision in the sensing area 105. 819,891; 60 / 832,508; And sensing circuitry 124, as described in US Pat. No. 60 / 889,746.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, which are schematic, partial cross-sectional, partial views, respectively, of a portion of the optical assembly available for the touch panel of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a circular, such as 'ESKA' plastic fiber commercially available from Mitsubishi, extending through cladding 214 and having longitudinal scratch shaped breaks 216 penetrating core 212. The use of optical fiber 200 with cross section, core 212, and cladding 214 is shown. In this case, the surface 220 formed by the scratch scatters light in the core. The curved light transmissive region 222 opposite the break 216 has optical power and in a plane 224 extending in the direction, indicated by arrow 226, away from the break 216, As shown, it serves to generally collimate the scattered light.

FIG. 2B is a 'ESKA' plastic commercially available from 'Mitsubishi', extending through cladding 234 and having, but not necessarily, a break 236 in the form of a longitudinal scratch that penetrates core 232. Illustrates the use of an optical fiber 230 having a circular cross section, a core 232, and a cladding 234, such as an optical fiber. In this case, the light scattering material 235, such as white paint, fills at least a portion of the longitudinal scratches, and such material 235 as well as the surface 240 formed by the scratch scatters the light. A curved cross-section surface 242 opposite the break 236 has a light power and extends in a direction 244, indicated by arrow 246, generally away from the break 236. As shown, it serves to collimate the scattered light.

It is seen that the light scattering break has an angular range of less than 10%, more preferably less than 1% of the circumference of the optical fiber, and that the at least one light transmitting region has an angular range of more than 25% of its circumference. It is a unique feature of the invention. This feature generally provides a light curtain of constant thickness.

2C shows the use of a new optical light guide 250 having an aspherical cross section 252 and having a longitudinal scratch shaped break 256 positioned at the focal point 258 of the aspheric cross section 252. do. In this case, the surface 260 formed by the scratch scatters light. The curved light transmissive region 262 opposite the break 256 is a beam that is generally parallel in the direction, indicated by arrow 265, with optical power and away from the break 256. As shown, it serves to collimate the scattered light.

FIG. 2D illustrates the use of a new optical light guide 270 having an aspherical cross section 272 and having a longitudinal scratch-shaped cutout 276 positioned at the focal point 278 of the aspheric cross section 272. do. In this case, the light scattering material 280, such as white paint, fills at least a portion of the longitudinal scratches, and the material 280 as well as the surface 282 formed by the scratch scatters light. The curved light transmissive region 284 opposite the break 276 is a beam that is generally parallel in the direction, indicated by arrow 285, having optical power and away from the break 276, As shown, it serves to collimate the scattered light. It should be understood that cladding (not shown) may be provided around the light guide 270.

The invention is that the light scattering break has an angular range of less than 10%, and more preferably less than 1% of the circumference of the optical fiber, and that the at least one light transmitting region has an angular range of more than 25% of its circumference. It's a unique feature. This feature provides a light curtain of generally uniform thickness. Due to the cross-sectional configuration of the optical light guides 250 and 270, where the cutouts 256 and 276 are precisely positioned at the respective foci of the light transmitting regions 252 and 272, a light curtain of very uniform thickness is obtained. Can be implemented.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H, which are schematic, partial cross-sectional, partial views, respectively, of a portion of the optical assembly usable in the touch panel of FIG. 1B.

2E illustrates the use of a light guide 300 having an aspherical cross-sectional configuration, and at least one light scatterer positioned precisely at the point of focus of its light transmitting region. As shown in FIG. 2E, the cross-section of the light guide 300 is preferably a curved light transmissive front 302 with optical power, generally parallel middle portions 304, and 306, and a relatively narrow rear strip. Inclined back portions 308 and 310 that meet portions 312. Strip portion 312 is preferably coated with a light scattering white paint layer 314 along all or most of its length. It should be understood that the light guide 300 may be formed by any suitable manufacturing technique, such as extrusion.

The curved front portion 302 lies generally facing the strip portion 312 and generally extends in a direction planar 324, indicated by arrow 326, away from layer 314, as shown. Likewise, it serves to collimate the light scattered by the layer 314.

2F illustrates the use of an alternative example light guide 330 with a cross-sectional configuration of an aspherical surface and at least one light scatterer positioned precisely at the focal point of its light transmissive region. As shown in FIG. 2F, the cross section of the light guide 330 is preferably a curved light transmissive front portion 332 with optical power, generally parallel intermediate portions 334, and 336, and the entire length thereof. Or a back 338 along which a relatively narrow light scattering white paint layer 340 is formed. It should be understood that light guide 330 may be formed by any suitable manufacturing technique, such as extrusion.

Curved front portion 332 lies generally opposite the layer 340, and is shown in a direction extending plane 344, indicated by arrow 346, generally away from layer 340. As such, it serves to collimate the light scattered by the layer 340.

FIG. 2G illustrates the use of a light guide 350, similar to the light guide 300 (of FIG. 2E), having an aspherical cross-sectional configuration, and at least one light scatterer positioned precisely at the focal point of its light transmissive region. do. As shown in FIG. 2G, the cross section of the light guide 350 is preferably a curved light transmissive front portion 352 with optical power, generally parallel intermediate portions 354, and 356, and a relatively narrow rear strip. Inclined back portions 358 and 360 that meet portions 362. Strip portion 362 is preferably coated with a light scattering white paint layer 364 along all or most of its length. It should be understood that light guide 350 may be formed by any suitable manufacturing technique, such as extrusion.

The curved front portion 352 lies generally opposite the strip portion 362 and is shown in a direction planar plane 374, indicated by arrow 376, generally away from layer 364. As shown, it serves to collimate the light scattered by layer 364.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light guide 350 is retained in the elongated transparent mounting and window forming member 377, which preferably has a U-shaped cross section. Member 377 is typically secured to a support, such as support 104 (FIG. 1). The structure of FIG. 2G shows the exact arrangement of the light guide 350 relative to the support 104 such that the collimated scattered light, designated 118 in FIG. 1, is directed generally parallel to the support 104. To ensure. This arrangement is enhanced by the engagement of the parallel planes formed by the parallel planes 378 and 379 of the intermediate portions 354 and 356 and the corresponding members 377. In addition, the structure of FIG. 2G minimizes light loss from the light guide 350 caused by adhesive coupling of the light guide 350 on the support 104, or by optical coupling due to other types of mounting. The member 377 provides a peripheral sealing of the touch panel and is therefore particularly useful for the optical touch panel structure.

2H illustrates the use of an alternative example light guide 380 with a cross-sectional configuration of an aspherical surface, and at least one light scraper positioned precisely at the focal point of its light transmissive region. As shown in FIG. 2H, the cross section of the light guide 380 is preferably a curved light-transmitting front 382 with generally optical power, generally parallel middle parts 384, and 386, and all of their lengths. Or along most of the back portion 388 a relatively narrow layer 390 of light scattering white paint is formed thereon. It should be understood that light guide 380 may be formed by any suitable manufacturing technique, such as extrusion.

Curved front portion 382 is shown oppositely in the direction of plane 391, indicated by arrow 392, generally opposite the layer 390, and generally away from layer 390. As such, it serves to collimate the light scattered by the layer 390.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light guide 380 is retained in the elongated transparent mountings and windows forming the member 393, which preferably has a U-shaped cross section. Member 393 is typically secured to a support such as support 104 (FIG. 1). The structure of FIG. 2H ensures the correct arrangement of the light guide 380 relative to the support 104 such that the collimated scattered light, designated 118 in FIG. 1, is directed generally parallel to the support 104. This arrangement is enhanced by the engagement of the parallel planes formed by the parallel planes 394 and 395 of the intermediate portions 384 and 386 and the corresponding members 393. In addition, the structure of FIG. 2H minimizes light loss from the light guide 380 caused by light coupling due to adhesive coupling of the light guide 380 on the support 104, or other type of mounting. The member 393 provides a peripheral sealing of the touch panel and is therefore particularly useful for optical touch panel structures.

Due to the cross-sectional configuration of the optical light guides 300, 330, 350, and 380, in which the light scatterer is precisely positioned at each focal point of the light-transmissive front with optical power, a very uniform thickness of the light curtain can be realized. Can be.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B, which are schematic diagrams of an optical fiber assembly structure 400 that can be used in the apparatus of FIG. 1A and provide attenuation compensation. The optical fiber 410 is connected to the light source 412 at one end thereof. One or more breaks 416 are generally formed in the optical fiber 410, as described above. It is shown in FIG. 3 that the cutout 416 can have different depths and widths at different locations along the optical fiber 410. For example, the portion 420, shown in FIG. 4A, of the break 416 at a position relatively far from the light source 412 is a view of the break 416 at a position relatively close to the light source 412. It is shown to be of greater width and depth than the portion 430 shown in 4B.

Alternatively or additionally, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the breaks 506 can be composed of discrete breaks 508 separated from each other, the density of which is relatively far from the light source 512. It is shown at position 510 to be larger than at position 14 relatively close to light source 512. As a result of changes in breaks, such as breaks 416 (FIG. 3) and 506 over the length of the fiber, a generally uniform level of illumination is generated along one side of the fiber, such that illumination occurs along the length of the illumination region of the fiber assembly structure. The attenuation of the light traveling along the optical fiber from the light source at the end is compensated for.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B, which are schematic diagrams of an optical assembly structure 600 usable with the apparatus of FIG. 1B and providing attenuation compensation. The light guide 610 is connected to the light source 612 at one end thereof. One or more light scatterers 616 are generally formed in the light guide 610, as described above. It is shown in FIG. 7 that one or more light scatterers 616 may have different depths and widths at different locations along the light guide 610. For example, the portion 620, shown in FIG. 8A, of the light scatterer 616 at a location relatively remote from the light source 612 may be a portion of the light scatterer 616 at a location relatively close to the light source 612. Is shown to be greater in width and depth than the portion 630 shown in FIG. 8B.

The result of this variation of the light scatterer over the length of the light guide 610 is that a light source at one end of the optical fiber, such that a generally uniform level of illumination is generated along the length of the illumination region of the optical fiber assembly structure 600, Attenuation of light traveling along light guide 610 from 612 is compensated for.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not particularly limited by what has been specifically described and illustrated. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes combinations and subcombinations of features recited in the claims, as well as variations that may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification other than the prior art.

Claims (31)

As an optical touch panel, support fixture; An optical fiber illumination assembly arranged along and over at least a portion of the perimeter of the support to form a sensing area; At least one light detector, arranged to sense a change in light received from the fiber optic illumination assembly generated by the presence of an object in the sensing area; And Sensing circuitry receiving at least one output from the at least one light detector and providing an output indication of a two-dimensional position of an object collision within the sensing region, The fiber optic lighting assembly At least one optical fiber with a core and a cladding; And A light source arranged to direct light along the at least one optical fiber, The at least one optical fiber has a cross section forming a circumference, the at least one optical fiber has at least one light scattering cutout at at least one location along the at least one optical fiber, the at least one optical fiber being a focal point located proximate to the cutout An optical touch panel, characterized in that it has an optical power in at least one light transmitting region having. 2. The light of claim 1, wherein said at least one light scattering break has an angular range of less than 10% of said circumference and said at least one light transmissive region has an angular range of more than 25% of said circumference. Touch panel. The optical power of claim 1, wherein the optical power of the at least one optical transmission region and the at least one optical fiber at the at least one light scattering break is received from the light source along the at least one optical fiber, and the The light scattered by the at least one light scattering break in a generally one plane extending directly from the at least one break through the cladding in a direction generally away from the at least one break And operative to lect. 4. The optical touch panel of claim 3, wherein the at least one light transmissive region is located generally opposite the at least one light scattering break relative to the circumference of the at least one optical fiber. The optical fiber of claim 1, wherein the at least one optical fiber extends along at least a majority of a circumference of the light curtain area, and the at least one light scattering break extends along the circumference and directs light generally in one plane. And fill the interior of the perimeter and thereby form a light curtain therein. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: at least one optical curtain collision sensor operative to detect a collision of the optical curtain and generate a collision output signal comprising two-dimensional collision position information; And an output signal processing circuit for providing an output indication of the two-dimensional dispatch position. The optical fiber of claim 1, wherein the at least one optical fiber extends along at least a majority of a circumference of the light curtain area, and the at least one light scattering break comprises a plurality of light scattering breaks distributed along the perimeter. Wherein the plurality of light scattering breaks direct light generally into one plane, fill the interior of the perimeter, and thereby form a light curtain therein. The optical touch panel of claim 1, wherein the light scattering function of the at least one break varies along the length of the at least one optical fiber to provide compensation for attenuation caused by the optical fiber. The optical power of claim 8, wherein the optical power of the at least one light scattering break with a variable light scattering function and the at least one optical fiber in the at least one light transmitting region is received from the light source along the at least one optical fiber. And light scattered by the at least one light scattering break extends directly from the at least one break through the cladding in a direction generally away from the at least one break and is generally uniform. And operative to direct to a generally one plane of strength. The optical touch panel of claim 1, wherein the at least one optical fiber has an aspherical cross section and the at least one break is precisely located at a focal point of the at least one light transmissive region. The optical power of the at least one optical fiber having a non-spherical cross section and the at least one light transmitting region precisely located at the focal point of the at least one light transmitting region, wherein the optical power of the at least one optical fiber is from the light source. A uniform thickness extending along the optical fiber and received by the at least one light scattering break, directly from the at least one break through the cladding, in a direction generally away from the at least one break Operative to direct to a generally one plane of the optical touch panel. The optical touch panel of claim 1, wherein the sensing circuit is operated at least in part by triangulation. 2. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the at least one optical fiber extends along three sides of the sensing area, and the at least one detector comprises a pair of detectors located at adjacent corners of the sensing area parallel to the at least one optical fiber end. And the sensing circuit is operated at least in part by triangulation. As an optical touch panel, A support forming a generally planar surface; An optical illumination assembly arranged along and over at least a portion of the circumference of the support therebetween to form a sensing area; At least one light detector arranged to sense a change in light received from the light illumination assembly caused by the presence of an object in the sensing area; And Sensing circuitry for receiving at least one output from the at least one light detector and providing an output indication of a two-dimensional position of an object collision within the sensing region; The optical lighting assembly At least one light guide having at least one light scatter, the light guide having at least one surface having a focus positioned proximate to the light scatter; And At least one light source arranged to direct light along the at least one light guide, The at least one light guide and the optical power of the at least one light scatterer are received along the at least one light guide from the at least one light source and scattered by the at least one light scatterer And direct to a generally one plane parallel to the generally planar surface. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one light guide extends along at least a majority of a circumference of the light curtain parallel to the generally planar surface, the at least one scatterer along the circumference of the light curtain area. And extend and provide light distributed substantially uniformly in the plane, fill the interior of the perimeter of the light curtain area, and thereby form a light curtain therein. 16. The system of claim 15, further comprising: at least one optical curtain collision sensor operative to detect a collision of the optical curtain and generate a collision output signal including two-dimensional collision position information; And an output signal processing circuit for providing an output indication of the two-dimensional collision position. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one light guide comprises a single light guide; And the at least one light source comprises two light sources positioned at each end of the single light guide. 15. The optical touch panel of claim 14, wherein the at least one light source is located only at one corner of the perimeter of the sensing area. 15. The optical touch of claim 14, wherein the light scattering function of the at least one light scatterer varies along the length of the at least one light guide to provide compensation for the attenuation generated by the light guide. panel. 15. An optical touch panel according to claim 14, wherein said sensing circuit is operated at least in part by triangulation. 15. The pair of claim 14, wherein the at least one light guide extends along three sides of the sensing area, wherein the at least one detector is located at an adjacent corner of the sensing area, the end of the at least one light guide. And a detector of said sensing circuit, said sensing circuit operating at least in part by triangulation. 15. The optical touch panel of claim 14, wherein the at least one light guide has a non-spherical cross section and the at least one light scatterer is exactly positioned at the focal point of the at least one surface. 23. The optical touch panel of claim 22, wherein the non-spherical cross section comprises a curved front portion with optical power. The optical touch panel of claim 23, wherein the non-spherical cross section comprises a generally parallel intermediate portion. 25. The optical touch panel of claim 24, wherein the non-spherical cross section includes an inclined rear portion that meets a relatively narrow rear strip portion. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising elongated transparent mountings and windows forming guides secured to the support, wherein the elongated transparent mountings and windows form guides having a U-shaped cross section including parallel surfaces, and And one surface engages said generally parallel intermediate portion. 15. The optical touch panel of claim 14, wherein the at least one light scatterer comprises a layer of light scattering paint. 15. The optical touch panel of claim 14, further comprising an elongated transparent mounting and window forming a guide fixed to the support. 29. The optical touch panel of claim 28, wherein the elongated transparent mountings and windows forming the guide operate to ensure correct alignment of the light illumination assembly with respect to the support. 29. The optical touch panel of claim 28, wherein the elongate transparent mountings and windows forming the guide have a U-shaped cross section. 29. The optical touch panel of claim 28, wherein the elongate transparent mountings and windows forming the guide operate to minimize light loss from the at least one light guide.

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