WO2019156609A1 - Appareil de détection tactile et son procédé d'assemblage - Google Patents

Appareil de détection tactile et son procédé d'assemblage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019156609A1
WO2019156609A1 PCT/SE2019/050075 SE2019050075W WO2019156609A1 WO 2019156609 A1 WO2019156609 A1 WO 2019156609A1 SE 2019050075 W SE2019050075 W SE 2019050075W WO 2019156609 A1 WO2019156609 A1 WO 2019156609A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
panel
spacer
housing
touch sensing
sensing apparatus
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2019/050075
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mattias KRUS
Daniel Skagmo
Jens Thorvinger
Robert EHN
Original Assignee
Flatfrog Laboratories Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Flatfrog Laboratories Ab filed Critical Flatfrog Laboratories Ab
Publication of WO2019156609A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019156609A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/042—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means
    • G06F3/0428—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means by sensing at the edges of the touch surface the interruption of optical paths, e.g. an illumination plane, parallel to the touch surface which may be virtual
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/042—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means
    • G06F3/0421—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means by interrupting or reflecting a light beam, e.g. optical touch-screen

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a touch sensing apparatus and a method of assembly thereof.
  • Some touch sensitive apparatus are known as‘above surface optical touch systems’. These touch sensitive apparatuses have a set of optical emitters which are arranged around the periphery of a touch surface to emit light that is reflected to travel and travel above the touch surface. A set of light detectors are also arranged around the periphery of the touch surface to receive light from the set of emitters from above the touch surface. An object that touches the touch surface will attenuate the light on one or more propagation paths of the light and cause a change in the light received by one or more of the detectors. The location (coordinates), shape or area of the object may be determined by analysing the received light at the detectors.
  • a problem with some touch sensitive apparatuses is that a variety of the internal components are fragile and easily damaged. In some arrangements assembly requires alignment between of cumbersome components such as a large glass panel, which can be difficult and costly.
  • Embodiments of the present invention aim to address the aforementioned problems.
  • a touch sensing apparatus comprising: a panel that defines a touch surface; a plurality of light emitters and detectors arranged along a perimeter of the panel and the light emitters are arranged to emit a respective beam of emitted light above the touch surface, and the light emitters are arranged to receive detection light from the emitted light; a housing on which the plurality of light emitters and detectors are mountable; and at least one spacer mounted between the panel and the housing to limit the movement of the panel with respect to the plurality of light emitters and detectors.
  • the at least one spacer is in mechanical engagement between the housing and the panel. In this way, force is transmitted from the panel directly through the spacer to the housing. Internal components are less likely to experience damaging forces from the panel.
  • the at least one spacer is resilient deformable for absorbing shock. This means that the spacer dampens vibration experienced by the panel. Accordingly the internal components will be less likely to be damaged from vibrations.
  • the at least one spacer abuts an edge surface of the panel. This means that the lateral movement of the panel in the plane of the panel is reduced.
  • the at least one spacer abuts a plurality of surfaces of the panel. This means that the spacer can limit the movement of the panel in more than one direction. Accordingly the internal components can be further protected from relative movement of the panel with respect to the housing and internal components.
  • At least one spacer is mounted between the housing and the panel on each side edge of the panel. This means that the panel is limited from movement against each edge of the panel. Therefore movement of the panel in the plane of the panel is limited.
  • the plurality of light emitters and detectors are mountable on a substrate and the substrate is mounted to the housing.
  • the substrate extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction the spacer extends between the housing and the panel.
  • the substrate comprises a hole for receiving the spacer therethrough. This means that the size of the touch sensing apparatus can be minimized.
  • the spacer comprises a flange portion between the panel and the substrate and the flange portion overlaps the substrate. This means that if there is some limited movement between the spacer and the panel, the panel will still be in contact with the spacer.
  • the substrate is mountable to the spacer.
  • the substrate is mountable to the spacer such that there is a gap between an interior surface of the housing and the substrate. This means that the substrate moves with the spacer and the substrate does not impact with the housing.
  • the spacer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer material.
  • the housing comprises a recess for receiving the spacer. This makes alignment of the spacer between the housing and the panel easier.
  • the spacer is fastened to the housing. This means that the mechanical engagement between the housing and the panel is more secure.
  • a method of assembling a touch sensing apparatus comprising: mounting a plurality of light emitters and detectors to a housing; attaching the housing around a perimeter of a panel, wherein the panel defines a touch surface; and mounting at least one spacer between the panel and the housing to limit the movement of the panel with respect to the plurality of light emitters and detectors.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of the touch sensing apparatus
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic cross section of the touch sensing apparatus
  • Figures 3 and 4 show an enlarged cross sectional side view of the touch sensing apparatus
  • Figure 5 also shows a plan view schematic representation of the touch sensing apparatus
  • Figure 6 shows a close up schematic representation of the touch sensing apparatus
  • Figure 7 is a flow diagram of the method according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 8 shows a flow diagram according to an embodiment.
  • Figure 9 is a flow diagram of the method according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of the touch sensing apparatus 100.
  • the exploded perspective view in Figure 1 shows the separate components side by side, but the dotted line of a normal axis N-N represents the order of how the components stack together. Only the main components of the housing 118, the light transmissive panel 102 and the display 130 are shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic cross section of the touch sensing apparatus 100 along a plane Pc-Pc as indicated in Figure 1.
  • the touch sensing apparatus 100 comprises a light transmissive panel 102 that defines a touch surface 104.
  • the light transmissive panel 102 is located above the display 130 and permits light generated by the display 130 to propagate therethrough.
  • the light transmissive panel 102 can comprise light blocking material and does not permit the transmission of light therethrough.
  • the touch sensing apparatus 100 can be a trackpad or another touch interface which is remote from the display unit 130.
  • the term“panel” 102 will be used to describe either a light transmissive panel 102 or a solid, opaque panel 102.
  • a plurality of light emitters 106a and detectors 106b are arranged along a perimeter 108 of the panel 102.
  • Figure 5 also shows a plan view schematic representation of the touch sensing apparatus 100.
  • Figure 5 shows the light emitters 106a and the detectors 106a distributed around the perimeter 108 of the panel 102.
  • the light emitters 106a are arranged to emit a respective beam of emitted light LE above the touch surface 104.
  • the light detectors 106b are arranged to detect a respective beam of detected light I_D above the touch surface 104.
  • the emitted light beam LE and the detected light beam LD are represented schematically as a two headed bold arrow.
  • the touch surface 104 extends along a plane PA - PA which is only shown from the side of the touch sensing apparatus 100.
  • PA - PA is also shown in Figure 1 .
  • the touch surface 104 has a normal axis N-N directed towards a user performing touch operations on the touch surface 104, the emitted light LE travels along the plane PA - PA but at a certain distance from the touch surface 104 in the direction of the normal axis N-N, as schematically illustrated with respect to light beam LE, LD in e.g. Figure 2.
  • the respective light beams LE, LD are transmitted at a height above the panel 102. The height of transmission is determined by the respective relative height of the light emitters 106a and associated optics with the panel 102.
  • Light LE, LD can thus travel across the touch surface 104, between opposite sides thereof, without being reflected inside the panel 102 itself (assuming the panel 102 is a light transmissive panel).
  • the light detectors 106b are arranged to receive detection light LD from the emitted light LE.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a section of the touch sensing apparatus 100 adjacent the perimeter 108 of the light transmissive panel 102. In this section, the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b, are shown in the same view, as well as the emitted and detected light LE, LD, for clarity of presentation.
  • the plurality of light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b are arranged above the touch surface 104 and are connected to a substrate 110 extending in a plane PB-PB parallel with a normal axis N-N of a plane PA - PA in which the light transmissive panel extends.
  • the plurality of light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b are located below the touch surface 104 and / or the panel 102 and optical elements are used to guide the light beams LE, LD around the panel 102.
  • Figure 4 shows such an arrangement where the light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b are mounted below the panel 102.
  • Plane PB-PB is also shown in Figure 1.
  • the substrate 110 is a printed circuit board (PCB) for mounting components thereto.
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • the substrate 110 By having the substrate 110 extending in parallel with the normal axis N-N it is provided for conveniently arranging the plurality of emitters and detectors 106a, 106b, above or below the touch surface 104 to achieve a compact footprint in the direction of the plane PA - PA and / or PB - PB of the touch sensing apparatus 100 around the perimeter 108 while achieving a direct light path of the emitted or detected light LE, LD, above and across and touch surface 104.
  • the emitted light LE does not have to be reflected in order to diffusively spread above and across the touch surface 104, and a detector 106b may directly receive detection light LD by being correspondingly positioned above the touch surface 104 at an opposite position anywhere around the perimeter 108.
  • the emitted light LE is reflected in order to be guided above and across the touch surface 104, and a detector 106b may similarly receive reflected detection light LD.
  • the touch sensing apparatus 100 may comprise a sealing window 116 as illustrated in Figure 2, shielding the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b, from the outside.
  • the emitted and detected light LE, LD may thus only have to propagate through the sealing window 1 16 along the light path between the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b.
  • the sealing window 126 provides sealing around the perimeter 108 of the light transmissive panel 102 and protects the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b and the display.
  • the substrate 110 extends in the plane PB-PB being parallel with the normal axis N-N and the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b, arranged above or below the touch surface 104. This provides for a less complex alignment to maximize the detection performance of the touch sensing apparatus 100.
  • the position of the substrate 1 10 in the direction of the normal axis N-N can be accurately varied to achieve optical alignment with respect to the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b.
  • the ability to achieve an accurate positioning of the substrate 110, and consequently the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b, attached thereto, is also due to the increased accuracy by which the dimensions of the substrate 1 10 can be defined along the direction of the substrate 110 aligned with the normal axis N-N in Figure 2.
  • the substrate 1 10 is elongated and extends in a longitudinal direction (for example as shown in Figures 1 and 5) around the perimeter 108 of the light transmissive panel 102, and it has a short-side extending in parallel with the normal axis N-N.
  • the short-side of the substrate 110 in some embodiments may be manufactured to smaller tolerances. This may be achieved by aligning the short side with the normal axis N-N and the tolerances for the alignment of the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b, along the normal axis N-N can be improved.
  • the alignment of the substrate 110 and the plurality of the light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b can thus be both improved, and facilitated as discussed above.
  • the latter advantage also provides for facilitated and less costly mass production of the touch sensing apparatus 100 and the various touch base display systems in which it may be implemented.
  • the substrate 110 may be mounted at least partly above the touch surface 104, whereby the plurality of light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b, are connected to a portion 114 of the substrate extending above the touch surface 104.
  • the upper portion 114 of the substrate 110 further provides a more robust alignment of the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b, relative to the light transmissive panel 102, by being directly joined to the substrate 110, and thereby simultaneously arranged above the touch surface 104.
  • the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b may be connected to the substrate 1 10 via connection elements (not shown) extending between the substrate 110 and to a position above the touch surface 104.
  • the substrate 110 may be fixed to a housing 118 mounted around the perimeter 108 of the panel 102, as schematically illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. By directly joining the substrate 110 to the housing 1 18 provided around the perimeter 108, the assembly of the touch sensing apparatus 100 may be further facilitated, as the amount of components can be kept at a minimum.
  • the substrate 110 can be accurately fixed in relation to the housing 118, due to the small tolerances possible in the direction of the substrate 1 10 aligned in parallel with the normal axis N-N in Fig. 1 , as discussed above.
  • the housing 1 18 may for example comprise a cavity 120, as discussed further below, being precisely dimensioned to accommodate the width of the substrate 110 along the plane PB-PB, i.e. the short-side of the substrate 1 10. Then, accurate positioning of the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b, in relation to the light transmissive panel 102 is possible as the housing 118 is mounted around the perimeter 108 thereof.
  • the housing 118 may extend substantially in the plane PB-PB parallel with the normal axis N-N, as with the substrate 110, to achieve a compact mounting around the perimeter 108.
  • Figure 2 only shows the touch sensing apparatus 100 in the plane Pc as shown in Figure 1 .
  • the housing 118 envelops the light transmissive panel 102 on all sides around the perimeter 108 of the light transmissive panel 102.
  • the housing 118 may be arranged to at least partly enclose edges 122 of the light transmissive panel 102, as shown in the example of Figure 1 . This provides for further increasing the robustness of the touch sensing apparatus 100, and improving the accuracy of the alignment of the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b, in relation to the light transmissive panel 102 since the housing 118, having the emitters and detectors 106a, 106b, fixed thereto, may also be directly supporting the light transmissive panel 102 around the perimeter 108.
  • the housing 1 18 may comprise a slot (not shown) in which the light transmissive panel 102 is fitted around the perimeter 108.
  • the housing 1 18 may comprise fixing elements 124 configured to attach the housing 1 18 to a display unit 130.
  • the display unit 130 may comprise a display support 126 and a display panel 128, which collectively is referred to as a display unit 130 in the present disclosure. Having the housing 118 attachable to the display unit 130, by fixing elements 124, advantageously provides for further facilitating the assembly of the touch sensing apparatus 100 to a display unit 130, since the housing 1 18 can be directly joined to the latter. Alignment is thus facilitated, due to the minimum amount of components needing such alignment to each other.
  • the panel 102 can be a large heavy component. It has been noted that movement of the panel 102 with respect to other components such as the housing 1 18 or the substrate 110 can adversely affect the performance and lifetime of the touch sensing apparatus 100. In particular the panel 102 can abut up against and exert a force against the substrate 110. This can misalign the optical components such as the light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b mounted on the substrate 110. Furthermore if the touch sensing apparatus experience a significant force, then the panel 102 can damage and / or break the substrate 110 or other components.
  • Figures 3 and 4 will now be discussed in reference to embodiments which limit the relative movement between the panel 102 and the light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b.
  • Figures 3 and 4 show an enlarged cross sectional side view of the apparatus 100 as shown in Figure 2.
  • Figure 3 is the same as Figure 2, except a spacer 300 is shown between the housing 118 and the panel 102.
  • the arrangement in Figure 3, and in particular the spacer 300, is part of the embodiment as shown in reference to Figure 2. However, for the purposes of clarity, the spacer 300 is not shown in Figure 2. The spacer 300 will now be discussed in more detail.
  • the spacer 300 is mounted between the housing 118 and the panel 102 and is in mechanical engagement between the panel 102 and the housing 1 18. In this way, force exerted by the panel 102 is transmitted through the spacer 300 to the housing 1 18. This means that the panel 102 does not engage with the substrate 1 10 or other components of the touch sensing apparatus 100. Accordingly the spacer 300 protects the substrate 110 and other components from physical shocks and movement of the panel 102. The spacer 300 dampens the vibrations experienced by the panel 102 being transferred to the housing 1 18 and the internal components including the substrate 1 10.
  • the edge 122 of the panel 102 abuts a first surface 302 the spacer 300.
  • the panel 102 as shown in Figure 3, the panel 102 rests against the spacer 300.
  • the friction between the first surface 302 and the edge 122 is sufficient to prevent relative movement therebetween.
  • the spacers 300 are mounted such that the components do not block the light beams LE, LD during normal operation of the touch sensing apparatus 100.
  • the spacers 300 are orientated to minimize blocking the light beams LE, LD in laterally in plane PA - PA and vertically in plane PB - PB. Accordingly during assembly the panel 102 is slid into position.
  • the panel 102 can be wedged between spacers 300 to provide a friction fit.
  • the spacer 300 is coupled to the panel 102 with fastenings (not shown).
  • the spacer 300 can be pre-mounted to the panel 102 before the panel 102 is slid into position during assembly. Pre-mounting the spacer 300 to the edge 122 can assist in aligning of the components during assembly.
  • the spacer 300 can be mounted to the panel 102 with any suitable fastening such as screws, clips, latches, hooks and / or glue. Additionally or alternatively the spacer 300 can be extruded along the edge 122 of the panel. Physically fixing the spacer 300 to the edge 122 may be unsightly, however the fixings and the spacer 300 will may not be visible in normal operation or impact on the operational touch surface 104.
  • the housing 118 comprises an overlapping portion 304 to protect the components e.g. the light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b. The overlapping portion 304 covers the edge 122 of the panel 102 and the spacer 300.
  • the spacer 300 in some embodiments comprises a flange 314.
  • the flange 314 extends and projects over the substrate 110. In this way, vibrations experienced by the panel 102 do not cause the panel 102 to damage the substrate 1 10
  • the flange 314 and / or the first surface 302 can comprise a recess for receiving the panel 102.
  • the recess (not shown) of the spacer 300 in the first surface 302 can engage the edge 122, the touch surface 102 and / or a bottom surface 320 of the panel 102.
  • the spacer 300 is mounted to the housing 1 18.
  • a second surface 308 of the spacer 300 abuts against an interior surface 306 of the housing 1 18.
  • the spacer 300 is also kept in position by virtue of a friction fit between the second surface 308 and the interior surface 306.
  • the panel 102 is wedged between the housing 1 18 and one or more spacers 300.
  • the spacer 300 is mounted to the housing 1 18 in other ways.
  • the housing 1 18 comprises a recess 310 for receiving the spacer 300.
  • the recess 310 is a reciprocal shape to the spacer 300.
  • the recess 310 is slightly larger than the dimensions of the spacer 300. In this way the spacer 300 fits snugly in the recess 310 and is held in place with a friction fit.
  • the recess 310 alternatively may be larger and the spacer 300 rests on a projecting shoulder portion (not shown).
  • the spacer 300 is mounted to the housing 1 18 with a fixing such as a screw 312.
  • the screw 312 may thread into a hole in the housing 1 18 and a blind bore in the spacer 300.
  • the spacer 300 can be mounted to the housing 118 with any other suitable fastener such as a clip, latch, hook.
  • the spacer comprises an open bore and fastener 312 threads through the open bore of the spacer 300 and into a reciprocal blind bore (not shown) in the panel 102.
  • Figure 3 shows a cross section of the spacer 300.
  • the spacer 300 can be substantially cylindrical in shape.
  • the spacer 300 is cuboid in shape and extends longitudinally along plane PB - PB to increase the mechanical engagement between the edge 122 and the first surface 302 of the spacer 300.
  • Figure 3 shows the substrate 1 10 being positioned above and below the spacer 300.
  • the substrate 110 comprises a reciprocal hole 316 for receiving the spacer 300.
  • the spacer 300 projects through the hole 316 of the substrate and does not transmit force from the panel 102 to the substrate 110.
  • the hole 316 can be large enough so that the spacer 300 does not have any mechanical engagement between the spacer 300.
  • the substrate 110 can be immediately adjacent to and abut the interior surface 306 of the housing 118.
  • the hole 316 of the substrate 1 10 is an open bore drilled through the substrate 110. In other embodiments the hole 316 is a slot (not shown) wherein the slot extends to the edge of the substrate 110. In this way, the substrate can be slid around the spacer 300 during assembly. In other embodiments, the substrate 1 10 is coupled to the spacer 300 such that no relative movement occurs between the spacer 300 and the substrate 110. In this way, the substrate 110 will move, if the spacer 300 experiences movement. However the substrate is mounted on the spacer 300 at a distance from the interior surface 306 of the housing 1 18. In some embodiments, the substrate 110 is mounted immediately under the flange 314. Accordingly the spacer 300 and substrate 1 10 are fixed together and move together. A gap 318 between the substrate 1 10 and the interior surface 306 of the housing 1 18 means that the substrate 110 does not come in to physical engagement with the housing 118 when the spacer 300 and the substrate 110 move towards the housing 1 18.
  • the spacer 300 as shown in Figure 3 is mounted below the light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b.
  • Figure 4 is a cross sectional schematic side view of the touch sensing apparatus along the plane P c .
  • Figure 4 is the same as Figure 3 except that the orientation, shape and location of some of the components of the touch sensing apparatus 100 have been changed.
  • the same reference number will be used for the same features. All the features as discussed in reference to the embodiments shown in Figure 3 are also applicable to the embodiments shown in reference to Figure 4.
  • the plurality of light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b are positioned below the panel 102. This means that the light beams LE, LD must be guided around the panel 102. This is achieved with a reflector 400 mounted on the interior surface 306 of the housing 118.
  • the spacer 300 is mechanically coupled between the panel 102 and the housing 118.
  • the spacer 300 comprises a lip 402 which abuts the bottom surface 320 of the panel 102.
  • the lip 402 means that at least two perpendicular surfaces of the panel 102 are in mechanical engagement with the spacer 300.
  • the spacer 300 limits movement of the panel with respect to the light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b in two different directions. Indeed as shown in Figure 4, the spacer 300 limits the movement of the panel 102 in the lateral direction along the plane PA - PA and downwardly in the place PB - PB.
  • the spacer 300 may comprise another similar lip (not shown) which engages with the touch surface 104.
  • the spacer 300 will limit the movement of the panel 102 upwardly and downwardly in plane PB - PB. In this way the spacer 300 positions the substrate 110 at the right level legnthwise in the plane PA - PA Furthermore, in some embodiments the spacer 300 positions the substrate 110 at the right height with respect to the panel and the housing 118 which improves alignment of the light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b.
  • the light beams LE, LD pass through the spacer 300.
  • the spacer 300 is made from a light blocking material and is positioned so that the light beams LE, LD are not blocked during normal operation.
  • the spacer 300 may be positioned in front or behind of the light beams LE, LD SO that the spacer 300 does not block the light.
  • the spacer 300 may comprise a hole or a transparent element for allowing the light beams passing through the middle of the spacer 300.
  • the spacer 300 can be mounted to a plurality of interior surfaces of the housing 1 18.
  • the spacer 300 can be mounted to the vertical interior surface 306 and the underside surface 404 of the overlapping portion 304.
  • a plurality of spacers 300 can be used to each limit the movement of the panel 102 in a particular direction.
  • the spacers 300 may be resiliently deformable. In this way the spacers 300 have a shock absorbing quality to dampen vibrations.
  • the spacers 300 are made from an elastic material such as rubber, thermopolymer elastomer (TPE), foam, silicone, or any other suitable material.
  • TPE thermopolymer elastomer
  • the spacers 300 are made from a light blocking material and may be colour black to absorb emitted light.
  • the spacers 300 are integral with the housing 118. In this way the spacers 300 are part of the same structure as the housing.
  • the housing 118 comprises a projecting portion which extends through the substrate 110 and mechanically engages the panel 102. The projection can be molded, punched, bend, deformed, extruded from the housing 118.
  • a longitiduinal ridge (not shown) is extruded at the same time as the housing 118 is extruded. The longitudinal ridge is selectively removed (e.g. via milling or any other suitable manufacturing reductive technique such as via a CNC machine) to leave a plurality of integral spacer portions 300.
  • Figure 8 shows a flow diagram according to an embodiment.
  • the touch sensing apparatus 100 is assembled according to the following steps.
  • a plurality of light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b are mounted to a housing 1 18 as shown in step 800.
  • the housing 1 18 is attached around a perimeter 108 of a panel 102, wherein the panel defines a touch surface 104 as shown in step 802.
  • At least one spacer 300 is mounted between the panel 102 and the housing 1 18 to limit the movement of the panel 102 with respect to the plurality of light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b as shown in step 804.
  • the steps as shown in Figure 8 can be take in a different order.
  • the spacer 300 can be mounted to either the housing 118 or the panel 102 before attaching the housing 118 to the panel 102.
  • One of the problems in assembly of the components of the touch sensing apparatus 100 is that one or more components may be omitted or incorrectly installed.
  • Some components such as the aforementioned spacers are not light emitting or detecting components. This means if they are omitted during assembly, the touch sensing apparatus may work when tested during quality control, but may be returned for repair later one because the component was missing. Visual inspection on the assembly line of the non-light emitting components may not identify missing or incorrectly installed components.
  • a method of operating the touch sensing apparatus 100 is provided for checking installation of light blocking components such as spacers 300 as mentioned previously with respect to the embodiments above.
  • Figure 5 shows a schematic plan representation of a plurality of spacers 300 located around the perimeter 108 of the panel 102.
  • Figure 5 is an example of a predetermined pattern of spacers 300 around the perimeter 108 of the panel 102.
  • the predetermined pattern of spacers 300 is determined on the size, weight, orientation of the touch sensing apparatus 100.
  • the predetermined pattern of spacers 300 can change depending on the parameters of different models of touch sensing apparatus 100.
  • each predetermined pattern of spacers 300 is a mask that can be used to check correct installation of orientation of the spacers 300 for each touch sensing apparatus during a quality control stage in manufacture.
  • the method can be applied to checking the correct installation of any light blocking component mountable around the perimeter 108 of the panel 102.
  • other light blocking components may be seals, gaskets, fasteners, or any other light blocking component.
  • Figure 5 shows a spacer 500 which is incorrectly installed on the perimeter 108 of the panel 102.
  • spacer 500 has been omitted or is mounted a few millimeters from the intended mounting location. This means that the pattern of spacers 300 around the perimeter 108 of the panel 102 is different from the predetermined pattern of spacers 300.
  • FIG. 6 shows a close up schematic representation of the touch sensing apparatus 100 as shown by the dotted line in Figure 5.
  • the arrangement of the panel 102, the housing 1 18, and the substrate 110 extends around the entire perimeter 108 of the touch sensing apparatus 100.
  • Figure 6 also shows a schematic representation of the processors and controllers which operate the touch sensing apparatus 100.
  • Figure 6 shows an example pair of a light emitter 106a and a light detector 106b.
  • the light emitter 106a and the detector 106b are mounted on a substrate 110 which is mounted on and abuts the housing 118.
  • Adjacent to the light emitter and detector 106a, 106b is a first spacer 300 and a second spacer 500.
  • Figure 6 shows a first region of interest 600.
  • the first region of interest is defined as the angular range, both in the Q (theta) (which is the angle of the light from the normal N-N of the plane PA-PA of the panel 102) and f (phi) (which is the angle of the light from the normal of the edge 122 of the panel 102 and in the plane PA-PA of the panel 102).
  • a selection of both Q and f are used for the emitted and detected light I_E, LD travelling in or on top of the panel 102 from which the system is configured to derive a touch signal. This range may be chosen for optimal touch resolution and to exclude contamination noise.
  • a touch-sensing system in normal operation may use the first region of interest 600 of light between 40 ° to 90 ° for Q, although preferably between 50 ° to 75 ° , and a range of ⁇ 75 ° for ⁇ )>. In this way the total angle of f is 150 ° for the first region of interest 600 as shown in Figure 6.
  • Figure 6 also shows a larger second region of interest 606 which comprises additional regions of interest 602, 604 and the first region of interest 600.
  • the second region of interest 606 represents light being emitted and detected over a greater angle of f than in the first region of interest 600.
  • the second field of interest 606 is larger than the first region of interest 600.
  • the second field of interest 606 is a range of ⁇ 80 ° for f.
  • the total angle of f is 160 ° for the second region of interest 606 as shown in Figure 6.
  • the second region of interest 606 uses a slightly greater f value to perform checking of the installation of light blocking components such as spacers 300.
  • a value of f between 75 ° to 80 ° is not used due to errors in the detected signal.
  • using a range of f between 75 ° to 80 ° is acceptable during assembly and quality control for checking the presence of mountable light blocking components 300 along the perimeter 108 of the panel 102.
  • the touch sensing system 610 may operate in one of the two modes; a first mode using a first region of interest 600; and a second mode using a second region of interest 606.
  • the touch sensing system 610 always operates in one mode using the second region of interest 606 where light blocking components 300 mountable around the perimeter 108 of the panel 102 are always detectable.
  • the touch-sensing system 610 may include an activation controller 608 which is connected to selectively control or modulate the activation of the light emitters 106a and, possibly, a touch controller 612 to selectively detect or provide readout of data from the detectors 106b.
  • the touch sensing system 610 comprises both the touch sensing apparatus 100 and the display unit 130.
  • the activation controller 608 and touch controller 612 may also be implemented as a single controller 614 for controlling the touch-sensing system 610.
  • the emitters 106a and/or detectors 106b may be activated in sequence or concurrently, e.g. as disclosed in WO2010/064983.
  • One or both of the touch controller 612 and the activation controller 608 may be at least partially implemented by software stored in a memory unit 616 and executed by a processing unit.
  • the touch sensing system 610 comprises a main controller 618.
  • the main controller 618 may optionally be connected to a display controller 620 which is configured to generate a user interface on a display unit 130 based on control signals from the main controller 618.
  • the main controller 618 is thereby operable to coordinate the user interface on the display device 130 with the data from the touch detection system, e.g. touch data from the touch controller 612.
  • a "light emitter” or “emitter” may be any type of opto-electronic device capable of emitting radiation in a desired wavelength range, for example a diode laser, a VCSEL (vertical- cavity surface-emitting laser), an LED (light- emitting diode), electo or opto-lumninisent OLED, display pixel, quantum dot, etc.
  • a light emitter may also be formed by the end of an optical fiber.
  • the main controller 618 may be configured to process the projection signals so as to determine a property of the touching objects, such as a position (e.g. in a x,y coordinate system), a shape, or an area. This determination may involve a straight-forward triangulation based on the attenuated detection lines, e.g. as disclosed in US7432893 and WO2010/015408, or a more advanced processing to recreate a distribution of attenuation values.
  • the attenuation pattern may be generated e.g.
  • the attenuation pattern may be generated by adapting one or more basis functions and/or by statistical methods such as Bayesian inversion. Examples of such reconstruction functions designed for use in touch determination are found in W02009/077962, WO201 1/049511 , WO2011/139213, WO2012/050510, and WO2013/062471 , all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the operation of the touch sensing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment will now be discussed in reference to Figure 9.
  • Figure 9 is a flow diagram of the method according to some embodiments.
  • the main controller 618 controls the activation controller 608 to send a signal to at least one light emitter 106a to emit light as shown in step 700.
  • the main controller 618 controls the touch controller 612 to send a signal to the one or more detectors 106b to detect emitted light from the light emitters 106a as shown in step 702.
  • the main controller 618 then receives signals from the touch controller 612 based on the detected light at the one or more detectors 106b.
  • the light emitters and detectors 106a, 106b have a region of interest 606 that is sufficiently large that light blocking components 300 mounted at the perimeter 108 of the panel 102 are detectable.
  • a light blocking component 300 such as a spacer 300 made from a light blocking material will prevent light beams LE emitted from the light emitter 106a reaching the light detector 106b. This is because a portion of the light blocking component 300 is within the region of interest 606. Accordingly the pattern of detection of blocked light can be determined by the main controller 618. The pattern is used for checking the installation of the spacer 300 on the touch sensing apparatus 100. The main controller 618 then determines a distribution of blocked light at least one mountable light blocking component as shown in step 704.
  • Step 704 can be carried out by the main controller 618 of the touch sensing system 610. However in other embodiments, step 704 is carried out on another processor (not shown) on a separate user terminal (not shown).
  • the user terminal is a computer, a smartphone, tablet or other portable device.
  • the user terminal can be used for quality control and testing the touch sensing apparatus 100.
  • the user terminal can be connectively coupled to the touch sensing apparatus 100 via a wired or wireless connection.
  • the user terminal is configured to receive signals from the main controller 618, the touch controller 612 and / or the activation controller 608. In this way, a user terminal may be a testing apparatus for the touch sensing apparatus 100.
  • the touch sensing apparatus 100 can self-test and self- diagnose and the touch sensing apparatus is a testing apparatus for itself.
  • the method can be performed on either the main controller 618, the user terminal, or a combination thereof, the method will be described in reference to the main controller 618 for brevity.
  • the main controller 618 optionally compares the determined distribution of blocked light with a predetermined component light blocking pattern as shown in step 706.
  • the predetermined component light blocking pattern is an expected distribution of detected light blocking components around the perimeter 108 of the panel 102.
  • the predetermined light blocking pattern can be stored in memory 616 of the touch sensing system 610. Alternatively the predetermined light blocking pattern can be stored remotely e.g. on the user terminal.
  • the predetermined component light blocking pattern will depend on the number, size, distribution and orientation of the expected components to be installed.
  • Figure 5 shows an example of a predetermined light blocking pattern because each spacer 300 will be detected in the second region of interest 606.
  • the method comprises generating the predetermined component light blocking pattern as shown in step 708.
  • the main controller 618 can record the light blocking pattern for different required component distributions. The light blocking pattern may differ depending on the model and size of the touch sensing apparatus 100. Step 708 can occur prior to the steps 700, 702, 704, 706.
  • the main controller 618 determines a difference between the predetermined component light blocking pattern and the determined distribution of blocked light as shown in step 710.
  • the main controller 618 can determine that a light blocking component 500 is missing from the touch sensing apparatus 100 if additional light LD is detected at the light detectors 106b than compared to the predetermined component light blocking pattern. This is because the light blocking component 500 will block the light beams LE, LD in the second region of interest 606, but is not actually present during assembly.
  • the main controller 618 can determine that an additional unexpected light blocking component 500 is added to the touch sensing apparatus 100 if reduced light LD is detected at the light detectors 106b than compared to the predetermined component light blocking pattern.
  • the main controller 618 can determine that a light blocking component 500 is misaligned on the touch sensing apparatus 100 if decreased or increased light LD is detected at the light detectors 106b than compared to the predetermined component light blocking pattern.
  • a misaligned component 500 can result in either an increase or a decrease in detected light LD.
  • the main controller 618 may calculate the difference between detected light LD from an additional or missing component 500 and a misaligned component 500. This is because there will be a greater difference detectable in the detected light LD when a component 500 is missing or added than if the component 500 is incorrectly orientated.
  • the main controller 618 determines that there are no errors in installation as shown in step 712. If no error in assembly of the touch sensing apparatus 100 detected, then in some embodiments no action is taken and step 712 is not carried out. In other words, an absence of an error indicates to the user that all is well with the assembly of the touch sensing apparatus 712. Alternatively, the main controller 618 may generate an“all clear" message to the user. The message can be displayed on the display unit 130 as shown in step 714. Additionally or alternatively the message can be displayed on the user terminal as shown in step 716.
  • the main controller 618 may determine that there is a difference between the predetermined and detected light blocking patterns in step 710. In this case the main controller 618 may optionally generate component mounting error information as shown in step 718.
  • the component mounting error information can comprise the location of the installation error.
  • the error information can also comprise the type of error such as omission of component, addition of unexpected component, and / or misalignment of component.
  • the component mounting error information can be sent back to the assembly line as represented by the arrow between step 718 and step 720.
  • the robotic assembly line can receive the touch sensing apparatus 100 with the error information and then remount / mount / remove the spacer 300 or other light blocking component. This step is shown in step 720.
  • Step 720 is optional because it may not be possible to fix the installation error of the touch sensing apparatus 100. Instead the component mounting error information is used to assign the touch sensing apparatus 100 for recycling or disposal.
  • the main controller 618 uses the component mounting error information to generate an alert to a user as shown in step 722.
  • the alert is a visual, aural or other indicator to a user that there is an assembly error for a particular touch sensing apparatus 100.
  • the alert may prompt the user to manually inspect the touch sensing apparatus 100 and then remount / mount / remove the spacer 300 or other light blocking component as required as shown in step 720.
  • the error alert can then be displayed by the main controller 618 on the display unit 130 as shown in 714 and / or on a user terminal as shown in 716.
  • the touch sensing apparatus 100 is optionally configured to operate in a first mode using a first region of interest 600 and a second mode using a second region of interest 606.
  • the first region of interest 600 is smaller than the second region of interest 606.
  • the main controller 618 may receive a signal to indicate that the touch sensing apparatus is being assembled as shown in step 724.
  • the assembly signal is a signal which may be sent to the main controller using a special tool such as the user terminal. If the main controller 618 determines that the assembly signal has been actuated, the main controller 618 operates the touch sensing apparatus 100 in the second mode with the second region of interest 606 as shown in step 726. If no assembly signal is detected by the main controller 618, then the main controller operates the touch sensing apparatus 100 in the first mode with the first field of interest 600 as shown in step 728. For example once the touch sensing leaves the factory, the touch sensing apparatus 100 may operate in the first mode.
  • the touch sensing system 610 always operates in one mode using the second region of interest 606 where light blocking components 300 mountable around the perimeter 108 of the panel 102 are always detectable.
  • the main controller 618 can use signal processing to exclude the detection events due to the light blocking components 300 in the areas 602, 604 of the second region of interest 606.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil de détection tactile qui comprend un panneau qui définit une surface tactile. Une pluralité d'émetteurs et de détecteurs de lumière sont agencés le long d'un périmètre du panneau et les émetteurs de lumière sont agencés de façon à émettre un faisceau respectif de lumière émise au-dessus de la surface tactile. Les émetteurs de lumière sont agencés pour recevoir la lumière de détection à partir de la lumière émise. L'appareil de détection tactile comprend également un boîtier sur lequel la pluralité d'émetteurs et de détecteurs de lumière peuvent être montés. Au moins un élément d'espacement est monté entre le panneau et le boîtier pour limiter le mouvement du panneau par rapport à la pluralité d'émetteurs et de détecteurs de lumière.
PCT/SE2019/050075 2018-02-06 2019-01-31 Appareil de détection tactile et son procédé d'assemblage WO2019156609A1 (fr)

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US11740741B2 (en) 2017-02-06 2023-08-29 Flatfrog Laboratories Ab Optical coupling in touch-sensing systems
US12086362B2 (en) 2017-09-01 2024-09-10 Flatfrog Laboratories Ab Optical component
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