Abstract: An image display unit and a method of detecting an object which are capable of reliably detecting an object with a simple structure irrespective of use conditions are provided. Invisible light is emitted from a screen of a display portion. The invisible light reflected from a target object which comes in contact with or close to the screen is received on the screen. On the basis of the received invisible light, the target object is detected. Thus, the target object can be reliably detected without influence of the display state of the display portion, and influence of use conditions such as surrounding circumstances (the case where it is bright or dark). Moreover, for example, it is not necessary to separately arrange a component such as a touch panel, so the image display unit can be achieved with a simple structure.

Abstract: Position coordinates in a space defined by the first to third axes of a coordinate input pointing tool are calculated. A coordinate output form includes at least an absolute coordinate output form in which calculated coordinate values are directly output, and a relative coordinate output form in which the differential values between the calculated coordinate values and predetermined coordinate values are output. The value of the first axis of the calculated coordinate values is compared with a predetermined value. It is determined whether the coordinate values of the second and third axes of the calculated coordinate values fall within a predetermined range. The calculated coordinate values are output in a coordinate output form determined on the basis of the comparison result and determination result.

Abstract: A capacitive touch screen is described with a touch area including a substantially transparent conductive polymer. The capacitive touch screen also includes circuitry connecting the conductive polymer of the touch area to a power source, where the circuitry is configured to determine a location of a capacitive coupling on the touch area.

Abstract: An optical touch panel including a support defining a generally planar surface, an optical illumination assembly arranged along and above at least part of a periphery of the support to define a detection region, at least one light detector, arranged to detect changes in the light received from the optical 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.

Abstract: A lens-equipped optical waveguide device for a touch panel includes an optical waveguide including an under cladding layer, and a plurality of cores formed on a surface of the under cladding layer with respective ends in parallel along one edge portion of the under cladding layer; and a lens device having amounting surface for placing the optical waveguide, and a lens formed in an end portion of the mounting surface. The one edge portion has an end surface which abuts the lens when the optical waveguide is placed on the lens device. The lens device is formed with a protrusion on its abutting surface for abutting the end surface, while the end surface is formed with a recess complementary to the protrusion so that the protrusion and the recess are meshed to cause the end surface and the abutting surface to be in intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an inexpensive, simple to make, self-aligning molded waveguide made of an optically transparent material and that can be used to generate a grid or lamina of light for use with touch screen displays. The molded waveguide substrate includes a plurality of lenses and a plurality of waveguide grooves corresponding to the plurality of integral lenses respectively. After the substrate is molded, the grooves are filled with an optically transparent material to optically couple and align the plurality of lenses and the plurality of grooves respectively. In one application, the molded waveguide substrate is positioned adjacent a touch screen device. A light transmitter and an imaging device are optically coupled to the molded waveguide substrate, and a processing device is coupled to the imaging device.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the position of a radiation scattering/reflecting element, where the radiation emitter is provided at a surface of a radiation transmissive element an on which radiation is incident. This incident radiation is scattered/diffused/reflected by the scattering/reflecting element and guided by the transmissive element toward a detector able to determine the position of the element.

Abstract: A system for generating orientation data when a sensing device is positioned or moved relative to a surface, the orientation data being indicative of an orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the surface having coded data disposed upon it, the coded data being indicative, when sensed by the sensing device, of the orientation, the sensing device including: a housing; orientation sensing means configured to generate the orientation data using at least some of the coded data; and communications means configured to communicate the orientation data to a computer system.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a pointer includes a waveguide and a touch surface over the waveguide on which pointer contacts are to be made. At least one reflecting device extends along a first side of the waveguide and touch surface. The reflecting device defines an optical path between the interior of the waveguide and the region of interest above the touch surface. At least one imaging device looks across the touch surface and into the waveguide. The imaging device captures images of the region of interest and within the waveguide including reflections from the reflecting device.

Abstract: A method for operating a user interface and a recording medium for storing a program applying the same are provided. The method includes following steps. First, a touch generated by touching a touch display using an input tool is detected. Then, whether or not the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. Next, whether the position of the touch is changed is determined if the touch is generated on the specific area. The user interface is activated or switched if the position of the touch is changed. Accordingly, a more convenient and intuitive method for operating the user interface is provided and the convenience in using the electronic device is increased.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus has an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. Further, the interactive apparatus includes a writing tool for manually writing on an encoded writing medium, an audio input device for recording audio, an audio output device for playing the recorded audio. Moreover, the interactive apparatus has an optical unit for determining position on the encoded writing medium of the writing tool and for recognizing information on the encoded writing medium, wherein recognition of a recording-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio recording mode and enables time-synchronization of creation of writing on the encoded writing medium with the writing tool and recording of the audio, and further wherein recognition of a playback-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio playback mode and enables multiple techniques to control playback of the recorded audio.

Abstract: Present day, technology allows flexible screens to be produced, particularly the OLED screen technology. The invention relates to a device equipped with a flexible screen emitting light. Part of the light rays emitted by the optical cells is imprisoned between the substrate layers and reflecting from one layer to the other exit at the side of the screen. Photoelectric detectors are arranged on the side of the screen in order to capture the incident light. Depending on the position of the cells emitting the light and the values supplied by the detectors, the central processing unit determines the areas of flexion applied to the screen. Hence, it is possible to introduce commands by exerting flexions on certain areas of the screen. The invention also relates to a device having a flexible screen and flexion sensors capable of executing the method for the introduction of commands.

Abstract: An optical based input touch display device with high resolution shadow detection using the linear splitting of waveguides among transmit and receive lenses and grey-scale calculations for shadow edge and center detection is disclosed. The apparatus includes a light source and a transmit waveguide optically coupled to the light source. The transmit waveguide includes a plurality of transmit waveguide grooves coupled to a plurality of groups of shared transmit lenses respectively. The plurality of groups of transit lenses, which are configured to generate a plurality of collimated light beams from the light source. A receive waveguide is also provided having a plurality of receive waveguide grooves coupled to a plurality of groups of shared receive lenses. The plurality of groups of receive lenses are configured to receive the plurality of collimated light beams. A photodiode array including a plurality of photodiodes are optically coupled to the plurality of receive waveguide grooves respectively.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining the position of a radiation emitter, which radiation emitter may be an actively radiation emitting stylus, pen, pointer, or the like or may be a passive, radiation scattering/reflecting/diffusing element, such as a pen, pointer, or a finger of an operator. The radiation from the emitter is reflected from that position toward the detector by a reflecting element providing multiple intensity spots on the detector providing sufficient information for determining the position. From the output of the detector, the position of the radiation emitter is determined.

Abstract: A signal change range, which is generated due to a pointing operation of a pointer on a coordinate input region, with respect to an initial detection signal distribution of a detection unit in an initial state in which no pointing operation is made on the coordinate input region, is specified. End portion information of the specified signal change range is detected. Coordinates of the pointed position of the pointer are calculated using at least one of a plurality of pieces of detected end portion information.

Abstract: Improved housing for a computing device is disclosed. The improved housing is provided with one of an illuminable connector, a touch pad arrangement, and a palm rest stiffening plate. Normally, the illuminable connector and the touch pad arrangement are provided on external portions of a housing of the computing device such that they are available for user interaction. The palm rest stiffening plate is provided internal to a housing to provide stiffness or rigidity to a palm rest region of the housing.

Abstract: A touch sensor device is provided that uses a flexible circuit substrate to provide an improved input device. Specifically, the present invention uses a touch sensor controller affixed to the flexible circuit substrate, which is coupled to a sensor component to provide a flexible, reliable and cost effective touch sensor suitable for a wide variety of applications. In one embodiment the touch sensor uses a flexible circuit substrate that provides relatively high temperature resistance. This allows the touch sensor controller to be affixed using reliable techniques, such as various types of soldering. The sensor component can comprise a relatively low-temperature-resistant substrate that can provide a cost effective solution. Taken together, this embodiment of the touch sensor provides reliability and flexibility at relatively low cost.

Abstract: A band-shaped touch panel optical waveguide includes a planar base; an over-cladding layer; and a plurality of cores arranged in juxtaposed relation between the base and the over-cladding layer, and respectively having end portions arranged parallel to each other in a longitudinal edge portion of the band-shaped optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is foldable along a longitudinal axis of the optical waveguide in the longitudinal edge portion. A touch panel includes a display and the band-shaped optical waveguide wrapped around a periphery of the display, and the optical waveguide is folded in the longitudinal edge portion along a longitudinal axis of the optical waveguide in abutment with a peripheral edge portion of a display screen of the display.

Abstract: A method and a system, such as a touch pad, for determining the position of a radiation emitter, which radiation emitter may be an actively radiation emitting stylus, pen, pointer, or the like or may be a passive, radiation scattering/reflecting/diffusing element, such as a pen, pointer, or a finger of an operator. The radiation is modulated by a bar code element and provided onto an at least one-dimensional detector. From the output of the detector, the position of the radiation emitter is determined. This system may be used as a standard touch pad or for determining the position of emitters external thereto, such as a marker used on a wall or black/white board or may be used with “internal” positions such as a touch pad.

Abstract: A touch panel for a display device integrates functionality provided by resistive-type and EM-type touch panels. The touch panel is integrated with the display device and includes a resisitve-type touch panel arranged above the display device and an EM-type touch panel arranged below the display device.

Abstract: Angle information corresponding to a specified point is calculated on the basis of a change in light amount distribution obtained from at least two sensor units which are arranged on the corner portions of a coordinate input region and receive incoming light. The coordinates of a pointed position on the coordinate input region are calculated on the basis of the calculated angle information. Each of the at least two sensor units includes two light-receiving units being first and second light-receiving units.

Abstract: Flexible optical waveguide substrates that can be used with touch screen displays. The waveguide substrates include a flexible base material. A first optical layer having a first index of refraction value is formed on the flexible base material. A second optical layer is then formed on the first optical layer, the second optical layer being patterned to form a plurality of optical elements and waveguides respectively. The second optical layer also has a second index of refraction value higher than the first index of refraction value. Lastly, a third optical layer is formed on the second optical layer. The third optical layer has a third index of refraction value lower than the second index of refraction value. The high N second layer is therefore sandwiched between the lower N first and third layers, creating an internally reflective surface wherever the high N and low N materials are in contact. The base material and first, second and third optical layers thus form a flexible waveguide substrate.

Abstract: An optical waveguide for a touch panel which is arranged for prevention of breakage of bending portions thereof and reduction in light loss. The optical waveguide for a touch panel is configured in a band shape so as to be wrapped around a periphery of a display of the touch panel with a bending portion thereof being positioned at a corner of the periphery of the display, and comprises a core, an under-cladding layer and an over-cladding layer which cooperatively enclose the core, and a reinforcement layer provided at least on a surface portion of the under-cladding layer present on an outer side of the bending portion, wherein the over-cladding layer is absent on an inner side of the bending portion.

Abstract: A touch indication device comprises a light guide structure for passing light of a light source via total internal reflection. A touch surface disturbs the total internal reflection when touched, causing light to leave the light guide structure. A light enhancement layer converts the light leaving the light guide and sends the converted light to a light detector. The light enhancement layer amplifies the intensity and/or changes the color of the light leaving the light guide. The detector determines the position of the touch on the touch surface based on the light from the light enhancement layer.

Abstract: An object is to provide a position detecting device that is able to accurately detect an indicated position via an indicating unit or device even when a water droplet or the like is formed upon the position-detecting-device's surface.

Abstract: In various embodiments, changing the function involves disabling an input device, disabling an output device, changing a display mode of the output device from portrait to landscape, or increasing volume of the output device. In an embodiment, the change of the function is delayed by a time period, and the delay for changing the output device is longer than the delay for changing the input device. If the electronic device is upright, the input device and the output device are enabled. The tilt is sensed by a sensing device, signals from the sensing device are filtered, and a delay is introduced. In this way, premature disabling or enabling of the electronic device is avoided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing a light effect on a touchpad or other position sensor. In one aspect, a position sensor for detecting a position of an object suitably includes a sensor, a light source, and a light conductor at least partially located between the sensor and the object. The light conductor is configured to transmit light from the light source to produce a light effect that alters the appearance of the position sensor. Because the light conductor is located between the sensor and the object, the sensor need not be made from transparent or translucent material, thereby significantly reducing the cost of the sensor. In a further aspect, the position sensor includes at least one marking or pattern in proximity to the light conductor such that the marking can be made visible by at least a component of the light to produce an image of a soft control, logo, ornamental design, status indicator or the like.

Abstract: An improved method and mechanism for recognizing chirographs (handwritten characters) input into a computer system. A primary recognizer is provided for converting chirographs to code points, and secondary recognizers such as binary CART trees are developed and trained to differentiate chirographs which produce certain code points at the primary recognizer. Each such secondary recognizer is associated with each selected code point. When a chirograph is received, the chirograph is provided to the primary recognizer whereby a code point corresponding thereto is received. If the code point corresponds to one of the secondary recognizers, the chirograph is passed to the secondary recognizer, and a code point is returned from the secondary recognizer. If not, the code point provided by the primary recognizer is returned.

Abstract: A polymer waveguide assembly. The assembly includes a polymer waveguide have a plurality of waveguide cores and an associated plurality of lenses respectively. The assembly also includes a molded lens structure having a support region, a primary refractive surface and a secondary refractive lens. The polymer waveguide is positioned onto the support surface of the molded lens structure so that the waveguide lenses are in optical alignment with the primary refractive lens and the secondary refractive lens of the molded waveguide structure. The lenses of the polymer waveguide are capable of collimating in the X and Y directions respectively. The primary refractive lens and the secondary refractive lens are both capable of collimating light in the Z direction. With this arrangement, a substantial; portion of the light passing through the secondary lens toward the waveguide cores is within the acceptance angle of the plurality of waveguides lenses respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic input device (10) in which the input is formed by detected movements of an object (M), the device comprising an optical module (11) comprising at least one laser (1,1?) with a cavity for the generation of a measuring radiation beam (S), optical means (2) for the guidance of the radiation beam (S) to a plane (V) close to the object (M) and conversion means (C) for the conversion of measuring beam radiation reflected and modulated by the object into an electrical signal, wherein the conversion means (C) are formed by a combination of the cavity of the laser (1) and measuring means (3) for measuring a change in the cavity during operation, which radiation is caused by reflected radiation entering the cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for simulating an effective touch on a touch screen sensor. A touch screen sensor includes a first surface, an opposing second surface, and one or more electrodes disposed on or proximate to the second surface. Signals are applied to the first and second surfaces in a manner which results in a simulated touch to a particular location of the touch screen sensor. In another approach, a plurality of voltage drive signals are applied at various touch surface regions of the touch screen sensor. A current flow resulting from application of the voltage drive signals is detected as the simulated touch. Touch simulation can be initiated locally or remotely as part of automated monitoring, testing, calibration, and/or servicing procedures. Results of a touch simulation procedure can be acquired and used locally or remotely to assess the operational fitness of the touch screen sensor over time.

Abstract: An interactive display system that may be implemented to provide an electronic whiteboard that enables users to input information to the system by engaging a display with one or more objects. The system may present an image via the display that reflects the inputs received from the user. For example, the display may be dynamically updated to mimic inputs made to a whiteboard by the user via one or more pens and/or an eraser. The interactive display system may implement an underlayer embedded within the display to guide electromagnetic radiation that emanates from an object engaged with the display to one or more detectors by total internal reflection. Due at least in part to the efficiency of the underlayer in guiding the electromagnetic radiation to the detectors, the interactive display system may enhance the speed and/or accuracy of the interpretation of the inputs made by the user.

Abstract: An infrared momentary-contact switch for a control device of a domestic appliance, has a transmitter which emits infrared radiation and a receiver which receives infrared radiation. The transmitter and receiver are disposed behind a cover through which at least some of the infrared radiation passes. In order to achieve a good ratio of useful signal to interference signal for the momentary-contact switch, the transmitter has an associated first optical fiber element and the receiver has an associated second optical fiber element. The ends of these optical fiber elements which respectively face away from the transmitter and receiver are adjacent one another and adjoin the cover. A control device is also provided.

Abstract: A polymer waveguide assembly. The assembly includes a polymer waveguide have a plurality of waveguide cores and an associated plurality of lenses respectively. The assembly also includes a molded lens structure having a support region, a primary refractive surface and a secondary refractive lens. The polymer waveguide is positioned onto the support surface of the molded lens structure so that the waveguide lenses are in optical alignment with the primary refractive lens and the secondary refractive lens of the molded waveguide structure. The lenses of the polymer waveguide are capable of collimating in the X and Y directions respectively. The primary refractive lens and the secondary refractive lens are both capable of collimating light in the Z direction. With this arrangement, a substantial; portion of the light passing through the secondary lens toward the waveguide cores is within the acceptance angle of the plurality of waveguides lenses respectively.

Abstract: A switch panel having a touch plate, light converter, and light analyzer are disclosed. The touch plate includes an optically transparent layer having first and second surfaces, and having an index of refraction greater than that of air. The touch plate conducts light of an excitation wavelength between the first and second surfaces and emits part of that light through the second surface at one of a plurality of emission locations depending on the position at which pressure is applied to the first surface. The light converter is positioned to receive the light emitted through the second surface and generates light having a plurality of distinct location-specific spectra, one of the location-specific spectra corresponding to each of the emission locations. The light analyzer generates a signal indicative of which of the location-specific spectra was generated by the light converter.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for coupling light between an optical waveguide and an optical element in a manner that is substantially independent of temperature, using reflective optics. Certain embodiments of the invention concern improved designs for the transmit and receive optics of a waveguide-based optical touch screen sensor, incorporating reflective optics. The improved designs have substantially temperature independent operation and reduced optical losses. In one preferred embodiment the improved design incorporates a parabolic or quasi-parabolic reflector. In another preferred embodiment the improved design incorporates an elliptical or quasi-elliptical reflector. The transmit and receive elements and associated waveguides preferably comprise photo-patternable polymers.

Abstract: A digital resistive-type touch panel includes first and second transparent substrates opposing each other; a plurality of first transparent electrodes extending along a surface of the first transparent substrate; a plurality of second transparent electrodes extending along a surface of the second transparent substrate, wherein the first and second transparent electrodes cross each other; a first signal line for dividing an applied voltage and applying unique voltages to respective ones of the first transparent electrodes; and a plurality of second signal lines connected to respective ones of the plurality of second transparent electrodes.

Abstract: A touch panel according to the present invention is constructed such that a transparent substrate coated with a transparent electrically conductive film and having dot spacers formed on top thereof, and a polarizing plate coated with a transparent electrically conductive polymer on a side thereof facing the transparent substrate, are disposed opposite each other with a prescribed space provided therebetween. As a result, the manufacturing process of the touch panel having such a polarizing plate is greatly simplified and a transparent electrically conductive film having an excellent mechanical strength can be formed as the transparent electrically conductive film of the touch panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of a touch panel having a curved shape and its manufacturing process; for this purpose, the touch panel having a curved shape comprises an upper film substrate and a lower film substrate, each formed from a transparent plastic film having a transparent electrically conductive polymer layer, an electrode, and a wiring pattern formed thereon.

Abstract: An optical touch panel including a support defining a generally planar surface, an optical illumination assembly arranged along and above at least part of a periphery of the support to define a detection region, at least one light detector, arranged to detect changes in the light received from the optical 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.

Abstract: An optical touchpad that may be able to provide accurate, reliable information about the position of an object in three-dimensions. The optical touchpad may enable a determination as to whether the object is engaged with the touchpad or hovering just above the touchpad. When the object is in contact with the optical touchpad, the optical touchpad may enable a determination of the force applied by the object to the optical touchpad. The optical touchpad may enable a determination of an object type of the object. These and other determinations of information related to the object may enhance the control provided by the touchpad system to the user as an electronic interface. The operation of the optical touchpad may further enable an enhanced frame rate, reduced optical noise in the optical signal(s) guided to the one or more sensors, augment the ruggedness of the optical touchpad, an enhanced form factor (e.g., thinner), and/or provide other advantages.

Abstract: An optical touchpad system that includes a waveguide having a plurality of waveguide layers. For example, the waveguide may include an intervening layer, a signal layer, and/or other layers. The intervening layer may be defined by a first surface, a second surface and a substantially transparent material having a first index of refraction disposed between the first and the second surface of the interface layer. The signal layer may be defined by a first surface, a second surface and a substantially transparent material having a second index of refraction that is greater than the first index of refraction.

Abstract: An optical touchpad system is disclosed that may be easily integrated into a variety of applications. One feature of the optical touchpad system that may contribute to this versatility may be the ability of the optical touchpad system to function in the same manner independent from a topology and/or opacity of an interface surface of the optical touchpad system. This may enable the interface surface to be composed of any of a variety of materials. This may further enable the interface surface to include various topologies adapted for the application in which the optical touchpad system may be employed.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymeric optical materials suitable for use in waveguide-based optical touch screen sensors. In particular, the materials should have a glass transition temperature (Tg) below a minimum operating temperature of the touch screen device. Preferably, waveguides composed of the materials are fabricated on polymer substrates, so that the waveguide assembly is flexible In this case, the materials should have Tg below a Tg of the polymer substrate.

Abstract: A force-moment sensor (1) is used as a switch, with which, depending on the introduction of forces and moments onto an operating part (5) of the force-moment sensor (1), software or hardware functions of a device (2, 2?) to be controlled are triggered. For this purpose, the output signals of the force-moment sensor (1) are analysed by comparisons with threshold values. The selection of a device or a function thereof does not have to be chosen in advance, but takes place while introducing a force or a moment into the sensor. The introduced forces or moments in each degree of freedom of the sensor are analysed. The selection of the device or function coincides with the driving. The device can thus be simplified since no special facilities for selecting devices or functions must be provided. Additionally, the selection and driving are accelerated by this temporal coincidence.

Abstract: An optical system including at least one optical fiber having a core and cladding, the at least one optical fiber having a cross section defining a circumference, the at least one optical fiber having at least one light scattering discontinuity at least one location therealong, the at least one optical fiber having optical power at least one light transmissive region having a focus located in proximity to the discontinuity, the at least one light scattering discontinuity having an angular extent of less than ten percent of the circumference and the at least one light transmissive region having an angular extent of more than 25% of the circumference and a light source arranged for directing light along the at least one optical fiber.

Abstract: An electro-luminescent display comprises a plurality of scanning lines, a plurality of data lines which are arranged to cross the plurality of scanning lines and forming a plurality of pixel regions, at least one indicating driving circuit, and at least one indicating electro-luminescent device. Each of the pixel regions includes a switching circuit, a pixel driving circuit, and a pixel electro-luminescent device having a color type. The switching circuit is electrically connected to a respective one of the scanning lines and a respective one of the data lines. The pixel electro-luminescent devices electrically connected to one of the data lines have the same color type as each other. The indicating driving circuit, distinct from the pixel driving circuits, is electrically connected to the one data line and is controlled by a signal thereon.

Abstract: A flat panel display screen includes a flat panel display screen main unit and a touch control induction layer. The touch control induction layer is placed behind the flat panel display screen, wherein the touch control induction layer is constituted by an electromagnetic induction generation layer and a bottom support layer, wherein a base layer of the electromagnetic induction generation layer is an insulated flexible membrane, the surface of the membrane is printed with an electromagnetic induction antenna array, constituting a flexible membrane type electromagnetic induction generation layer, the output of that layer is connected to and controls the recognition circuit, and the input pen has an electromagnetic wave generation device. The present invention has a simple manufacturing technique, low cost, high precision, and long operating life.

Abstract: A switch panel having a touch plate, image generator, imaging system and light source is disclosed. The touch plate includes an optically transparent layer having first and second surfaces in which a light signal is trapped by internal reflection. The image generator displays an image that includes a plurality of button positions to a person viewing the touch plate from the first surface. When the user touches the front surface at one of the button positions, light from a multi-LED light source that generates the trapped light signal is caused to escape the touch plate at a point corresponding to the point of contact. The light leaving the touch plate is imaged by the imaging system and used to determine the location of the point of contact. Images taken with different LEDs in the light source are used to make the contact determination to reduce the effects of ambient light.

Abstract: A frontlit touch panel for use with a reflective light valve, comprising a front light guide having at least one light input face that supplies light to the guide, a viewing face, a light output face opposite the viewing face, and at least one component of a touch-sensitive transducer, the light output face having a light extraction layer thereon having a substantially flat light exit face and containing buried reflective facets that extract supplied light from the guide through the light exit face. The touch panel can be used with a light source, reflective light valve and suitable control electronics to form a compact, efficient illuminated touch panel display assembly.