Patent ID: 7265749
Filing Date: 2007-09-04
Classification: G02B,G06F

Abstract:
1. A switch panel comprising: a touch plate comprising an optically transparent layer having first and second surfaces, said optically transparent layer having an index of refraction greater than that of air; an image generator that displays an image comprising a plurality of button positions to a person viewing said touch plate from said first surface; an imaging system that records a color image of said first surface of said touch plate; a controller that receives said image and that generates an output signal if said touch plate is touched at one of said button positions; and a light source that generates a light signal that is reflected between said first and second surfaces of said touch plate within said transparent layer, said light source comprising a plurality of LEDs, each LED generating light having a different spectrum than the others of said LEDs, each LED being turned on in a predetermined sequence such that only one of said LEDs is turned on at a time.