Optical touchscreens comprising removably connected optical members

A mounting assembly for mounting an optical member to a panel can comprise a mounting portion configured to contact a top surface of the panel when mounted to the panel and a receiving portion to receive optical hardware such as an optical detector so that a field of view of the optical detector substantially encompasses the top surface of the panel when the mounting assembly is mounted thereto. The assembly can include an attachment member to attach the mounting portion to the panel and to limit axial movement along or about an axis parallel to an edge of the panel when the mounting assembly is mounted to the panel. The body of the mounting portion may also be shaped to limit axial movement, such as by including a lip in contact with edges of the panel and/or a base portion that contacts the top surface of the panel when mounted.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to Australian provisional application 2009901278, filed Mar. 25, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Touch-enabled displays and other devices that rely on detection of a position of one or more objects (such as a stylus, a finger or fingers) relative to a panel have become increasingly popular. For example, one type of touch-enabled display features one or more image sensors used to determine the position of an object (or objects) relative to the display area. A computer or display manufacturer may rely on an outside vendor to build and/or design the image sensors and other hardware (generally “optical hardware”).

For instance, computer/display manufacturers may rely on a vendor to provide panels with cameras or other optical hardware pre-mounted in a precise location. This practice has introduced complications and delay in the manufacturing process. For example, if a panel is damaged, the panel and the relatively expensive hardware are usually both discarded. If the panel and optical hardware are provided separately, mounting the hardware may take time and require relatively skilled workers and/or complex tools that are uneconomical for the computer/display manufacturer to deploy.

SUMMARY

Embodiments configured in accordance with one or more aspects of the present subject matter can avoid difficulty in handling whole panels and integrating panels with pre-mounted imaging cameras into a manufacturing process. In accordance with one or more aspects of the present subject matter, a removably connected optical member can be used with a mounting assembly configured to facilitate quick and easy mounting of the optical member to a panel. This can, for example, allow a manufacturer to source panels independent of optical hardware while avoiding the cost and complexity of positioning optical hardware permanently and directly on the panel.

As an example, a mounting assembly for mounting an optical member to a panel can comprise a mounting portion configured to contact a top surface of the panel when the mounting assembly is mounted to the panel, an optical member receiving portion comprising an opening to receive optical hardware such as an optical detector. The optical member receiving portion can be configured to position the optical member so that a field of view of the optical detector substantially encompasses the top surface of the panel when the mounting assembly is mounted thereto. The assembly can also include an attachment member configured to attach the mounting portion to the panel and to limit axial movement of the mounting portion along or about an axis parallel to an edge of the panel when the mounting assembly is mounted to the panel. The body of the mounting portion may also be shaped to limit axial movement, such as by including a lip in contact with edges of the panel and/or a base portion that contacts the top surface of the panel when mounted.

These illustrative embodiments are mentioned not to limit or define the limits of the present subject matter, but to provide examples to aid understanding thereof. Illustrative embodiments are discussed in the Detailed Description, and further description is provided there. Advantages offered by various embodiments may be further understood by examining this specification and/or by practicing one or more embodiments of the claimed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various and alternative exemplary embodiments and to the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation, and not as a limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that this disclosure includes modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatuses or systems that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 1is a side view showing an embodiment of a mounting assembly as mounted to a panel. In this example, a mounting assembly for mounting an optical member to a panel comprises a mounting portion102configured to contact a top surface T of the panel112when the mounting assembly is mounted to the panel. An optical member receiving portion includes an opening to receive an optical member106, the optical member comprising at least an optical detector. The optical member receiving portion is configured to position the optical member so that a field of view of the optical detector substantially encompasses the top surface of the panel when the mounting assembly is mounted thereto.

An attachment member108is configured to attach the mounting portion to the panel and to limit axial movement of the mounting portion along or about an axis parallel to an edge of the panel when the mounting assembly is mounted to the panel. The attachment member may also limit motion in an axis perpendicular to the panel's surface. In this example, each attachment member108includes a joining portion that extends between a top portion110and a bottom portion111. The top and bottom portions can apply pressure to secure mounting portion102to panel112—for instance, top portion110can apply downward pressure towards top T, while bottom portion111can apply upward pressure towards bottom B to hold panel112in engagement with mounting portion102. As will be discussed below, in some embodiments an attachment member108can comprise one or more clips.

Panel112may, for example, comprise a display device or an at least partially transparent material overlaid on a display device. However, the present subject matter can be utilized in constructing other touch-enabled panels, e.g., a transparent or opaque surface used as a trackpad or other input device. As will be discussed below, by configuring the mounting assembly to limit axial movement and to otherwise properly position the optical member, a touch-enabled panel can be assembled easily by relatively unskilled laborers and/or by machine without requiring precise adjustment of the optical member position. These principles can be applied regardless of the relative size of panel112, mounting assemblies102and related components, and/or the size of optical assemblies106or other optical hardware. However, in some embodiments, portions of the mounting assemblies in contact with the panel112are less than the entire area of the panel112and do not extend across the width or height of the panel.

In some embodiments, panel112may comprise a bezel surrounding the main body of the display surface or material above the display surface at its edges. Reference to a mounting assembly mounted on or in contact with the panel is meant to include embodiments that use a bezel. For example, a mounting assembly may be partially or completely in contact with the bezel rather than the main body of the display or material over the display. If the bezel extends around the edges of the display/material over the display, the mounting assembly may be in contact with the bezel rather than the edges of the display/material.

In this example, two mounting assemblies102A and102B are shown, along with respective optical members106A and106B, attachment members108A and108B, and other components. However, the present subject matter can be used to mount a single optical member or more than two optical members, either in separate mounting assemblies or together.

FIG. 2is a top view of the mounting assemblies shown inFIG. 1. Each mounting portion102comprises a first extension114extending therefrom in a first direction and a second extension116extending therefrom in a second direction. In this example, the first direction and the second direction are substantially perpendicular to each other—extensions114A and114B extend along the x-axis (horizontally in the page) and extensions116A and116B extend along the y-axis (vertically in the page).

The first extension114of each mounting portion contacts the top surface of the panel along a first edge and the second extension116contacts the top surface of the panel along a second edge when the mounting assembly is mounted thereto. In this example, extension114A contacts the top surface T along edge120, extension116A contacts the top surface T along edge122, extension114B contacts the top surface T along edge120, and extension116B contacts the top edge T along edge118.

Additionally, as can be seen from the position of optical members106A and106B, the optical member receiving portion is mounted to each respective mounting portion102A,102B substantially between the first extension and the second extension. Thus, when the mounting portions102are positioned along perpendicular edges of panel104, optical members106are positioned approximately at the location of corners (if any) of panel104. Panel104may or may not have square corners and may not have any corners. For example, in some embodiments the corners are beveled, rounded, or otherwise shaped. Mounting assembly102can be appropriately configured to seat partially or fully on the corner, beveled edge, or other shaping as the case may be.

FIG. 3is another cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly ofFIG. 1. In this example, an extended z-axis view is shown at126, along with an original z-axis view at128. Extended z-axis view126results from the use of mounting assemblies such as102that allow an optical member to be positioned slightly higher (in the z-axis) than would be possible were the same optical assembly positioned directly on a panel. The z-axis height can be adjusted through the shape and position of a recess (shown inFIGS. 4A-B) which receives the optical member.FIG. 3also shows at130that optical member106A can image a substantial portion of the panel area. As used herein, a “substantial portion” is meant to include at least one third of the total area of the top surface T of the panel.

Optical member106can comprise any type or arrangement of optical components used in touch and/or position detection. For example, in some embodiments, optical member106comprises a line or area sensor used to identify a position of an object. In some embodiments, the optical member further comprises at least one optical emitter configured to emit energy across the top surface of the panel when the mounting assembly is mounted thereto. For example, an infrared lighting assembly can be used to direct light across the top surface of the panel to a retroreflective border, with a line or area sensor used to determine a position of an object based on detecting a shadow corresponding to an interruption of the directed and/or retroreflected light. As another example, light may be reflected from the object directly into the sensor.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bare each a perspective view of a mounting assembly in closer detail. It will be understood that the particular features shown in these views are for purposes of example only and that the relative length, shape, and other features depicted inFIGS. 4A-4Bare not meant to be limiting. In these examples, a partial view of panel112is shown, with edges120and122visible along with top surface T and bottom surface B. As can be seen, the top and bottom surfaces are separated by a thickness ΔT at the edges. Top surface T and bottom surface B are substantially planar, with edges of the panel substantially perpendicular to the planes of the top and bottom surfaces, with substantially in this context referring to acceptable manufacturing tolerances, and allowing for presence of a bezel that extends slightly above the plane of the majority of the panel area. If a bezel is present, the top of the bezel will correspond to top surface T at the mounting positions and should be parallel to the top surface T of the rest of the panel. If the bezel extends around the edges, then the panel edges will correspond to the bezel edges.

InFIG. 4A, the mounting assembly is shown as main body102having a first extension member114and a second extension member116as noted above, with the first and second extension members substantially perpendicular to one another in a plane defined by a first axis and a second axis. In this example, the first axis is the x-axis and the second axis is the y-axis. The first and second extension members are joined by a connecting member which features a recess104adapted to receive an optical member106. For example, recess104can be shaped so that optical member106fits closely or even snaps into place, such as by forming the recess in shape and dimension to fit a circuit board or housing comprising optical member106.

Each of the first and second extension members defines an outer surface134(best visible on second extension member116), which is opposite a bottom surface136(best visible on first extension member114). The bottom surface136in this example defines a first portion substantially parallel to the plane defined by the first and second axes (the X-Y plane in this example). A lip portion140protrudes from the bottom surface136in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane. In this example, the first portion corresponds to a contact surface138.

As was noted above, recess104is formed so that, when the connecting member is positioned at a corner area of a panel with the contact surface in contact with a top surface of the panel (and/or bezel, if the panel comprises a bezel), the optical component is positioned at or near the top surface of the panel. The lip portion140of first extension member114extends along the first axis and the lip portion of the second extension member116extends along the second axis.

Lip portion140contacts the edges of the panel (or bezel, if present). For instance, inFIG. 4A, main body102can be moved downward (z-minus direction) until contact portion138touches top T, while the lip portions of first member114and second member116are in contact with edges120and122, respectively.

FIG. 4Billustrates a similar arrangement toFIG. 4A, but in this example the mounting portion includes a base portion132. Base portion132is shown in position on panel112, but in practice can be integrated with the body of mounting assembly102. For example, base132can provide holes or other features to interlock with corresponding protrusions on members114and116. In this example, contact surface138of the mounting assembly is defined by the bottom side of mounting base132, the top side of which is in contact with the first portion of bottom surface136of main body102as shown at137.FIG. 4Cprovides an example of the assembly ofFIG. 4Bin place on a panel. In this view, the bottom member111of a clip108is visible in dashed lines and shown in contact with bottom surface B. Base portion132makes contact with top surface T and lip portion140contacts the edges. Additionally, in this view, a retaining portion139of member114can be seen in contact with bottom surface B along edge120. Use of the retaining portion139may further enhance the positioning and grip of the mounting assembly even if clips are not used (as is the case in this example).

Examples of the arrangements ofFIGS. 4A-4Bare shown in cross-section inFIG. 5. Particularly,FIG. 5Aillustrates an embodiment without a base portion132—bottom surface136of members114and116defines contact surface138, which is now in contact with top surface T of panel112.FIG. 5Billustrates an embodiment in which contact portion138is defined by base portion132, with the first, parallel, portion of bottom surface136of main body102in contact with the top side of base portion132as shown at137inFIG. 4B. Although shown as separate pieces in these examples, in some embodiments, the main body102, extension members114/116, and base portion132could be integrated into a single body.

In bothFIGS. 5A-5B, the bottom surface136at lip portion140contacts an edge E of panel112. In these examples, lip portion140extends the entire thickness ΔT, but in other embodiments, the lip portion need not extend the entire thickness.

In bothFIGS. 5A and 5B, a cross-sectional view of attachment member108is also provided, showing attachment member108contacting the outer surface of member102and the bottom B of panel112. Attachment members108are shown in exaggerated view inFIGS. 5A-5B.

Turning back toFIGS. 4A-4B, attachment members108can be seen in perspective. For instance, in this example, the outer surface134of second member116features recesses109so that when members108are used, the outer portion of attachment members108is flush or nearly flush with the other portions of outer surface134. In some embodiments, both first member114and second member116feature recesses. For example, in some embodiments, members114and116may feature similar or identical structural features.

An example of using the mounting assembly noted above will now be discussed. Initially, a panel such as112can be provided. The panel can define a body with a top surface T opposite a bottom surface B, the top and bottom surface separated by an edge (e.g., edges120and122) at the perimeter of the panel, each surface of the panel substantially parallel to the plane and the edge substantially perpendicular to the plane. Mounting assembly102can be positioned along an edge of the panel with contact portion138(as defined by a base portion132or the bottom of members114/116) in contact with the topmost surface of the panel, with and the optical member receiving portion (e.g., recess104) positioned so that an optical member positioned therein has a field of view encompassing at least some of the top surface of the panel. As noted above, the optical member can comprise at least one of an optical detector or an optical emitter.

When mounted at a corner area, first extension114is positioned to contact the topmost surface along a first edge (120) and second extension116is positioned to contact the topmost surface along a perpendicular edge (122). The lip portion140of each extension can act, in concert with contact portions138and due to the relative position of extensions114/116, to avoid axial movement along or about the x, y, and z axes. For instance, z-axis rotation can be avoided due to lip portions140contacting edges120and122. Z-minus translation is prevented by contact portions138, while y-minus and x-plus translation (in this example) are prevented by lip portions140. Contact portion138and lip portion140also prevent rotation about the x- and y-axes in one direction (counterclockwise when facing in the x+ or y+direction).

The attachment mechanism can prevent axial translational and rotational movement. For example, rotation in the clockwise direction when facing in the x+ or y+direction (labeled as R1and R2inFIG. 4) can be prevented, along with z-plus, y-plus, and x-minus translation (i.e. removal of the mounting assembly). Clips108can secure the body of mounting assembly102to the panel while serving to limit axial movement about both the y and x directions. Mounting features of member114, if used, may additionally or alternatively restrict axial movement. Additionally or alternatively, clips may be used on member114.

Other examples of attachment mechanisms include adhesives, pins, and or protrusions into and/or from panel112matching protrusions from and/or into mounting assembly102. For example, in some embodiments a high-bond adhesive is placed on surface138to adhere the mounting assembly to the panel.

FIG. 6is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting assembly200. In this example, the assembly features a main body202having a first extension member214and a second extension member216, the first and second extension members substantially perpendicular to one another in a plane defined by a first axis and a second axis, the first and second extension members joined by a connecting member featuring a recess207. As in the examples above, the recess is adapted to receive an optical component206, in this example shown as a combination of an imaging sensor and light source.

Generally, the mounting assembly is configured similarly to that ofFIGS. 4A-4B. For example, each of the first and second extension members comprises an outer surface234opposite a bottom or inner surface236. The bottom surface includes a first portion substantially parallel to the plane and a lip portion240protruding from the bottom surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane. In some embodiments, a contact surface of the mounting assembly is defined by the first portion or a base portion parallel to and in contact with the first portion. In any event, recess207is formed so that, when the connecting member is positioned at a corner of a panel with the contact surface in contact with a top surface of the panel, the optical component is positioned at or near the top surface of the panel, with the lip portion240of the first extension member214extending along the first axis and the lip portion240of the second extension member216extending along the second axis.

FIG. 7is a perspective view showing the assembly ofFIG. 6mounted to a panel, and inFIG. 7it can be seen that first portion214extends along edge222and second portion216extends along edge220of panel212. As before, panel212comprises a top surface T opposite a bottom surface, the top and bottom surface separated by an edge at the edges of the panel, with each surface of the panel substantially parallel to the plane and the edges substantially perpendicular to the plane.

In this example, mounting assembly200further comprises a resilient assembly242having a first resilient member244and a second resilient member246generally perpendicular to one another in the plane. The first and second resilient members each have a body defining an exterior surface248and an interior surface250, the interior surface and exterior surface each substantially perpendicular to the plane of the display. The body each of the first and second resilient members of this example further comprises a tip252extending perpendicular to the plane of the interior surface250.

The main body202of the mounting assembly is adapted to receive the resilient assembly242positioned so that the interior surface250of each resilient member of the resilient assembly contacts the outer surface of the lip portion240of each extension member of the main body. In this example, outer surface234of body202features guides254and256protruding outward to receive resilient member242, although other engagement mechanisms could be used. Additionally, in some embodiments, if lip portion240does not extend the entire thickness and/or does not extend along the edges as far as the resilient members244and246, interior surface250may contact the edges of the panel.

In this example, the first and second extension members are positioned on the panel so that the optical assembly contacts the top surface of the panel at the contact portion238, the edges of the panel at the lip portion240, and the connecting member is positioned at or near a corner area of the panel. The resilient assembly is positioned as shown inFIG. 7with the interior surface of each resilient member of the resilient assembly in contact with the outer surface of the lip portion of each extension member of the main body, the tip242of each resilient member embedded in an edge of the panel. For example, the panel may feature openings to receive tips252or tips252may simply be forced inward. In some embodiments, extension member214and/or216extends far enough along the edge of the panel to receive tip252and includes an opening or passage to receive tip252.

Resilient member242can apply pressure inward along the edges of the panel to secure mounting assembly200thereto. For instance, resilient member242may be constructed of metal or another material and biased slightly inward (i.e. applying pressure towards the edges). Resilient member242may be used in addition to or instead of other attachment members, such as clips108ofFIGS. 4A-4B. In still further embodiments, some or all of lip portion240can be omitted. Instead, protrusions/guides254/256serve to align resilient member242directly along the edges of the panel while also engaging resilient member242with body202.

Mounting assemblies in accordance with the present subject matter may be constructed of any suitable material or materials. For example, in some embodiments, metal or metal alloys are used. As another example, plastics can be used to form at least some portions of the assembly, with metal clips used as attachment members and/or resilient members.