Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a 371 National Phase of International Application No. PCT/IL/2006/001047 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/715,549 filed Sep. 8, 2005, and entitled OPTICAL SENSOR FOR MEASURMENT OF LIGHT SCATTERING and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/734,027 filed Nov. 3, 2005, and entitled CONTROL APPARATUS, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference and priority of which is hereby claimed pursuant to 37 CFR 1.78(a)(4) and (5)(i). 
     The present application is also related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/789,188, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/682,604, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0156914A1 and to PCT Application Publication No. WO 2005/094176, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to displays and information input devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following published patent documents, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference, are believed to represent the current state of the art: 
     Great Britain Patent Numbers: GB2299856 and GB2289756; 
     European Patent Number: EP0572182; 
     PCT Patent Application Publication Numbers: WO02/043045 and WO95/02801; and 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,094,188; 6,081,255; 5,926,168; 5,892,501; 5,448,261; 5,227,985; 5,949,402; 5,959,617; 5,122,656; 5,506,605 and 4,320,292. 
     SUMMARY THE INVENTION 
     The present invention seeks to provide an integrated display and input device. 
     There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an integrated display and input device including a first pixel array operative to provide a visually sensible output, a second pixel array operative to sense at least a position of an object with respect to the first pixel array and circuitry receiving an output from the second pixel array and providing a non-imagewise input to utilization circuitry. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the integrated display and input device also includes utilization circuitry providing one or more of portable communicator functionality, interactive television functionality and portable computer functionality. Preferably, the second pixel array includes a plurality of detector elements arranged in a plane parallel to a viewing plane. Additionally or alternatively, the second pixel array is coplanar with the first pixel array. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the first and second pixel arrays include a plurality of elements arranged in parallel planes, parallel to a viewing plane. Preferably, the second pixel array includes a detector assembly arranged at least one edge of a viewing plane defining plate. Additionally, the detector assembly is arranged about the at least one edge of the viewing plane defining plate. Alternatively, the detector assembly is arranged along the at least one edge of the viewing plane defining plate. 
     In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the detector assembly includes a support substrate and an arrangement of detector elements. Preferably the detector assembly also includes a cover layer. Additionally or alternatively, the support substrate is integrated with a housing of the integrated display and input device. 
     In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the arrangement of detector elements includes a plurality of discrete single-element detectors. Alternatively, the arrangement of detector elements includes an integrally formed multi-element detector array. As a further alternative, the arrangement of detector elements includes a plurality of discrete multi-element detectors. 
     In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the cover layer is formed of a light transmissive material. Alternatively, the cover layer includes a mask having apertures defined therein. As a further alternative the cover layer includes a field-of-view defining mask having light-collimating tunnel-defining apertures. As yet a further alternative the cover layer includes lenses. 
     In accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one edge includes a mask having apertures defined therein. Alternatively, the at least one edge includes a field-of-view defining mask having light-collimating tunnel-defining apertures. As a further alternative the at least one edge includes lenses. Preferably, the second pixel array includes a plurality of generally forward-facing detectors arranged about edges of a display element. 
     In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one detector in the arrangement detects electromagnetic radiation at a baseline level and senses the position of the object with respect to the first pixel array and the circuitry provides the non-imagewise input according to location of at least one detector in the arrangement for which at least one of the amount of radiation detected and the change in the amount of radiation detected exceed a first predetermined threshold. 
     In accordance with an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention the change in the amount of radiation detected results from at least one detector in the arrangement detecting reflected light from the object in addition to detecting the radiation at the baseline level. Preferably, the reflected light propagates within the viewing plane defining plate to at least one detector in the arrangement. Alternatively, the reflected light propagates above the viewing plane defining plate to at least one detector in the arrangement. As a further alternative, the reflected light is transmitted through the viewing plane defining plate directly to at least one detector in the arrangement. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one detector in the arrangement detects radiation at the baseline level, senses the position of the object with respect to the first pixel array and the circuitry provides the non-imagewise input according to location of at least one detector in the arrangement at which the amount of radiation detected is below a second predetermined threshold. 
     In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the integrated display and input device also includes a processing subassembly including detector analyzing processing circuitry operative to receive detector outputs of individual detectors in the arrangement, to determine at least one of whether the amount of radiation detected by the individual detectors exceeds the first predetermined threshold, whether the change in the amount of radiation detected by the individual detectors exceeds the first predetermined threshold and whether the amount of radiation detected by the individual detectors is below the second predetermined threshold, and to provide detector analysis outputs for the individual detectors, array processing circuitry operative to receive the detector analysis outputs of individual detectors in the arrangement and to generate an array detection output therefrom and position determining circuitry operative to receive the array detection output of the arrangement and to determine the position of the object therefrom. 
     In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the array detection output includes information corresponding to the location of an impingement point of the object on the viewing plane defining plate. Additionally or alternatively, the array detection output includes information corresponding to the location of the object relative to the viewing plane defining plate. 
     In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the radiation at the baseline level is provided by at least one source of illumination external to the integrated display and input device. Preferably the at least one source of illumination includes at least one of sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body. Additionally, the integrated display and input device also includes an illumination subassembly operative to provide illumination for augmenting the radiation at the baseline level. Alternatively, the integrated display and input device also includes an illumination subassembly operative to provide the radiation at the baseline level. 
     In accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the illumination subassembly includes at least one electromagnetic radiation emitting source. Preferably, the at least one electromagnetic radiation emitting source includes at least one of at least one IR emitting LED and at least one visible light emitting LED. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one electromagnetic radiation emitting source is disposed at an intersection of two mutually perpendicular edges of the viewing plane defining plate. Alternatively, the at least one electromagnetic radiation emitting source forms part of a linear arrangement of display backlights underlying the viewing plane defining plate. 
     In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the illumination subassembly includes at least one generally linear arrangement of a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitting sources arranged in parallel to at least one edge of the viewing plane defining plate. Alternatively, at least one of the at least one generally linear arrangement is arranged behind the second pixel array. 
     There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a detector assembly including an array of discrete photodiode detectors arranged in mutually spaced relationship in a plane and field-of-view limiting functionality associated with the array of discrete photodiode detectors. 
     There is further provided in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention a position sensing assembly including a detector subassembly including an array of discrete photodiode detectors arranged in mutually spaced relationship in a plane and field-of-view limiting functionality associated with the array of discrete photodiode detectors, and a position sensing subassembly operative to receive outputs from the array of discrete photodiode detectors and to provide an output indication of position of an object from which light is received by the array of discrete photodiode detectors. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the array of discrete photodiode detectors includes a one-dimensional linear array. Additionally or alternatively, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of the discrete photodiode detectors to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. Preferably, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of the discrete photodiode detectors to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the field-of-view limiting functionality includes an apertured mask having a thickness of less than approximately 200 microns. Alternatively, the field-of-view limiting functionality includes an apertured mask having a thickness of less than 500 microns. As a further alternative, the field-of-view limiting functionality includes an array of microlenses aligned with the array of discrete photodiode detectors. 
     There is also provided in accordance with an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention a position sensing assembly including a plate defining a surface and at least one pixel array including a plurality of detector elements detecting electromagnetic radiation at a baseline level, the at least one pixel array being operative to sense a position of an object with respect to the surface according to locations of ones of the plurality of detector elements at which at least one of the amount of radiation detected and the change in the amount of radiation detected exceed a predetermined threshold. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the change in the amount of radiation detected results from ones of the plurality of detector elements detecting reflected light from the object in addition to detecting the radiation at the baseline level. Preferably, the reflected light propagates within the plate to ones of the plurality of detector elements. Alternatively, the reflected light propagates above the surface to ones of the plurality of detector elements. As a further alternative, the reflected light is transmitted through the plate directly to at least one of the plurality of detector elements. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the position sensing assembly also includes a processing subassembly including detector analyzing processing circuitry operative to receive detector outputs of individual ones of the plurality of detector elements, to determine whether at least one of the amount of radiation and the change in the amount of radiation detected by the individual ones of the plurality detector element exceeds the predetermined threshold, and to provide detector analysis outputs for the individual ones of the plurality of detector elements, array processing circuitry operative to receive the detector analysis outputs of the plurality of detector elements of a single one of the at least one pixel array and to generate an array detection output therefrom and position determining circuitry operative to receive the array detection output of the at least one pixel array and to determine the position of the object therefrom. 
     In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the array detection output includes information corresponding to the location of an impingement point of the object on the surface. Preferably, the array detection output includes information corresponding to the location of the object relative to the surface. Additionally or alternatively, the position of the object includes at least one of a two-dimensional position of the object, a three-dimensional position of the object and angular orientation of the object. 
     In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the radiation at the baseline level is provided by at least one source of radiation external to the position sensing assembly. Preferably the at least one source of radiation includes at least one of sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body. Additionally, the position sensing assembly also includes an illumination subassembly operative to provide illumination for augmenting the radiation at the baseline level. Alternatively, the position sensing assembly also includes an illumination subassembly operative to provide the radiation at the baseline level to the plurality of detector elements. 
     In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the illumination subassembly includes at least one electromagnetic radiation emitting source. Preferably the at least one electromagnetic radiation emitting source includes at least one of at least one IR emitting LED and at least one visible light emitting LED. 
     In accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one pixel array includes at least two pixel arrays arranged at mutually perpendicular edges of the plate. Preferably, the illumination subassembly includes an electromagnetic radiation emitting source disposed at an intersection of two of the at least two pixel arrays. Alternatively, the illumination subassembly includes an electromagnetic radiation emitting source disposed at an intersection of two mutually perpendicular edges of the plate, and across from an intersection point of the two of the at least two pixel arrays. As a further alternative, the illumination subassembly includes at least one electromagnetic radiation emitting source forming part of a linear arrangement of display backlights underlying the plate, which are preferably IR emitting LEDs. As yet a further alternative, the illumination subassembly includes at least one generally linear arrangement of a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitting sources arranged in parallel to at least one edge of the plate, preferably arranged such that at least one of the at least one generally linear arrangement is arranged behind at least one of the at least two pixel arrays. 
     In accordance with still a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one pixel array is arranged in a plane parallel to the surface. Preferably, the illumination subassembly includes at least one generally linear arrangement of a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitting sources arranged in parallel to at least one edge of the plate. Alternatively, the illumination subassembly includes an electromagnetic radiation emitting source disposed at an intersection of two mutually perpendicular edges of the plate. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one pixel array includes a single pixel array arranged along an edge of the plate. Preferably, the illumination subassembly includes an electromagnetic radiation emitting source disposed at an intersection of edges of the plate. Alternatively, the illumination subassembly includes at least one electromagnetic radiation emitting source forming part of a linear arrangement of display backlights underlying the plate, arranged such that the at least one electromagnetic radiation emitting source includes an IR emitting LED. As a further alternative the illumination subassembly includes at least one generally linear arrangement of a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitting sources arranged in parallel to at least one edge of the plate, arranged such that at least one of the at least one generally linear arrangement is arranged behind the single pixel array. 
     It is to be appreciated that the phrase “at edges” is to be interpreted broadly as including structures which are located behind edges, as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10A-10D, 11A-11D, 15A-15D and 16A-16D , about edges as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D and 14A-4D , and along edges as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4-7, 8A-8D, 12A-12D and 13A-13D . 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D  are simplified illustrations of four types of integrated display and input devices constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are simplified illustrations of portions of two types of integrated display and input devices constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, including detectors arranged in a plane parallel to a viewing plane; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are simplified illustrations of portions of two types of integrated display and input devices constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing elements arranged in parallel planes, parallel to a viewing plane; 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified illustration of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detectors arranged along edges of a display element; 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified illustration of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detectors arranged along edges of a display element; 
         FIG. 6  is a simplified illustration of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detectors arranged along edges of a display element; 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified illustration of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detectors arranged along edges of a display element; 
         FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D  are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention employing detectors arranged along edges of a display element; 
         FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D  are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing forward-facing detectors arranged about edges of a display element; 
         FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D  are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing forward-facing detectors arranged behind edges of a display element; 
         FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D  are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing forward-facing detectors arranged behind edges of a display element; 
         FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D  are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detectors arranged along edges of a display element; 
         FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D  are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with a still further preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detectors arranged along edges of a display element; 
         FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D  are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing forward-facing detectors arranged about edges of a display element; 
         FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D  are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing forward-facing detectors arranged behind edges of a display element; 
         FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D  are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing forward-facing detectors arranged behind edges of a display element; 
         FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C  are simplified illustrations of three alternative embodiments of a detector assembly forming part of an integrated display and input device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E and 18F  are simplified illustrations of six alternative embodiments of an illumination subassembly forming part of an integrated display and input device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 19  is a simplified illustration of an integrated display and input device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, utilizing electromagnetic radiation from a source external to the integrated display and input device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D , which are simplified illustrations of four types of integrated display and input devices constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a mobile telephone  100  having a touch responsive input functionality employing light reflection in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 1A , arrays  102  of light detector elements  104  are arranged along at least two mutually perpendicular edge surfaces  106  of a viewing plane defining plate  108  overlying a keyboard template display  110 . Suitable detector elements are, for example, Solderable Silicon Photodiodes commercially available from Advanced Photonix Incorporated of Camarillo, Calif., USA under catalog designator PDB-C601-1. Arrays  102  may be provided along all or most of edge surfaces  106 . Alternatively, a single array  102  may be provided along only one edge surface  106  of plate  108 . Viewing plane defining plate  108  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. 
     Light, preferably including light in the IR band, is reflected from a user&#39;s finger, a stylus (not shown) or any other suitable reflective object, touching or located in propinquity to plate  108 . The light is propagated within plate  108  and is detected by detector elements  104 . The source of the reflected light is preferably external to the mobile telephone  100 , for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of the reflected light may comprise an illumination subassembly  112  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  114 . The illumination subassembly  112  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  112  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  114  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a large screen display  120 , such as a television display, having a light beam responsive input functionality operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 1B , arrays  122  of generally forward-looking light detector elements  124  are arranged generally along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  126  of display  120 . Arrays  122  may be provided along all or most of edges  126 . Alternatively, a single array  122  may be provided along only one edge  126  of display  120 . Light, preferably including light in the IR band emitted by a light beam emitter  128 , is detected directly by one or more of detector elements  124 . 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates a tablet computer  130  having a light beam responsive input functionality operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 1C , a multiplicity of light detector elements  134  are interspersed among light emitters  136  arranged in a plane  138 . Examples of such a structure are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,034,866 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0132463A1, 2006/0007222A1 and 2004/00012565A1, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Light, preferably including light in the IR band, emitted by a light beam emitter  140 , propagates through at least one cover layer  142  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  134 . 
       FIG. 1D  illustrates a display  150  of a digital camera  152  having a touch responsive input functionality employing light reflection in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 1D , an array  154  of light detector elements  156  is arranged behind an IR transmissive display panel  158 , such as an LCD or OLED, underlying a viewing plane defining plate  160 . Viewing plane defining plate  160  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. The array  154  of light detector elements  156  may be formed of a plurality of discrete detector arrays mounted on a substrate or integrally formed therewith. Alternatively, the array  154  may be formed of one or more CCD or CMOS arrays, or may created by photolithography. 
     Light, preferably including light in the IR band, is reflected from a stylus  162 , a user&#39;s finger (not shown) or any other suitable reflective object, touching or located in propinquity to plate  160 . The light propagates through plate  160  and panel  158  and is detected by detector elements  156 . 
     The source of the reflected light is preferably external to the digital camera  152 , for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of the reflected light may comprise an illumination subassembly which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  163 . The illumination subassembly preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of the illumination subassembly are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  163  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , which are simplified illustrations of portions of two types of integrated display and input devices constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  shows an integrated display and input device having touch responsive input functionality, which is useful for application selection and operation, such as email communication and internet surfing. The input functionality may incorporate any one or more features of assignee&#39;s U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/715,546; 60/734,027; 60/789,188 and 60/682,604, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0156914A1 and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2005/094176, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates launching an application, such as an e-mail application, on a mobile telephone  164 , by employing object detection functionality of the type described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 1C . As shown, a position of a user&#39;s finger is detected by means of a touch responsive input functionality operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2A , a multiplicity of light detector elements  165  are interspersed among light emitters  166  arranged in a plane  168 . Examples of such a structure are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,034,866 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0132463A1, 2006/0007222A1 and 2004/00012565A1, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Light, preferably including light in the IR band, reflected by the user&#39;s finger, propagates through at least one cover layer  172  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  165 . The outputs of detector elements  165  are processed to indicate one or more of the X, Y, or Z positions and/or angular orientation of the user&#39;s finger. This detected position is utilized, as taught inter alia in the aforesaid U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/789,188, to launch an application or control any of the other functionalities described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/789,188. 
     The source of the reflected light is preferably external to the mobile telephone  164 , for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of the reflected light may comprise an illumination subassembly  174  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  176 . The illumination subassembly  174  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  174  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  176  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
       FIG. 2B  shows an integrated display and input device having light beam impingement responsive input functionality, which is useful for application selection and operation, such as email communication and internet surfing. The input functionality may incorporate any one or more features of assignee&#39;s U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/715,546; 60/734,027; 60/789,188 and 60/682,604, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0156914A1 and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2005/094176, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates launching an application, such as an e-mail application, on a mobile telephone  182 , by employing object detection functionality of the type described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 1C . A position of a stylus  183  is detected by means of a light beam responsive input functionality operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 2B , a multiplicity of light detector elements  184  are interspersed among light emitters  186  arranged in a plane  188 . Examples of such a structure are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,034,866 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0132463A1, 2006/0007222A1 and 2004/00012565A1, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Light, preferably including light in the IR band, emitted by stylus  183 , propagates through at least one cover layer  190  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  184 . The outputs of detector elements  184  are processed to indicate one or more of the X, Y or Z positions and/or angular orientation of the stylus  183 . This detected position is utilized, as taught inter alia in the aforesaid U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/789,188, to launch an application or control any of the other functionalities described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/789,188. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , which are simplified illustrations of portions of two types of integrated display and input devices constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing elements arranged in parallel planes, parallel to a viewing plane. 
       FIG. 3A  shows an integrated display and input system having touch responsive input functionality, which is useful for application selection and operation, such as email communication and internet surfing. The input functionality may incorporate any one or more features of assignee&#39;s U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/715,546; 60/734,027; 60/789,188 and 60/682,604, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0156914A1 and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2005/094176, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The touch responsive functionality preferably employs an integrated display and input system including an array  200  of detector elements  202  arranged in a plane, parallel to a viewing plane  204 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the array  200  is formed of a plurality of discrete detector elements  204  placed on a plane integrally formed therewith. Alternatively, the array  154  may be formed of one or more CCD or CMOS arrays, or may created by photolithography. 
     As seen in  FIG. 3A , in one example of a display and input system structure, array  200  is arranged behind an IR transmissive display panel  206 , such as a panel including LCD or OLED elements, underlying a viewing plane defining plate  208 . Viewing plane defining plate  208  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. In one example of an integrated display and input system employing an LCD, there are provided one or more light diffusing layers  210  overlying a reflector  212 . One or more collimating layers  214  are typically interposed between reflector  212  and IR transmissive display panel  206 . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates launching an application, such as an e-mail application, on a mobile telephone  216 , by employing object detection functionality of the type described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 1D . As shown, a position of a user&#39;s finger is detected by means of a touch responsive input functionality operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Light, preferably including light in the IR band, reflected by the user&#39;s finger, propagates through plate  208  and panel  206  and is detected by detector elements  202 . The outputs of detector elements  202  are processed to indicate one or more of the X, Y or Z positions and/or angular orientation of the user&#39;s finger. This detected position is utilized, as taught inter alia in the aforesaid U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/789,188, to launch an application or control any of the other functionalities described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/789,188. 
     The source of the reflected light is preferably external to the mobile telephone  216 , for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of the reflected light may comprise an illumination subassembly  222  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  224 . The illumination subassembly  222  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  222  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  224  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
       FIG. 3B  shows an integrated display and input device having light beam impingement responsive input functionality, which is useful for application selection and operation, such as email communication and internet surfing. The input functionality may incorporate any one or more features of assignee&#39;s U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/715,546; 60/734,027; 60/789,188 and 60/682,604, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0156914A1 and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2005/094176, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The light beam impingement responsive functionality preferably employs an integrated display and input system including an array  250  of detector elements  252  arranged in a plane, parallel to a viewing plane  254 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the array  250  is formed of a plurality of discrete detector elements  252  placed on a plane integrally formed therewith. Alternatively, the array  250  may be formed of one or more CCD or CMOS arrays, or may created by photolithography. 
     As seen in  FIG. 3B , array  250  is arranged behind an IR transmissive display panel  256 , such as a panel including LCD or OLED elements, underlying a viewing plane defining plate  258 . Viewing plane defining plate  258  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. In another example of an integrated display and input device employing an LCD, interposed between array  250  and IR transmissive display panel  256 , there are provided one or more light diffusing layers  260  overlying an IR transmissive reflector  262 . One or more collimating layers  264  are typically interposed between IR transmissive reflector  262  and IR transmissive display panel  256 . 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates launching an application, such as an e-mail application on a mobile telephone  266 , by employing object detection functionality of the type described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 1D . A position of a stylus  268  is detected by means of a light beam responsive input functionality operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Light, preferably including light in the IR band, emitted by stylus  268 , propagates through plate  258 , panel  256 , one or more of layers  264  and layers  260  and through IR transmissive reflector  262 , and is detected by one or more of detector elements  252 . The outputs of detector elements  252  are processed to indicate one or more of the X, Y or Z positions and/or angular orientation of the stylus  268 . This detected position is utilized, as taught inter alia in the aforesaid U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/789,188, to launch an application or control any of the other functionalities described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/789,188. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 4 , which is a simplified illustration of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detector elements arranged along edges of a display element. In the structure of  FIG. 4 , at least one detector assembly  300  is arranged along at least one edge  302  of a viewing plane defining plate  304  to sense light impinging on plate  304  and propagating within the plate to the edges  302  thereof. Viewing plane defining plate  304  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. Preferably, detector assemblies  300  are provided along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  302 , as shown, though detector assemblies  300  may be provided along all or most of edges  302 . Alternatively a single detector assembly  300  may be provided along only one edge  302  of plate  304 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detector assembly  300  comprises a support substrate  306  onto which is mounted a linear arrangement  308  of detector elements  310 . Interposed between linear arrangement  308  and edge  302  is a cover layer  312 . Cover layer  312  may have multiple functions including physical protection, light intensity limitation, and field-of-view limitation and may have optical power. Cover layer  312  may be formed of glass or any other suitable light transparent material, or of a suitably apertured opaque material, such as metal. 
     The support substrate  306  may be mounted onto a display housing (not shown) or may be integrally formed therewith. The support substrate  306  may alternatively be mounted onto an edge  302  of plate  304 . The support substrate  306  may be formed of a ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The support substrate may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  310 . A processor  314  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  310  may also be mounted on the support substrate  306 . 
     It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that the detector assembly  300  is extremely thin, preferably under 1 mm overall. Accordingly, the support substrate  306  is preferably 50-200 microns in thickness, the linear arrangement  308  of detector elements  310  is preferably 100-400 microns in thickness and the cover layer  312  is preferably 100-500 microns in thickness. 
     The input device shown in  FIG. 4  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly  316  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  318 . The illumination subassembly  316  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  316  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  318  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 5 , which is a simplified illustration of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detector elements arranged along edges of a display element. In the structure of  FIG. 5 , at least one detector assembly  320  is arranged along at least one edge  322  of a viewing plane defining plate  324  to sense light impinging on plate  324  and propagating within the plate to the edges  322  thereof. Viewing plane defining plate  324  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. Preferably, detector assemblies  320  are provided along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  322 , as shown, though detector assemblies  320  may be provided along all or most of edges  322 . Alternatively a single detector assembly  320  may be provided along only one edge  322  of plate  324 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detector assembly  320  comprises a support substrate  326  onto which is mounted a linear arrangement  328  of detector elements  330 . Interposed between linear arrangement  328  and edge  322  is a cover layer  332 . In the illustrated embodiment, cover layer  332  is a field-of-view defining mask having apertures  333  formed therein, in sizes and arrangements which provide desired fields-of-view for the various corresponding detector elements  330 . Depending on the thickness of layer  332 , each detector element  330  may have associated therewith a single aperture  333  or a plurality of smaller apertures, here designated by reference numeral  334 . The selection of aperture size and distribution is determined in part by the mechanical strength of layer  332 . Layer  332  may have multiple functions including physical protection, field-of-view limitation and light intensity limitation, and may have optical power. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances position discrimination by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  330 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  333  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  330 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  330  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  330  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     The support substrate  326  may be mounted onto a display housing (not shown) or may be integrally formed therewith. The support substrate  326  may alternatively be mounted onto an edge  322  of plate  324 . The support substrate  326  may be formed of a ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The support substrate may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  330 . A processor  335  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  330  may also be mounted on the support substrate  326 . 
     The input device shown in  FIG. 5  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly  336  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  338 . The illumination subassembly  336  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  336  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  338  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 6 , which is a simplified illustration of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detector elements arranged along edges of a display element. In the structure of  FIG. 6 , at least one detector assembly  340  is arranged along at least one edge  342  of a viewing plane defining plate  344  to sense light impinging on plate  344  and propagating within the plate to the edges  342  thereof. Viewing plane defining plate  344  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. Preferably, detector assemblies  340  are provided along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  342 , as shown, though detector assemblies  340  may be provided along all or most of edges  342 . Alternatively, a single detector assembly  340  may be provided along only one edge  342  of plate  344 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detector assembly  340  comprises a support substrate  346  onto which is mounted a linear arrangement  348  of detector elements  350 . Interposed between linear arrangement  348  and edge  342  is a cover layer  352 . 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 6  differs from that of  FIG. 5  in that the cover layer  352  is substantially thicker than cover layer  332  and is preferably at least 200 microns in thickness. Layer  352  has apertures  353  formed therein, which apertures define light collimating tunnels. Apertures  353  are formed in layer  352 , in sizes and arrangements which provide desired fields-of-view for the various corresponding detector elements  350 . Depending on the thickness of layer  352 , each detector element  350  may have associated therewith a single tunnel-defining aperture  353  as shown or a plurality of smaller tunnel-defining apertures. The selection of aperture size and distribution is determined in part by the mechanical strength of layer  352 . Layer  352  may have multiple functions including physical protection, field-of-view limitation and light intensity limitation, and may have optical power. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances position discrimination by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  350 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  353  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  350 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  350  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  350  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     The support substrate  346  may be mounted onto a display housing (not shown) or may be integrally formed therewith. The support substrate  346  may alternatively be mounted onto an edge  342  of plate  344 . The support substrate  346  may be formed of a ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The support substrate  346  may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  350 . A processor  354  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  350  may also be mounted on the support substrate  346 . 
     The input device shown in  FIG. 6  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly  356  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  358 . The illumination subassembly  356  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  356  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  358  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 7 , which is a simplified illustration of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detector elements arranged along edges of a display element. In the structure of  FIG. 7 , at least one detector assembly  360  is arranged along at least one edge  362  of a viewing plane defining plate  364  to sense light impinging on plate  364  and propagating within the plate to the edges  362  thereof. Viewing plane defining plate  364  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. Preferably, detector assemblies  360  are provided along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  362 , as shown, though detector assemblies  360  may be provided along all or most of edges  362 . Alternatively, a single detector assembly  360  may be provided along only one edge  362  of plate  364 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detector assembly  360  comprises a support substrate  366  onto which is mounted a linear arrangement  368  of detector elements  370 . Interposed between linear arrangement  368  and edge  362  is a cover layer  372 . 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 7  differs from that of  FIGS. 5 and 6  in that apertures in the cover layer in  FIGS. 5 and 6  are replaced by lenses  373  formed in cover layer  372 . Lenses  373  may be integrally formed with layer  372  or may be discrete elements fitted within suitably sized and positioned apertures in an opaque substrate. Lenses  373  may be associated with tunnel-defining apertures or may comprise an array of microlenses aligned with one or more of detector elements  370 . 
     Layer  372  may have multiple functions including physical protection, field-of-view limitation and light intensity limitation, and may have optical power. Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances position discrimination by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  370 . 
     The support substrate  366  may be mounted onto a display housing (not shown) or may be integrally formed therewith. The support substrate  366  may alternatively be mounted onto an edge  362  of plate  364 . The support substrate  366  may be formed of a ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The support substrate may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  370 . A processor  374  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  370  may also be mounted on the support substrate  366 . 
     The input device shown in  FIG. 7  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly  376  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  378 . The illumination subassembly  376  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  376  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  378  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 8A-8D , which are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detector elements arranged along edges of a display element. 
     In the structure of  FIGS. 8A-8D , at least one detector assembly  400  is arranged along at least one edge  402  of a viewing plane defining plate  404  to sense light impinging on plate  404  and propagating within the plate to the edges  402  thereof. Viewing plane defining plate  404  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. Preferably, detector assemblies  400  are provided along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  402 , though detector assemblies  400  may be provided along all or most of edges  402 . Alternatively, a single detector assembly  400  may be provided along only one edge  402  of plate  404 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detector assembly  400  comprises a support substrate  406  onto which is mounted a linear arrangement  408  of detector elements  410 . As distinct from the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-7 , in the embodiments of  FIGS. 8A-8D , the cover layer is obviated and its functionality is provided by suitable conditioning of edge  402  of viewing plane defining plate  404 . This functionality may provide multiple functions including physical protection, light intensity limitation and field-of-view limitation, and may have optical power. 
     The support substrate  406  may be mounted onto a display housing (not shown) or may be integrally formed therewith. The support substrate  406  may alternatively be mounted onto an edge  402  of plate  404 . The support substrate  406  may be formed of a ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The support substrate may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  410 . A processor  414  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  410  may also be mounted on the support substrate  406 . 
     It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that the detector assembly  400  is extremely thin, preferably under 1 mm overall. Accordingly, the support substrate  406  is preferably 50-200 microns in thickness and the linear arrangement  408  of detector elements  410  is preferably 100-400 microns in thickness. 
     The input devices shown in  FIG. 8A-8D  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly  416  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  418 . The illumination subassembly  416  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  416  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  418  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 8A , edge  402  is uniformly polished for unimpeded light transmission therethrough to linear arrangement  408  of detector elements  410 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 8B , in which it is seen that edge  402  is conditioned to define a field-of-view defining mask  420  having apertures  433  formed therein in sizes and arrangements which provide desired fields-of-view for the various corresponding detector elements  410 . Each detector element  410  may have associated therewith a single aperture  433 , as shown, or a plurality of smaller apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  410 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  433  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  410 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  410  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  410  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 8C , which differs from that of  FIG. 8B  in that apertures  433  in mask  420  are replaced by light collimating tunnel-defining apertures  440  in a mask  442 . 
     Each detector element  410  may have associated therewith a single tunnel-defining aperture  440  as shown or a plurality of smaller tunnel-defining apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  410 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  440  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  410 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  410  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  410  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 8D , which differs from that of  FIGS. 5B and 8C  in that the apertures in  FIGS. 8B and 8C  are replaced by lenses  453 . Lenses  453  may be integrally formed at edges  402  or may be discrete elements fitted within suitably sized and positioned apertures in plate  404 . Lenses  453  may be associated with tunnel-defining apertures or may comprise an array of microlenses aligned with one or more of detector elements  410 . 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  410 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of lenses  453  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  410 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  410  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  410  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D , which are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing forward-facing detector elements arranged about edges of a display element. 
     In the structure of  FIGS. 9A-9D , at least one detector assembly  500  is arranged about at least one edge  502  of a viewing plane defining plate  504  to sense light impinging directly onto detector assembly  500 . Viewing plane defining plate  504  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. Light, preferably including light in the IR band, is emitted by a light beam emitter such as light beam emitter  128  in the embodiment of  FIG. 1B  or a light reflecting object as in the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . Preferably, detector assemblies  500  are provided along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  502 , though detector assemblies  500  may be provided along all or most of edges  502 . Alternatively, a single detector assembly  500  may be provided along only one edge  502  of plate  504 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detector assembly  500  comprises a support substrate  506  onto which is mounted a linear arrangement  508  of detector elements  510 . As distinct from the embodiments of  FIGS. 8A-8D , there is provided a cover layer  512  and as distinct from the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-7 , the detector assembly  500  and the detector elements  510  are generally forward facing, in the sense illustrated generally in  FIG. 1B  and described hereinabove with respect thereto. The cover layer  512  may provide multiple functions including physical protection, light intensity limitation and field-of-view limitation, and may have optical power. 
     The support substrate  506  may be mounted onto a display housing (not shown) or may be integrally formed therewith. The support substrate  506  may alternatively be mounted onto an edge  502  of plate  504 . The support substrate  506  may be formed of a ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The support substrate may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  510 . A processor  514  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  510  may also be mounted on the support substrate  506 . 
     It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that the detector assembly  500  is extremely thin, preferably under 1 mm overall. Accordingly, the support substrate  506  is preferably 50-200 microns in thickness and the linear arrangement  508  of detector elements  510  is preferably 100-400 microns in thickness and the cover layer  512  is preferably 100-500 microns in thickness. 
     The input devices shown in  FIG. 9A-9D  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly  516  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  518 . The illumination subassembly  516  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  516  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  518  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 9A , cover layer  512  is formed of glass or any other suitable light transparent material. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 9B , in which it is seen that cover layer  512  includes a field-of-view defining mask  520  having apertures  533  formed therein in sizes and arrangements which provide desired fields-of-view for the various corresponding detector elements  510 . Each detector element  510  may have associated therewith a single aperture  533 , as shown, or a plurality of smaller apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  510 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  533  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  510 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  510  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  510  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 9C , which differs from that of  FIG. 9B  in that apertures  533  in mask  520  are replaced by light collimating tunnel-defining apertures  540  in a mask  542 . 
     Each detector element  510  may have associated therewith a single tunnel-defining aperture  540  as shown or a plurality of smaller tunnel-defining apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  510 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  540  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  510 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  510  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  510  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 9D , which differs from that of  FIGS. 9B and 9C  in that the apertures in  FIGS. 9B and 9C  are replaced by lenses  553 . Lenses  553  may be integrally formed with cover layer  512  or may be discrete elements fitted within suitably sized and positioned apertures in cover layer  512 . Lenses  553  may be associated with tunnel-defining apertures or may comprise an array of microlenses aligned with one or more of detector elements  510 . 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  510 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of lenses  553  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  510 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  510  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  510  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D , which are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing forward-facing detector elements arranged behind edges of a display element. 
     In the structure of  FIGS. 10A-10D , at least one detector assembly  600  is arranged behind at least one edge  602  of a viewing plane defining plate  604  to sense light impinging onto detector assembly  600  after propagating through plate  604 . Viewing plane defining plate  604  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. The light, preferably including light in the IR band, is emitted by a light beam emitter such as light beam emitter  128  in the embodiment of  FIG. 1B  or a light reflecting object as in the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . Preferably, detector assemblies  600  are provided behind at least two mutually perpendicular edges  602 , though detector assemblies  600  may be provided behind all or most of edges  602 . Alternatively, a single detector assembly  600  may provided behind only one of edges  602 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detector assembly  600  comprises a support substrate  606  onto which is mounted a linear arrangement  608  of detector elements  610 . Similarly to the embodiments of  FIGS. 9A-9D , there is provided a cover layer  612  and as distinct from the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-7 , the detector assembly  600  and the detector elements  610  are generally forward facing, in the sense illustrated generally in  FIG. 1B  and described hereinabove with respect thereto. The cover layer  612  may provide multiple functions including physical protection, light intensity limitation and field-of-view limitation, and may have optical power. 
     The support substrate  606  may be mounted onto a display housing (not shown) or may be integrally formed therewith. The support substrate  606  may alternatively be mounted onto a rearward facing surface  613  of plate  604  at the edge  602  lying in front of the linear arrangement  608 . The support substrate  606  may be formed of a ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The support substrate may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  610 . A processor  614  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  610  may also be mounted on the support substrate  606 . 
     It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that the detector assembly  600  is extremely thin, preferably under 1 mm overall. Accordingly, the support substrate  606  is preferably 50-200 microns in thickness and the linear arrangement  608  of detector elements  610  is preferably 100-400 microns in thickness and the cover layer  612  is preferably 100-500 microns in thickness. 
     The input devices shown in  FIG. 10A-10D  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly  616  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  618 . The illumination subassembly  616  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  616  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  618  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 10A , cover layer  612  is formed of glass or any other suitable light transparent material. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 10B , in which it is seen that cover layer  612  includes a field-of-view defining mask  620  having apertures  633  formed therein in sizes and arrangements which provide desired fields-of-view for the various corresponding detector elements  610 . Each detector element  610  may have associated therewith a single aperture  633  as shown or a plurality of smaller apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  610 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  633  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  610 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  610  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  610  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 10C , which differs from that of  FIG. 10B  in that apertures  633  in mask  620  are replaced by light collimating tunnel-defining apertures  640  in a mask  642 . 
     Each detector element  610  may have associated therewith a single tunnel-defining aperture  640  as shown or a plurality of smaller tunnel-defining apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  610 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  640  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  610 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  610  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  610  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 10D , which differs from that of  FIGS. 10B and 10C  in that the apertures in  FIGS. 10B and 10C  are replaced by lenses  653 . Lenses  653  may be integrally formed with cover layer  612  or may be discrete elements fitted within suitably sized and positioned apertures in cover layer  612 . Lenses  653  may be associated with tunnel-defining apertures or may comprise an array of microlenses aligned with one or more of detector elements  610 . 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  610 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of lenses  653  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  610 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  610  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  610  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D , which are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing forward-facing detector elements arranged behind edges of a display element. 
     In the structure of  FIGS. 11A-11D , at least one detector assembly  700  is arranged behind at least one edge  702  of a viewing plane defining plate  704  to sense light impinging on plate  704  and propagating within the plate to the edges  702  thereof. Viewing plane defining plate  704  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. Preferably, detector assemblies  700  are provided behind at least two mutually perpendicular edges  702 , though detector assemblies  700  may be provided behind all or most of edges  702 . Alternatively, a single detector assembly  700  may be provided behind plate  704  at only one edge thereof. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detector assembly  700  comprises a support substrate  706  onto which is mounted a linear arrangement  708  of detector elements  710 . As distinct from the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-7 , in the embodiments of  FIGS. 11A-11D , the detector assembly  700  and the detector elements  710  are generally forward facing, in the sense illustrated generally in  FIG. 1B  and described hereinabove with respect thereto. Also as distinct from the embodiments of  FIGS. 10A-10D , the cover layer is obviated and its functionality is provided by suitable conditioning of a rearward facing surface  711  of plate  704  at the edge  702  lying in front of the linear arrangement  708 . This functionality may provide multiple functions including physical protection, light intensity limitation and field-of-view limitation, and may have optical power. 
     The support substrate  706  may be mounted onto a display housing (not shown) or may be integrally formed therewith. The support substrate  706  may alternatively be mounted onto the rearward facing surface  711  of plate  704  at the edge  702 . The support substrate  706  may be formed of a ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The support substrate may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  710 . A processor  714  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  710  may also be mounted on the support substrate  706 . 
     It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that the detector assembly  700  is extremely thin, preferably under 1 mm overall. Accordingly, the support substrate  706  is preferably 50-200 microns in thickness and the linear arrangement  708  of detector elements  710  is preferably 100-400 microns in thickness. 
     The input devices shown in  FIG. 11A-11D  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly  716  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  718 . The illumination subassembly  716  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  716  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  718  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 11A , the rearward facing surface  711  of plate  704  at the edge  702  lying in front of the linear arrangement  708  is uniformly polished for unimpeded light transmission therethrough to linear arrangement  708  of detector elements  710 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 11B , in which it is seen that the rearward facing surface  711  of plate  704  at the edge  702  lying in front of the linear arrangement  708  is conditioned to define a field-of-view defining mask  720  having apertures  733  formed therein in sizes and arrangements which provide desired fields-of-view for the various corresponding detector elements  710 . Each detector element  710  may have associated therewith a single aperture  733  as shown or a plurality of smaller apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  710 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  733  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  710 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  710  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  710  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 11C , which differs from that of  FIG. 11B  in that apertures  733  in mask  720  are replaced by light collimating tunnel-defining apertures  740  in a mask  742 . 
     Each detector element  710  may have associated therewith a single tunnel-defining aperture  740  as shown or a plurality of smaller tunnel-defining apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  710 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  740  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  710 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  710  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  710  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 11D , which differs from that of  FIGS. 11B and 11C  in that the apertures in  FIGS. 11B and 11C  are replaced by lenses  753 . Lenses  753  may be integrally formed at edges  702  or may be discrete elements fitted within suitably sized and positioned apertures in plate  704 . Lenses  753  may be associated with tunnel-defining apertures or may comprise an array of microlenses aligned with one or more of detector elements  710 . 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  710 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of lenses  753  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  710 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  710  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  710  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D , which are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detector elements arranged along edges of a display element. 
     In the structure of  FIGS. 12A-12D , at least one detector assembly  800  is arranged along at least one edge  802  of a viewing plane defining plate  804  to sense light impinging on plate  804  and propagating within the plate to the edges  802  thereof. Viewing plane defining plate  804  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. Preferably, detector assemblies  800  are provided along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  802 , though detector assemblies  800  may be provided along all or most of edges  802 . Alternatively, a single detector assembly  800  may be provided along only one edge  802  of plate  804 . 
     The detector assembly  800  includes a linear arrangement  808  of detector elements  810 . As distinct from the embodiments of  FIGS. 8A-8D , the detector assembly  800  does not comprise a support substrate onto which is mounted a linear arrangement of detector elements. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 12A-12D , the support substrate of  FIGS. 8A-8D  is replaced by a portion of a peripheral housing  812 . Similarly to the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-7  there is provided a cover layer  814  which provides multiple functions including physical protection, light intensity limitation and field-of-view limitation, and may have optical power. 
     The peripheral housing  812  may be formed of any suitable material including, for example, ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The peripheral housing  812  may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  810 . A processor  816  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  810  may also be mounted on the peripheral housing  812 . 
     It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that the detector assembly  800  is extremely thin, preferably under 1 mm overall. Accordingly, the linear arrangement  808  of detector elements  810  is preferably 100-400 microns in thickness. 
     The input devices shown in  FIG. 12A-12D  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly  817  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  818 . The illumination subassembly  817  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  817  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  818  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 12A , cover layer  814  provides generally unimpeded light transmission therethrough to linear arrangement  808  of detector elements  810 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 12B , in which it is seen that cover layer  814  defines a field-of-view defining mask  820  having apertures  833  formed therein in sizes and arrangements which provide desired fields-of-view for the various corresponding detector elements  810 . Each detector element  810  may have associated therewith a single aperture  833  as shown or a plurality of smaller apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  810 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  833  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  810 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  810  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  810  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 12C , which differs from that of  FIG. 12B  in that apertures  833  in mask  820  are replaced by light collimating tunnel-defining apertures  840  in a mask  842 . 
     Each detector element  810  may have associated therewith a single tunnel-defining aperture  840  as shown or a plurality of smaller tunnel-defining apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  810 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  840  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  810 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  810  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  810  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 12D , which differs from that of  FIGS. 12B and 12C  in that the apertures in  FIGS. 12B and 12C  are replaced by lenses  853 . Lenses  853  may be integrally formed at edges  802  or may be discrete elements fitted within suitably sized and positioned apertures in plate  804 . Lenses  853  may be associated with tunnel-defining apertures or may comprise an array of microlenses aligned with one or more of detector elements  810 . 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  810 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of lenses  853  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  810 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  810  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  810  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D , which are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with a still further preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing detector elements arranged along edges of a display element. 
     In the structure of  FIGS. 13A-13D , at least one detector assembly  860  is arranged along at least one edge  862  of a viewing plane defining plate  864  to sense light impinging on plate  864  and propagating within the plate to the edges  862  thereof. Viewing plane defining plate  864  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. Preferably, detector assemblies  860  are provided along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  862 , though detector assemblies  860  may be provided along all or most of edges  862 . Alternatively, a single detector assembly  860  may be provided along only one edge  862  of plate  864 . 
     The detector assembly  860  includes a linear arrangement  868  of detector elements  870 . As distinct from the embodiments of  FIGS. 12A-12D , in the embodiments of  FIGS. 13A-13D , the cover layer is obviated and its functionality is provided by suitable conditioning of edge  862  of viewing plane defining plate  864 . This functionality may provide multiple functions including physical protection, light intensity limitation and field-of-view limitation, and may have optical power. 
     As in the embodiment of  FIGS. 13A-13D , detector assembly  860  does not comprise a support substrate onto which is mounted a linear arrangement of detector elements. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 13A-13D , the support substrate of  FIGS. 8A-8D  is replaced by a portion of a peripheral housing  872 . 
     The peripheral housing  872  may be formed of any suitable material including, for example, ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The peripheral housing  872  may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  870 . A processor  876  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  870  may also be mounted on the peripheral housing  872 . 
     It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that the detector assembly  860  is extremely thin, preferably under 1 mm overall. Accordingly, the linear arrangement  868  of detector elements  870  is preferably 100-400 microns in thickness. 
     The input devices shown in  FIG. 13A-13D  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly  877  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  878 . The illumination subassembly  877  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  877  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  878  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 13A , edge  862  is uniformly polished for unimpeded light transmission therethrough to linear arrangement  868  of detector elements  870 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 13B , in which it is seen that edge  862  is conditioned to define a field-of-view defining mask  880  having apertures  883  formed therein in sizes and arrangements which provide desired fields-of-view for the various corresponding detector elements  870 . Each detector element  870  may have associated therewith a single aperture  883  as shown or a plurality of smaller apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  870 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  883  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  870 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  870  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  870  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 13C , which differs from that of  FIG. 13B  in that apertures  883  in mask  880  are replaced by light collimating tunnel-defining apertures  890  in a mask  892 . 
     Each detector element  870  may have associated therewith a single tunnel-defining aperture  890  as shown or a plurality of smaller tunnel-defining apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  870 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  890  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  870 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  870  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  870  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 13D , which differs from  FIGS. 13B and 13C  in that the apertures in  FIGS. 13B and 13C  are replaced by lenses  893 . Lenses  893  may be integrally formed at edges  862  or may be discrete elements fitted within suitably sized and positioned apertures in plate  864 . Lenses  893  may be associated with tunnel-defining apertures or may comprise an array of microlenses aligned with one or more of detector elements  870 . 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  870 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of lenses  893  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  870 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  870  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  870  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D , which are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing forward-facing detector elements arranged about edges of a display element. 
     In the structure of  FIGS. 14A-14D , at least one detector assembly  900  is arranged about at least one edge  902  of a viewing plane defining plate  904  to sense light impinging directly onto detector assembly  900 . Viewing plane defining plate  904  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. The light, preferably including light in the IR band, is emitted by a light beam emitter such as light beam emitter  128  in the embodiment of  FIG. 1B  or a light reflecting object as in the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . Preferably, detector assemblies  900  are provided along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  902 , though detector assemblies  900  may be provided along all or most of edges  902 . Alternatively, a single detector assembly  900  may be provided along only one edge  902  of plate  904 . 
     The detector assembly  900  includes a linear arrangement  908  of detector elements  910 . As distinct from the embodiments of  FIGS. 9A-9D , the detector assembly  900  does not comprise a support substrate onto which is mounted a linear arrangement of detector elements. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 14A-14D , the support substrate of  FIGS. 9A-9D  is replaced by a portion of a peripheral housing  912 . Similarly to the embodiments of  FIGS. 9A-9D  there is provided a cover layer  914  which provides multiple functions including physical protection, light intensity limitation and field-of-view limitation, and may have optical power. 
     The peripheral housing  912  may be formed of any suitable material including, for example, ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The peripheral housing  912  may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  910 . A processor  916  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  910  may also be mounted on the peripheral housing  912 . 
     It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that the detector assembly  900  is extremely thin, preferably under 1 mm overall. Accordingly, the linear arrangement  908  of detector elements  910  is preferably 100-400 microns in thickness and the cover layer  914  is preferably 100-500 microns in thickness. 
     The input devices shown in  FIG. 14A-14D  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly  917  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  918 . The illumination subassembly  917  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  917  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  918  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 14A , cover layer  914  is formed of glass or any other suitable light transparent material. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 14B , in which it is seen that cover layer  914  includes a field-of-view defining mask  920  having apertures  933  formed therein in sizes and arrangements which provide desired fields-of-view for the various corresponding detector elements  910 . Each detector element  910  may have associated therewith a single aperture  933  as shown or a plurality of smaller apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  910 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  933  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  910 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  910  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  910  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 14C , which differs from that of  FIG. 14B  in that apertures  933  in mask  920  are replaced by light collimating tunnel-defining apertures  940  in a mask  942 . 
     Each detector element  910  may have associated therewith a single tunnel-defining aperture  940  as shown or a plurality of smaller tunnel-defining apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  910 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  940  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  910 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  910  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  910  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 14D , which differs from that of  FIGS. 14B and 14C  in that the apertures in  FIGS. 14B and 14C  are replaced by lenses  953 . Lenses  953  may be integrally formed with cover layer  914  or may be discrete elements fitted within suitably sized and positioned apertures in cover layer  914 . Lenses  953  may be associated with tunnel-defining apertures or may comprise an array of microlenses aligned with one or more of detector elements  910 . 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  910 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of lenses  953  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  910 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  910  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  910  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D , which are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing forward-facing detector elements arranged behind edges of a display element. 
     In the structure of  FIGS. 15A-15D , at least one detector assembly  960  is arranged behind at least one edge  962  of a viewing plane defining plate  964  to sense light impinging onto detector assembly  960  after propagating through plate  964 . Viewing plane defining plate  964  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. The light, preferably including light in the IR band, is emitted by a light beam emitter such as light beam emitter  128  in the embodiment of  FIG. 1B  or a light reflecting object as in the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . Preferably, detector assemblies  960  are provided behind at least two mutually perpendicular edges  962 , though detector assemblies  960  may be provided behind all or most of edges  962 . Alternatively, a single detector assembly  960  may be provided behind only one of edges  962 . 
     The detector assembly  960  includes a linear arrangement  968  of detector elements  970 . As distinct from the embodiments of  FIGS. 10A-10D , the detector assembly  960  does not comprise a support substrate onto which is mounted a linear arrangement of detector elements. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 15A-15D , the support substrate of  FIGS. 10A-10D  is replaced by a portion of a peripheral housing  972 . Similarly to the embodiments of  FIGS. 10A-10D  there is provided a cover layer  974  which provides multiple functions including physical protection, light intensity limitation and field-of-view limitation, and may have optical power. 
     The peripheral housing  972  may be formed of any suitable material including, for example, ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The peripheral housing  972  may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  970 . A processor  976  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  970  may also be mounted on the peripheral housing  972 . 
     It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that the detector assembly  960  is extremely thin, preferably under 1 mm overall. Accordingly, the linear arrangement  968  of detector elements  970  is preferably 100-400 microns in thickness and the cover layer  974  is preferably 100-500 microns in thickness. 
     The input devices shown in  FIG. 15A-15D  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly  977  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  978 . The illumination subassembly  977  preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  977  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  978  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 15A , cover layer  974  is formed of glass or any other suitable light transparent material. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 15B , in which it is seen that cover layer  974  includes a field-of-view defining mask  980  having apertures  983  formed therein in sizes and arrangements which provide desired fields-of-view for the various corresponding detector elements  970 . Each detector element  970  may have associated therewith a single aperture  983  as shown or a plurality of smaller apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  970 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  983  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  970 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  970  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  970  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 15C , which differs from that of  FIG. 15B  in that apertures  983  in mask  980  are replaced by light collimating tunnel-defining apertures  990  in a mask  992 . 
     Each detector element  970  may have associated therewith a single tunnel-defining aperture  990  as shown or a plurality of smaller tunnel-defining apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  970 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  990  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  970 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  970  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  970  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 15D , which differs from that of  FIGS. 15B and 15C  in that the apertures in  FIGS. 15B and 15C  are replaced by lenses  993 . Lenses  993  may be integrally formed with cover layer  974  or may be discrete elements fitted within suitably sized and positioned apertures in cover layer  974 . Lenses  993  may be associated with tunnel-defining apertures or may comprise an array of microlenses aligned with one or more of detector elements  970 . 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  970 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of lenses  993  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  970 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  970  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  970  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D , which are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of a portion of an input device constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, employing forward-facing detector elements arranged behind edges of a display element. 
     In the structure of  FIGS. 16A-16D , at least one detector assembly  1000  is arranged behind at least one edge  1002  of a viewing plane defining plate  1004  to sense light impinging on plate  1004  and propagating within the plate to the edges  1002  thereof. Viewing plane defining plate  1004  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. Preferably, detector assemblies  1000  are provided behind at least two mutually perpendicular edges  1002 , though detector assemblies  1000  may be provided behind all or most of edges  1002 . Alternatively, a single detector assembly  1000  may be provided behind plate  1004  at only one edge thereof. 
     The detector assembly  1000  includes a linear arrangement  1008  of detector elements  1010 . As distinct from the embodiments of  FIGS. 15A-15D , in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16A-16D , the cover layer is obviated and its functionality is provided by suitable conditioning of edge  1002  of viewing plane defining plate  1004 . This functionality may provide multiple functions including physical protection, light intensity limitation and field-of-view limitation, and may have optical power. 
     As in the embodiment of  FIGS. 15A-15D , detector assembly  1000  does not comprise a support substrate onto which is mounted a linear arrangement of detector elements. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 16A-16D , the support substrate of  FIGS. 11A-11D  is replaced by a portion of a peripheral housing  1012 . 
     The peripheral housing  1012  may be formed of any suitable material including, for example, ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The peripheral housing  1012  may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements  1010 . A processor  1016  for processing the outputs of the detector elements  1010  may also be mounted on the peripheral housing  1012 . 
     It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that the detector assembly  1000  is extremely thin, preferably under 1 mm overall. Accordingly, the linear arrangement  1008  of detector elements  1010  is preferably 100-400 microns in thickness. 
     The input devices shown in  FIG. 16A-16D  may also include a source of light which is preferably external to the input device, for example as shown in  FIG. 19 . Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the source of light may comprise an illumination subassembly which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources, here shown as a single IR emitting LED  1019 . The illumination subassembly preferably forms part of the integrated display and input device. Examples of various suitable configurations of the illumination subassembly are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 18A-18F . Optionally, the light emitted by LED  1019  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 16A , a rearward facing surface  1018  of plate  1004  at the edge  1002  lying in front of the linear arrangement  1008  is uniformly polished for unimpeded light transmission therethrough to linear arrangement  1008  of detector elements  1010 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 16B , in which it is seen that the rearward facing surface  1018  of plate  1004  at the edge  1002  lying in front of the linear arrangement  1008  is conditioned to define a field-of-view defining mask  1020  having apertures  1033  formed therein in sizes and arrangements which provide desired fields-of-view for the various corresponding detector elements  1010 . Each detector element  1010  may have associated therewith a single aperture  1033  as shown or a plurality of smaller apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  1010 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  1033  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  1010 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  1010  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  1010  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 16C , which differs from that of  FIG. 16B  in that apertures  1033  in mask  1020  are replaced by light collimating tunnel-defining apertures  1040  in a mask  1042 . 
     Each detector element  1010  may have associated therewith a single tunnel-defining aperture  1040 , as shown, or a plurality of smaller tunnel-defining apertures. 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  1010 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of apertures  1040  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  1010 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  1010  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  1010  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 16D , which differs from that of  FIGS. 16B and 16C  in that the apertures in  FIGS. 16B and 16C  are replaced by lenses  1053 . Lenses  1053  may be integrally formed at edges  1002  or may be discrete elements fitted within suitably sized and positioned apertures in plate  1004 . Lenses  1053  may be associated with tunnel-defining apertures or may comprise an array of microlenses aligned with one or more of detector elements  1010 . 
     Field-of-view limiting functionality may be desirable in this context because it enhances resolution by limiting overlap between the fields-of-view of adjacent detector elements  1010 . Extent of field-of-view limiting may be controlled by the size, pitch and arrangement of lenses  1053  and their locations with respect to and distances from detector elements  1010 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  1010  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the field-of-view limiting functionality limits the field-of-view of at least one of detector elements  1010  to a solid angle of less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C , which are simplified illustration of three alternative embodiments of a detector assembly forming part of an integrated display and input device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the structure of  FIGS. 17A-17C , at least one detector assembly is arranged about at least one edge (not shown) of a viewing plane defining plate (not shown). The detector assemblies of  FIGS. 17A-17C  may be employed in any of the embodiments of the present invention described hereinabove and illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-16D . Preferably, detector assemblies are provided along at least two mutually perpendicular edges of the plate, though detector assemblies may be provided along all or most of the edges. Alternatively, a single detector assembly may be provided along only one edge of the plate. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detector assembly comprises a support substrate onto which is mounted a linear arrangement of detector elements. Preferably, a cover layer is placed over the arrangement of detector elements and may provide multiple functions including physical protection, light intensity limitation and field-of-view limitation, and may have optical power. 
     The support substrate may be mounted onto a display housing (not shown) or may be integrally formed therewith. The support substrate may alternatively be mounted onto an edge of the plate. The support substrate may be formed of a ceramic material, a material such as FR-4 which is commonly used for PCBs, glass, plastic or a metal such as aluminum. The support substrate may also provide mounting for and electrical connections to the detector elements. A processor for processing the outputs of the detector elements may also be mounted on the support substrate. 
     It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that the detector assembly is extremely thin, preferably under 1 mm overall. Accordingly, the support substrate is preferably 50-200 microns in thickness and the linear arrangement of detector elements is preferably 100-400 microns in thickness and the cover layer is preferably 100-500 microns in thickness. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 17A , the detector assembly, here designated by reference numeral  1100 , includes an integrally formed multi-element detector array  1102 . The detector array  1102  is preferably mounted onto a support substrate  1104  and overlaid with a cover layer  1106 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 17B , the detector assembly, here designated by reference numeral  1110 , includes a plurality of discrete single-element detector elements  1112  such as Solderable Silicon Photodiodes commercially available from Advanced Photonix Incorporated of Camarillo, Calif., USA under catalog designator PDB-C601-1. The discrete detector elements  1112  are preferably mounted onto a support substrate  1114  and overlaid with a cover layer  1116 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 17C , the detector assembly, here designated by reference numeral  1120 , includes a plurality of discrete multi-element detector elements  1122 . The discrete multi-element detector elements  1122  need not be all of the same size and are preferably all mounted onto a support substrate  1124  and overlaid with a cover layer  1126 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E and 18F , which are simplified illustrations of four alternative embodiments of an illumination subassembly forming part of an integrated display and input device constructed and operative in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. Alternatively or additionally, a touch responsive input functionality may preferably be operative to detect the position of a stylus (not shown) or any other suitable reflective object. 
       FIGS. 18A-18F  show an integrated display and input device having touch responsive input functionality, which is useful for application selection and operation, such as email communication and internet surfing. The input functionality may incorporate any one or more features of assignee&#39;s U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/715,546; 60/734,027; 60/789,188 and 60/682,604, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0156914A1 and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2005/094176, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIGS. 18A-18F  illustrate object detection functionality of the type described hereinabove with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1D . As shown, a position of a user&#39;s finger is detected by means of a touch responsive input functionality operative in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
     Turning specifically to  FIG. 18A , it is seen that arrays  1202  of light detector elements  1204  are arranged at least two mutually perpendicular edge surfaces  1206  of a viewing plane defining plate  1208 . Alternatively, detector arrays  1202  may be provided along all or most of the edges  1206 . As a further alternative, a single detector array  1202  may be provided along only one edge  1206  of the plate  1208 . Viewing plane defining plate  1208  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. 
     It is to be appreciated that the phrase “at edges” is to be interpreted broadly as including structures which are located behind edges, as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10A-10D, 11A-11D, 15A-15D and 16A-16D , about edges as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D and 14A-14D , and along edges as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4-7, 8A-8D, 12A-12D and 13A-13D . 
     Suitable detector elements are, for example, Solderable Silicon Photodiodes commercially available from Advanced Photonix Incorporated of Camarillo, Calif., USA under catalog designator PDB-C601-1. 
     The integrated display and input device shown in  FIG. 18A  preferably includes an illumination subassembly  1212  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources. The illumination subassembly  1212  preferably provides a baseline illumination level which is typically detected by detector elements  1204 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 18A , a single IR emitting LED  1216  is provided at or generally adjacent to an intersection of the mutually perpendicular edges  1206  along which detector elements  1214  are arranged. The LED  1216  is arranged such that light emitted therefrom is projected generally across the surface of plate  1208 . A suitable IR emitting LED is, for example, an IR-emitting SMD-LED commercially available from OSA Opto Light GmbH of Berlin, Germany under catalog designator OIS-210-X-T. It is appreciated that selection of a specific shape and size of LED  1216  may be affected by the specific placement of LED  1216  relative to detector arrays  1202  and the interaction between a light beam emitted from the LED  1216  and the various components of the integrated display and input device, including the plate  1208 , the detector elements  1204  and other layers of the integrated display and input device. Optionally, the light emitted by LED  1216  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     Light, preferably including light in the IR band emitted by illumination subassembly  1212 , is reflected from a user&#39;s finger, a stylus (not shown) or any other suitable reflective object, touching or located in propinquity to plate  1208 . The reflected light is propagated within plate  1208  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1204 . Alternatively or additionally, the reflected light is propagated above the surface of plate  1208  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1204 , which may extend slightly above edge surfaces  1206 . Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the reflected light may propagate or be transmitted through plate  1208  directly to one or more of detector elements  1204  and detected thereby. 
     When the user&#39;s finger touches or is located in propinquity to plate  1208 , the light reflected from the finger is detected by one or more of detector elements  1204 , as described hereinabove, in addition to the baseline level of light detected by the detector elements  1204 . Detector analyzing processing circuitry (not shown) preferably receives outputs of the detector elements  1204  on detector arrays  1202 , digitally processes these outputs and determines whether the absolute amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1204  or the change in the amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1204  exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     The amount of light detected by the individual detector elements  1204  on a given detector array  1202 , as determined by the detector analyzing processing circuitry, is further processed to provide an array detection output. The array detection output includes information corresponding to the location of an impingement point of the user&#39;s finger relative to the given detector array  1202 . Typically, the location of at least one detector element  1204 , in which the amount of light measured or the change in the amount of light measured exceeds a predetermined threshold, corresponds to the location of the user&#39;s finger along an axis parallel to the given detector array  1202 . 
     In the configuration shown in  FIG. 18A , two-dimensional location determining circuitry (not shown) preferably calculates the two-dimensional position of the impingement point of the user&#39;s finger on or above plate  1208  by combining the array detection outputs of at least two detector arrays, typically arranged along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  1206  of plate  1208 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 18B , which shows arrays  1222  of light detector elements  1224  arranged at least two mutually perpendicular edge surfaces  1226  of a viewing plane defining plate  1228 . Alternatively, detector arrays  1222  may be provided along all or most of the edges  1226 . As a further alternative, a single detector array  1222  may be provided along only one edge  1226  of the plate  1228 . Viewing plane defining plate  1228  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. 
     It is to be appreciated that the phrase “at edges” is to be interpreted broadly as including structures which are located behind edges, as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10A-10D, 11A-11D, 15A-15D and 16A-16D , about edges as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D and 14A-14D , and along edges as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4-7, 8A-8D, 12A-12D and 13A-13D . 
     Suitable detector elements are, for example, Solderable Silicon Photodiodes commercially available from Advanced Photonix Incorporated of Camarillo, Calif., USA under catalog designator PDB-C601-1. 
     The integrated display and input device shown in  FIG. 18B  preferably includes an illumination subassembly  1232  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources. The illumination subassembly  1232  preferably provides a baseline illumination level which is typically detected by detector elements  1224 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 18B , a single IR emitting LED  1236  is provided at or generally adjacent to an intersection of mutually perpendicular edges  1226  along which detector elements  1224  are not arranged. The LED  1236  is arranged such that light emitted therefrom is projected generally across the surface of plate  1228 . A suitable IR emitting LED is, for example, an IR-emitting SMD-LED commercially available from OSA Opto Light GmbH of Berlin, Germany under catalog designator OIS-210-X-T. It is appreciated that selection of a specific shape and size of LED  1236  may be affected by the specific placement of LED  1236  relative to detector arrays  1222  and the interaction between a light beam emitted from the LED  1236  and the various components of the integrated display and input device, including the plate  1228 , the detector elements  1224  and other layers of the integrated display and input device. Optionally, the light emitted by LED  1236  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     Light, preferably including light in the IR band emitted by illumination subassembly  1232 , is propagated generally across the surface of plate  1228  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1224 . Alternatively or additionally, the light is propagated above the surface of plate  1228  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1224 , which may optionally extend slightly above edge surfaces  1226 . Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the light may propagate or be transmitted through plate  1228  directly to one or more of detector elements  1224  and detected thereby. 
     The light is deflected by a user&#39;s finger, a stylus (not shown) or any other suitable object, touching or located in propinquity to plate  1228 . When the user&#39;s finger touches or is located in propinquity to plate  1228 , the amount of light detected by one or more of detector elements  1224  is typically reduced relative to the baseline level of light detected by the detector elements  1224 . Detector analyzing processing circuitry (not shown) preferably receives outputs of the detector elements  1224  on detector arrays  1222 , digitally processes these outputs and determines whether the absolute amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1224  is below a predetermined threshold, or whether the change in the amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1224  exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     The amount of light detected by the individual detector elements  1224  on a given detector array  1222 , as determined by the detector analyzing processing circuitry, is further processed to provide an array detection output. The array detection output includes information corresponding to the location of an impingement point of the user&#39;s finger relative to the given detector array  1222 . Typically, the location of at least one detector element  1224 , in which the amount of light measured is below a predetermined threshold or the change in the amount of light measured exceeds a predetermined threshold, corresponds to the location of the user&#39;s finger along an axis parallel to the given detector array  1222 . 
     In the configuration shown in  FIG. 18B , two-dimensional location determining circuitry (not shown) preferably calculates the two-dimensional position of the impingement point of the user&#39;s finger on or above plate  1228  by combining the array detection outputs of at least two detector arrays, typically arranged along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  1226  of plate  1228 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 18C , which shows an array  1242  of detector elements  1244  arranged in a plane, parallel to a viewing plane  1246 . As seen in  FIG. 18C , in one example of a display and input device structure, detector array  1242  is arranged behind an IR transmissive display panel  1248 , such as a panel including LCD or OLED elements, underlying a viewing plane defining plate  1250 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the array  1242  is formed of a plurality of discrete detector elements  1244  placed on a plane integrally formed therewith. Alternatively, the array  1242  may be formed of one or more CCD or CMOS arrays, or may created by photolithography. 
     Viewing plane defining plate  1250  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. In one example of an integrated display and input system employing an LCD, there are provided one or more light diffusing layers  1252  overlying a reflector  1254 . One or more collimating layers  1256  are typically interposed between reflector  1254  and IR transmissive display panel  1248 . 
     The integrated display and input device shown in  FIG. 18C  preferably includes an illumination subassembly  1262  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources. The illumination subassembly  1262  preferably provides a baseline illumination level which is typically detected by detector elements  1244 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 18C , a generally linear arrangement of multiple IR emitting LEDs  1266  is provided, in parallel with one or more of edges  1268  of the integrated display and input device. The LEDs  1266  are arranged such that light emitted therefrom is projected generally across the surface of plate  1208 . Suitable IR emitting LEDs are, for example, IR-emitting SMD-LEDs commercially available from OSA Opto Light GmbH of Berlin, Germany under catalog designator OIS-210-X-T. It is appreciated that selection of a specific shapes and sizes of LEDs  1266  may be affected by the specific placement of the LEDs  1266  relative to array  1242  and the interaction between light beams emitted from the LEDs  1266  and the various components of the integrated display and input device, including the plate  1250 , the detector elements  1244 , the diffusing layers  1252 , collimating layers  1256 , reflecting layers  1254  and other layers of the integrated display and input device. Optionally, the light emitted by LEDs  1266  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     Light, preferably including light in the IR band emitted by illumination subassembly  1262 , is reflected from a user&#39;s finger, a stylus (not shown) or any other suitable reflective object, touching or located in propinquity to plate  1250 . The reflected light is propagated through plate  1250  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1244 . 
     When the user&#39;s finger touches or is located in propinquity to plate  1250 , the light reflected from the finger is detected by one or more of detector elements  1244 , as described hereinabove, in addition to the baseline level of light detected by the detector elements  1244 . Detector analyzing processing circuitry (not shown) preferably receives outputs of the detector elements  1244  on detector array  1242 , digitally processes these outputs and determines whether the absolute amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1244  or the change in the amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1244  exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     The amount of light detected by the individual detector elements  1244  as determined by the detector analyzing processing circuitry, is further processed to provide an array detection output. The array detection output includes information corresponding to the location of an impingement point of the user&#39;s finger relative to array  1242 . Typically, the location of at least one detector element  1244 , in which the amount of light measured or the change in the amount of light measured exceeds a predetermined threshold, corresponds to the two-dimensional location of the user&#39;s finger in a plane parallel to array  1242 . 
     In the configuration shown in  FIG. 18C , optional three-dimensional location determining circuitry (not shown) may be provided to calculate the three-dimensional (X, Y, Z and/or angular orientation) position of the impingement point of the user&#39;s finger on or above plate  1250  by processing the detector element outputs of at least two detector elements to define the shape and size of an impingement area, as described in assignee&#39;s U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/715,546; 60/734,027; 60/789,188 and 60/682,604, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0156914A1 and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2005/094176, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Reference is now made  FIG. 18D , which shows arrays  1272  of light detector elements  1274  arranged at least two mutually perpendicular edge surfaces  1276  of a viewing plane defining plate  1278 . Alternatively, detector arrays  1272  may be provided along all or most of the edges  1276 . As a further alternative, a single detector array  1272  may be provided along only one edge  1276  of the plate  1278 . Viewing plane defining plate  1278  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. Optionally, one or more of detector arrays  1272  may be arranged such that the detector elements  1274  thereof extend slightly above the surface of viewing plane defining plate  1278 . 
     It is to be appreciated that the phrase “at edges” is to be interpreted broadly as including structures which are located behind edges, as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10A-10D, 11A-11D, 15A-15D and 16A-16D , about edges as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D and 14A-14D , and along edges as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4-7, 8A-8D, 12A-12D and 13A-13D . 
     Suitable detector elements are, for example, Solderable Silicon Photodiodes commercially available from Advanced Photonix Incorporated of Camarillo, Calif., USA under catalog designator PDB-C601-1. 
     The integrated display and input device shown in  FIG. 18D  preferably includes an illumination subassembly  1282  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources. The illumination subassembly  1282  preferably provides a baseline illumination level which is typically detected by detector elements  1274 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 18D , one or more IR emitting LEDs  1286  is provided at, generally adjacent to, or interspersed among, a linear arrangement of display backlight LEDs (not shown), typically provided underlying and aligned with edges of a plane of an IR transmissive display panel  1288 , such as an LCD or OLED, which underlies and is generally parallel to a viewing plane defining plate  1278 . 
     A suitable IR emitting LED is, for example, an SMD type IR GaAs LED commercially available from Marubeni America Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif., USA under catalog designator SMC940. It is appreciated that selection of a specific shapes and sizes of LEDs  1286  may be affected by the specific placement of LEDs  1286  relative to detector arrays  1272  and the interaction between light beams emitted from the LEDs  1286 , light beams emitted from other backlight LEDs, and the various components of the integrated display and input device, including backlight LEDs, the plate  1278 , the detector elements  1274  and other layers of the integrated display and input device. Optionally, the light emitted by LED  1286  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detector elements  1274  are operative to detect visible wavelengths of light emitted from visible light-emitting backlight LEDs. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, backlight LEDs are selected to provide both IR and visible light wavelength emanations. 
     The IR emitting LEDs  1286  are arranged such that light emitted therefrom is projected generally through one or more diffusing and/or collimating layers  1290  typically underlying the IR transmissive display panel  1288 . The IR emitting LEDs  1286  may additionally or alternatively be arranged such that light emitted therefrom is reflected by one or more reflecting layers  1292 , underlying and generally parallel to the plane of the IR transmissive display panel  1288 . Typically, both diffusing layers  1290  and reflecting layers  1292  are provided, to aid in propagating the backlight and IR light through the transmissive display panel  1288 . 
     Light, preferably including light in the IR band emitted by illumination subassembly  1282 , is reflected from a user&#39;s finger, a stylus (not shown) or any other suitable reflective object, touching or located in propinquity to plate  1278 . The reflected light is propagated within plate  1278  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1274 . Alternatively or additionally, the reflected light is propagated above the surface of plate  1278  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1274 , which may extend slightly above edge surfaces  1276 . Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the reflected light may propagate or be transmitted through plate  1278  directly to one or more of detector elements  1274  and detected thereby. 
     When the user&#39;s finger touches or is located in propinquity to plate  1278 , the light reflected from the finger is detected by one or more of detector elements  1274 , as described hereinabove, in addition to the baseline level of light detected by the detector elements  1274 . Detector analyzing processing circuitry (not shown) preferably receives outputs of the detector elements  1274  on detector arrays  1272 , digitally processes these outputs and determines whether the absolute amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1274  or the change in the amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1274  exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     The amount of light detected by the individual detector elements  1274  on a given detector array  1272 , as determined by the detector analyzing processing circuitry, is further processed to provide an array detection output. The array detection output includes information corresponding to the location of an impingement point of the user&#39;s finger relative to the given detector array  1272 . Typically, the location of at least one detector element  1274 , in which the amount of light measured or the change in the amount of light measured exceeds a predetermined threshold, corresponds to the location of the user&#39;s finger along an axis parallel to detector array  1272 . 
     In the configuration shown in  FIG. 18D , two-dimensional location determining circuitry (not shown) preferably calculates the two-dimensional position of the impingement point of the user&#39;s finger on or above plate  1278  by combining the array detection outputs of at least two arrays, typically arranged along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  1276  of plate  1278 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 18E , which shows a single array  1302  of light detector elements  1304  arranged at an edge surface  1306  of a viewing plane defining plate  1308 . Viewing plane defining plate  1308  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. 
     It is to be appreciated that the phrase “at an edge” is to be interpreted broadly as including structures which are located behind an edge, as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10A-10D, 11A-11D, 15A-15D and 16A-16D , about an edge as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D and 14A-14D , and along an edge as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4-7, 8A-8D, 12A-12D and 13A-13D . 
     Suitable detector elements are, for example, Solderable Silicon Photodiodes commercially available from Advanced Photonix Incorporated of Camarillo, Calif., USA under catalog designator PDB-C601-1. 
     The integrated display and input device shown in  FIG. 18E  preferably includes an illumination subassembly  1312  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources. The illumination subassembly  1312  preferably provides a baseline illumination level which is typically detected by detector elements  1304 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 18E , a generally linear arrangement of multiple IR emitting LEDs  1316  is provided, in parallel with one or more of edges  1306 . The LEDs  1316  are arranged such that light emitted therefrom is projected generally across the surface of plate  1308 . Illumination subassembly  1312  may be arranged in parallel to detector array  1302 , at an edge perpendicular to detector array  1302 , or may be arranged at an edge opposite or otherwise not adjacent or perpendicular to detector array  1302 . 
     Suitable IR emitting LEDs are, for example, the IR-emitting SMD-LEDs commercially available from OSA Opto Light GmbH of Berlin, Germany under catalog designator OIS-210-X-T. It is appreciated that selection of a specific shapes and sizes of LEDs  1316  may be affected by the specific placement of the illumination subassembly  1312  relative to detector array  1302  and the interaction between light beams emitted from the LEDs  1316  and the various components of the integrated display and input device, including the plate  1308 , the detector elements  1304  and other layers of the integrated display and input device. Optionally, the light emitted by LEDs  1316  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     Light, preferably including light in the IR band emitted by illumination subassembly  1312 , is reflected from a user&#39;s finger, a stylus (not shown) or any other suitable reflective object, touching or located in propinquity to plate  1308 . The reflected light is propagated within plate  1308  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1304 . Alternatively or additionally, the reflected light is propagated above the surface of plate  1308  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1304 , which may extend slightly above edge surfaces  1306 . Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the reflected light may propagate or be transmitted through plate  1308  directly to one or more of detector elements  1304  and detected thereby. 
     When the user&#39;s finger touches or is located in propinquity to plate  1308 , the light reflected from the finger is detected by one or more of detector elements  1304 , as described hereinabove, in addition to the baseline level of light detected by the detector elements  1304 . Detector analyzing processing circuitry (not shown) preferably receives outputs of the detector elements  1304  on detector array  1302 , digitally processes these outputs and determines whether the absolute amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1304  or the change in the amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1304  exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     The amount of light detected by the individual detector elements  1304  on array  1302 , as determined by the detector analyzing processing circuitry, is further processed to provide an array detection output. The array detection output includes information corresponding to the location of an impingement point of the user&#39;s finger relative to detector array  1302 . Typically, the location of at least one detector element  1304 , in which the amount of light measured or the change in the amount of light measured exceeds a predetermined threshold, corresponds to the location of the user&#39;s finger along an axis parallel to array  1302 . 
     In the configuration shown in  FIG. 18E , two-dimensional location determining circuitry (not shown) preferably calculates the two-dimensional position of the impingement point of the user&#39;s finger on or above plate  1308  by further utilizing the array detection output and the information corresponding to the location of the impingement point of the user&#39;s finger relative to the array included therein, as described hereinbelow. 
     Whereas the location of at least one detector element  1304  on array  1302 , in which the amount of light measured or the change in the amount of light measured exceeds a predetermined threshold, corresponds to the location of the user&#39;s finger along an axis parallel to array  1302 , the strength of the signal output of that detector element  1304  decreases as the distance of the impingement point of the user&#39;s finger from array  1302  along an axis generally perpendicular to the axis of the array  1302  increases. Conversely, the strength of the signal output of the detector element  1304  increases as the distance of the impingement point of the user&#39;s finger from array  1302  along an axis generally perpendicular to the axis of the array  1302  decreases. These characteristics of the various components of the integrated display and input device are employed by the two-dimensional location determining circuitry to calculate the two-dimensional position of the impingement point of the user&#39;s finger on the plate  1308  or above it. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 18F , which shows an integrated display and input device having touch responsive input functionality. As seen in  FIG. 18F , a multiplicity of light detector elements  1322  are interspersed among light emitters  1324  arranged in a plane  1326  underlying a viewing plane defining plate  1328 . Examples of such a structure are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,034,866 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0132463A1, 2006/0007222A1 and 2004/00012565A1, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Viewing plane defining plate  1328  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. In one example of an integrated display and input system employing light detector elements interspersed among light emitting elements, there are provided one or more light diffusing layers  1330  overlying a reflector  1332 . One or more collimating layers  1334  may be interposed between reflector  1332  and the plane  1326  which includes the light detector and light emitting elements. 
     The integrated display and input device shown in  FIG. 18F  preferably includes an illumination subassembly  1342  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources. The illumination subassembly  1342  preferably provides a baseline illumination level which is typically detected by detector elements  1322 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 18F , a generally linear arrangement of multiple IR emitting LEDs  1346  is provided, generally in parallel with one or more of edges  1348  of plate  1328 . The LEDs  1246  are arranged such that light emitted therefrom is projected generally across the surface of plate  1328 . Suitable IR emitting LEDs are, for example, IR-emitting SMD-LEDs commercially available from OSA Opto Light GmbH of Berlin, Germany under catalog designator OIS-210-X-T. It is appreciated that selection of a specific shapes and sizes of LEDs  1346  may be affected by the specific placement of the LEDs  1346  relative to plane  1326  and the interaction between one or more light beams emitted from LEDs  1346  and the various components of the integrated display and input device including the plate  1328 , the detector elements  1322 , diffusing layers  1330 , collimating layers  1334 , reflecting layers  1332  and other layers of the integrated display and input device. Optionally, the light emitted by LEDs  1346  may be modulated by modulating circuitry (not shown). 
     Light, preferably including light in the IR band emitted by illumination subassembly  1342 , is reflected from a user&#39;s finger, a stylus (not shown) or any other suitable reflective object, touching or located in propinquity to plate  1328 . The reflected light is propagated through plate  1328  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1322 . 
     When the user&#39;s finger touches or is located in propinquity to plate  1328 , the light reflected from the finger is detected by one or more of detector elements  1322 , in addition to the baseline level of light detected by the detector elements  1322 . Detector analyzing processing circuitry preferably receives outputs of the detector elements  1322 , digitally processes these outputs and determines whether the absolute amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1322  or the change in the amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1322  exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     The amount of light detected by the individual detector elements  1322 , as determined by the detector analyzing processing circuitry, is further processed to provide an array detection output. The array detection output includes information corresponding to the location of an impingement point of the user&#39;s finger. Typically, the location of at least one detector element  1322 , in which the amount of light measured or the change in the amount of light measured exceeds a predetermined threshold, corresponds to the two-dimensional location of the user&#39;s finger on or above plate  1328  and parallel to plane  1326 . 
     In the configuration shown in  FIG. 18F , optional three-dimensional location determining circuitry (not shown) may be provided to calculate the three-dimensional (X, Y, Z and/or angular orientation) position of the impingement point of the user&#39;s finger on or above plate  1328  by processing the detector element outputs of at least two detector elements to define the shape and size of an impingement area, as described in assignee&#39;s U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/715,546; 60/734,027; 60/789,188 and 60/682,604, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0156914A1 and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2005/094176, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     It is appreciated that any of the configurations of the illumination subassemblies shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 18A-18F  may be combined with any of the detector array configurations shown in  FIGS. 1-18F . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 19 , which is a simplified illustration of an integrated display and input device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, utilizing electromagnetic radiation from a source external to the integrated display and input device. 
     As seen in  FIG. 19 , arrays  1402  of light detector elements  1404  are arranged at least two mutually perpendicular edge surfaces  1406  of a viewing plane defining plate  1408 . Alternatively, detector arrays  1402  may be provided along all or most of the edges  1406 . As a further alternative, a single detector array  1402  may be provided along only one edge  1406  of the plate  1408 . Viewing plane defining plate  1408  may be a single or multiple layer plate and may have one or more coating layers associated therewith. 
     It is to be appreciated that the phrase “at edges” is to be interpreted broadly as including structures which are located behind edges, as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10A-10D, 11A-11D, 15A-15D and 16A-16D , about edges as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D and 14A-14D , and along edges as in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4-7, 8A-8D, 12A-12D and 13A-13D . 
     Suitable detector elements are, for example, Solderable Silicon Photodiodes commercially available from Advanced Photonix Incorporated of Camarillo, Calif., USA under catalog designator PDB-C601-1. 
     Light incident upon the viewing plate  1408 , preferably including light in the IR band emitted by one or more sources of illumination external to the integrated display and input device, is propagated within plate  1408  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1404 . Alternatively or additionally, the incident light is propagated above the surface of plate  1408  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1404 , which may extend slightly above edge surfaces  1406 . Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the incident light may propagate or be transmitted through plate  1408  directly to one or more of detector elements  1404  and detected thereby. The detection of incident light by detector elements  1404  defines a baseline illumination level therefore. 
     Light, preferably including light in the IR band emitted by one or more sources of illumination external to the integrated display and input device, is reflected from a user&#39;s finger, a stylus (not shown) or any other suitable reflective object, touching or located in propinquity to plate  1408 . The reflected light is propagated within plate  1408  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1404 . Alternatively or additionally, the reflected light is propagated above the surface of plate  1408  and is detected by one or more of detector elements  1404 , which may extend slightly above edge surfaces  1406 . Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the reflected light may propagate or be transmitted through plate  1408  directly to one or more of detector elements  1404  and detected thereby. 
     Suitable external light sources include sunlight, artificial room lighting and IR illumination emitted from a human body or other heat source. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the quantity or intensity of the reflected light may be augmented by the addition of an illumination subassembly  1412  which typically includes one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources. Examples of various suitable configurations of illumination subassembly  1412  are described hereinabove with reference to  FIGS. 18A-18F . 
     When the user&#39;s finger touches or is located in propinquity to plate  1408 , the light reflected from the finger is detected by one or more of detector elements  1404 , as described hereinabove, in addition to the baseline level of light detected by the detector elements  1404 . Detector analyzing processing circuitry (not shown) preferably receives outputs of the detector elements  1404  on arrays  1402 , digitally processes these outputs and determines whether the absolute amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1404  or the change in the amount of light detected by each of the detector elements  1404  exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     The amount of light detected by the individual detector elements  1404  on a given array  1402 , as determined by the detector analyzing processing circuitry, is further processed to provide an array detection output. The array detection output includes information corresponding to the location of an impingement point of the user&#39;s finger relative to the given array  1402 . Typically, the location of at least one detector element  1404 , in which the amount of light measured or the change in the amount of light measured exceeds a predetermined threshold, corresponds to the location of the user&#39;s finger along an axis parallel to array  1402 . 
     In the configuration shown in  FIG. 19 , two-dimensional location determining circuitry (not shown) preferably calculates the two-dimensional position of the impingement point of the user&#39;s finger on or above plate  1408  by combining the array detection outputs of at least two arrays, typically arranged along at least two mutually perpendicular edges  1406  of plate  1408 . 
     It is appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereto which would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the above description and which are not in the prior art.

Technology Category: 3