Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Optical or pre-photocell system
Patent
1994-03-31
1996-02-13
Westin, Edward P.
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Optical or pre-photocell system
382212, G06K 1108, G02B 2702
Patent
active
054913322
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a National Application based on PCT application number PCT/EP91/01310 filed Nov. 7, 1991.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to display apparatus including optical mapping and more specifically to apparatus combining display and mapping functions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Flat panel displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCD) are well known. Such displays are used extensively for visual display in applications such as car dashboards, instrumentation panels, household devices, sign-posts, etc. Liquid crystal arrays (LCA) are used for displays such as computer display monitors, TV monitors and projection devices. In PCT application PCT/EP91/00065 liquid crystal devices are proposed for use in an improved transparency viewing apparatus.
The general need for improved human interfaces in the direct activation of apparatus is well known, and various types of touch screens are available. Such touch screens include apparatus based on infra-red detection and on piezo-electric, ultrasonic, resistive and other technologies.
Known combinations of flat panel displays and touch screens suffer from disadvantages of bulkiness, complexity and high cost resulting from the need to provide two separate systems, one for display and another for detection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general terms the invention comprises a display device which includes a mapping function.
The display device, in one preferred embodiment of the invention, is a light box operative to provide enhanced illumination and/or masking of a transparency. In a second embodiment of the invention the display device is capable of displaying variable information on a viewing surface. Examples of such devices are a TV monitor or a PC monitor. In a third embodiment of the invention the display device is a non-matrix type display such a dashboard display or other display having fixed indications in particular places which can be turned on or off.
The display device can comprise, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), an LCA (a liquid crystal array) or a video or PC display utilizing an LCA.
The mapping function is performed, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, by selectively varying the opacity of segments of the viewing surface and by measuring the amount of light which is transmitted through the segments. When the display device is a light box comprising an LCA and back-lighting, the opacity of segments of the array is varied to determine the loci of the transparency and/or the opacity of portions of transparency overlying the segments. When the display device is a TV or computer monitor utilizing an LCA, the segments of the LCA can be sequentially made transparent in order to determine the position of the shadow of a finger or other pointer. Where the display device is an enunciator using an LCD, optical detection of a finger can be used to perform command functions associated with particular segments of the display.
The mapping function can utilize a segmented surface such as an LCA which is additional to the display part of the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, both the display and mapping functions are performed using the same LCA.
Thus it is an object of some aspects of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for viewing transparencies and the like which is automatically self masking.
It is an object of some aspects of the invention to provide a video monitor or other display device having improved, optically based "touch" screen functions.
There is therefore provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention display apparatus having the dual function of display and optical mapping of objects including a viewing surface to which the object is adjacent, a segmented surface underlying the viewing surface and having a plurality of segments at least two of which have a controllable opacity, control apparatus for selectively varying the opacity of at least two of the segments and light detection apparatus for detecting light pas
REFERENCES:
patent: 4908876 (1990-03-01), DeForest et al.
patent: 4977315 (1990-12-01), Purcell
Inbar Dan
Teltsch Giora J.
A.D.P. Adaptive Visual Perception Ltd.
Lee John R.
Westin Edward P.
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