Detecting Touches Using Thermal Cameras for Computer Input
This patent describes how a thermal camera can detect when two objects, like a finger and a table, touch by sensing a specific temperature pattern, then uses that touch as a way to control a computer.
Original patent title: “Method and device for detecting a touch between a first object and a second object”
This patent describes how a thermal camera can detect when two objects, like a finger and a table, touch by sensing a specific temperature pattern, then uses that touch as a way to control a computer. Granted to Apple in 2023 with 23 claims, and it is expected to expire in 2040.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This system uses a thermographic camera, a display, and processors to detect touches. It receives a thermal image of a first object (like a user's hand) and a second object (like a surface). A touch is detected when a specific "group of pixels" in the thermal image shows a temperature within a "predetermined temperature range" where the objects meet, and this group of pixels also satisfies a "predetermined size" (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1). The system then determines the exact "position associated with the touch" relative to the display, often using a calibration between the camera and display (Claim 1, Claim 2). This position is then used to "provide user input," for example, to manipulate "virtual information" displayed to the user (Claim 1, Claim 7). For instance, if a user touches a projected virtual button on a wall, the thermal camera detects the heat signature of the finger, identifies its location, and registers it as a button press.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover touch detection methods that do not rely on thermal imaging, such as those using visible light or capacitance.
- Does not cover systems that detect an object without a distinct temperature signature from the surface it touches.
- Does not cover detecting a touch if the thermal signature does not form a 'group of pixels' of a 'predetermined size'.
- Does not cover general object detection without the specific intent of providing user input.
- Does not cover touch detection solely based on changes in visible light or electrical properties.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in using the distinct thermal signature of a touch, specifically a group of pixels within a temperature range and size, to accurately detect and localize user input on various surfaces, rather than relying on physical screen properties.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Augmented reality interfaces
Projected virtual keyboards
Interactive displays on non-conductive materials
Control panels in extreme temperature environments
Smart home devices with invisible interfaces
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology could enable new ways to interact with computers, especially in augmented reality or environments where traditional touchscreens are impractical. It allows for touch input on almost any surface by projecting interfaces, expanding beyond physical screens. This opens possibilities for more seamless integration of digital information with the physical world.
Filed
December 23, 2020
Granted
October 24, 2023
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Apple Inc., the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, is actively researching and developing technologies for advanced user interfaces, including those for augmented and virtual reality systems. Companies focusing on projection mapping and interactive displays, such as Microsoft (with HoloLens) or various industrial automation firms, might also explore similar thermal sensing for robust input.
Market impact
This patent, being relatively recent, suggests a future direction for user interaction rather than a past market disruption. It could enable new product categories in augmented reality or smart environments where traditional touchscreens are impractical. By offering a robust, surface-agnostic input method, it could reduce reliance on physical buttons or dedicated touch panels, potentially leading to more seamless and integrated digital experiences.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This system uses a thermographic camera, a display, and processors to detect touches. It receives a thermal image of a first object (like a user's hand) and a second object (like a surface). A touch is detected when a specific "group of pixels" in the thermal image shows a temperature within a "predetermined temperature range" where the objects meet, and this group of pixels also satisfies a "predetermined size" (Claim 1). The system then determines the exact "position associated with the touch" relative to the display, often using a calibration between the camera and display (Claim 1, Claim 2). This position is then used to "provide user input," for example, to manipulate "virtual information" displayed to the user (Claim 1, Claim 7). For instance, if a user touches a projected virtual button on a wall, the thermal camera detects the heat signature of the finger, identifies its location, and registers it as a button press.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in using the distinct thermal signature of a touch, specifically a group of pixels within a temperature range and size, to accurately detect and localize user input on various surfaces, rather than relying on physical screen properties.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover touch detection methods that do not rely on thermal imaging, such as those using visible light or capacitance.
- Does not cover systems that detect an object without a distinct temperature signature from the surface it touches.
- Does not cover detecting a touch if the thermal signature does not form a 'group of pixels' of a 'predetermined size'.
- Does not cover general object detection without the specific intent of providing user input.
- Does not cover touch detection solely based on changes in visible light or electrical properties.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
15/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
20/20
Major company or institution
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$47K – $150K
Midpoint $94K · 14.2 yr remaining · industry ×1.6
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
23 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Kurz, D. (2023). Detecting Touches Using Thermal Cameras for Computer Input (U.S. Patent No. 11,797,132). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11797132/method-and-device-for-detecting-a-touch-between-a-first-object-and-a-second-obje-11797132
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Detecting Touches Using Thermal Cameras for Computer Input cover?
This patent describes how a thermal camera can detect when two objects, like a finger and a table, touch by sensing a specific temperature pattern, then uses that touch as a way to control a computer.
Who owns patent US 11797132?
Apple owns this patent, granted in 2023.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on December 23, 2040, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This technology could enable new ways to interact with computers, especially in augmented reality or environments where traditional touchscreens are impractical. It allows for touch input on almost any surface by projecting interfaces, expanding beyond physical screens. This opens possibilities for more seamless integration of digital information with the physical world.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover touch detection methods that do not rely on thermal imaging, such as those using visible light or capacitance.
Same assignee
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