Using Different Light Colors to Detect Touches on Screens
This 2011 patent describes a system that uses two different colors of light to accurately detect where an object, like a finger, touches a screen or surface.
Original patent title: “Methods and Systems Utilizing Multiple Wavelengths for Position Detection”
This 2011 patent describes a system that uses two different colors of light to accurately detect where an object, like a finger, touches a screen or surface. Owned by Individual with 29 claims and 17 forward citations, and it is expected to expire in 2031.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent details a system for detecting the position of objects within a specific area, like a display screen. It works by using an optical detector to capture images. The system shines light of a first wavelength (color) into the area, capturing a first image. Then, it shines light of a second wavelength (another color) into the same area and captures a second image. The core idea is to process these two images, specifically by subtracting the second image's signal from the first. This subtraction helps to eliminate false signals, such as light that reflects directly back from the surface itself, and can also help identify the object based on how it interacts with the different light colors. For example, if you touch a screen, the system can figure out exactly where your finger is by analyzing the differences in the light patterns.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Systems that only use a single wavelength or color of light for detection.
- Detection systems that do not involve subtracting image signals to isolate object interaction.
- Methods that rely on sound waves or electrical capacitance for touch detection.
- Systems that cannot differentiate between direct reflections and reflections from a specific edge member.
- Position detection that does not involve generating an image from an optical detector.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The clever part is using two different colors of light and subtracting the resulting images. This subtraction technique helps to filter out unwanted light signals, like those bouncing directly off the screen surface, making it easier to pinpoint the actual touch object. It also allows for object identification based on unique optical properties when interacting with different light colors.
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
Interactive digital whiteboards
Touchscreen displays for computers
Some early optical touch detection systems
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent explores a method for improving the accuracy of touch detection systems, particularly for displays and interactive whiteboards. By using multiple wavelengths of light, it aims to reduce errors caused by ambient light or direct reflections, leading to more reliable touch input. This was important as touch technology was becoming more prevalent in consumer electronics and interactive displays.
Filed
March 25, 2011
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
As an individual inventorinventorThe person who actually conceived the invention. Listed on the patent regardless of who owns it.Read more →, it's difficult to pinpoint specific large companies directly building on this exact patent without more information on its licensing or enforcement history. However, the principles of using optical detection with multiple wavelengths for improved accuracy are relevant to ongoing research and development in the touch sensing industry, including companies involved in display technology and interactive interfaces.
Market impact
This patent, filed in 2011, addresses a period of rapid growth in touch-enabled devices. Its focus on improving accuracy through multi-wavelength optical detection aimed to enhance user experience in interactive displays and whiteboards. While specific market shifts directly attributable to this patent are not widely documented, it represents a technical approach to a common challenge in touch sensing technology during that era.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent details a system for detecting the position of objects within a specific area, like a display screen. It works by using an optical detector to capture images. The system shines light of a first wavelength (color) into the area, capturing a first image. Then, it shines light of a second wavelength (another color) into the same area and captures a second image. The core idea is to process these two images, specifically by subtracting the second image's signal from the first. This subtraction helps to eliminate false signals, such as light that reflects directly back from the surface itself, and can also help identify the object based on how it interacts with the different light colors. For example, if you touch a screen, the system can figure out exactly where your finger is by analyzing the differences in the light patterns.
The clever bit
The clever part is using two different colors of light and subtracting the resulting images. This subtraction technique helps to filter out unwanted light signals, like those bouncing directly off the screen surface, making it easier to pinpoint the actual touch object. It also allows for object identification based on unique optical properties when interacting with different light colors.
What it does not cover
- Systems that only use a single wavelength or color of light for detection.
- Detection systems that do not involve subtracting image signals to isolate object interaction.
- Methods that rely on sound waves or electrical capacitance for touch detection.
- Systems that cannot differentiate between direct reflections and reflections from a specific edge member.
- Position detection that does not involve generating an image from an optical detector.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
25/40
Moderately cited
Claim breadth
19/20
Very broad protection
Recency
0/20
Older than 20 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
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
$164K – $524K
Midpoint $328K · 4.6 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
29 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Marson, P. Using Different Light Colors to Detect Touches on Screens (U.S. Patent No. 20,110,234,542). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20110234542/methods-and-systems-utilizing-multiple-wavelengths-for-position-detection
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 Using Different Light Colors to Detect Touches on Screens cover?
This 2011 patent describes a system that uses two different colors of light to accurately detect where an object, like a finger, touches a screen or surface.
Who owns patent US 20110234542?
This patent is owned by Individual.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on March 25, 2031, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 20110234542 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 17 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent explores a method for improving the accuracy of touch detection systems, particularly for displays and interactive whiteboards. By using multiple wavelengths of light, it aims to reduce errors caused by ambient light or direct reflections, leading to more reliable touch input. This was important as touch technology was becoming more prevalent in consumer electronics and interactive displays.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Systems that only use a single wavelength or color of light for detection.
Same assignee
More from Individual
Patent monitoring