Introduction

Neonode Touch Sensor Modules are perfectly suited to create a contactless touch environment. Contactless integration allows interaction to an application or interface without having to touch any surface in order to provide a germ-free alternative. Made to prevent and reduce spread of bacteria and viruses. 

When connecting the Touch Sensor Module through USB to a supported system, it will immediately be recognized as a (HID) touchscreen digitizer through Plug-and-Play. The sensor module could then be positioned at a preferred distance parallel to the display. The gap would allow the end user to interact with an application by simply hovering their finger in front of the display in-air. 

Another approach is to let the image display be projected through a special projection plate to create the illusion of a hologram. The image projection can then be controlled in-air by using the Touch Sensor Module. Examples of this have been implemented in e.g. elevators around the world.

We separate these two solutions as Parallel Plane Solution and Holographic Display Solution. The sensor module can also be connected and configured in our get-started tools, such as Workbench, SDK, or Arduino Library (I2C) for easier implementation without having to deserialize the ASN.1 encoded message.

Parallel Plane Solution

The easiest and most cost effective way to implement a contactless touch solution is to raise the Touch Active Area (TAA) above the display or panel by controlling the spacing. By leaving a gap in-between the Touch Sensor Module and the surface of choice, is possible to control an interface or buttons by simply hovering over the display, across the TAA.

The sensor module can then be used to control the application of choice in-air, without having to touch any surfaces. Since the sensor module has Plug-and-Play support, it will immediately act as a touch screen digitizer when connected to a display within the host system. In practice, this would mean that the end user could control the interface by using any supported OS gestures (i.e. swipe, touch, zoom) in-air. 

The Touch Sensor Module can be mounted and configured alongside displays or surfaces/key panel of choice through USB or I2C. For further information about the implementation tools, please refer to section software integration.

Holographic Display Solution

In-air image projection enables the possibilities to interact with a floating interface.

By projecting the image of the display through a projection plate, the image will appear to be floating in-air. The Touch Sensor Module can then be positioned to cover the projected image, to make it possible to interact with the projected interface by simply touching it.

This solution enables the in-air image projection of an ordinary LCD to be projected 90 degrees away from the screen, in-air. Since there is a fixed angular relationship between the display, the projection sheet, and the final image, the installation geometry of the display and projection sheet determines the orientation of the final image.

The projection plate reduces the viewing angle of the projected image compared to the original display, which enables applications with privacy requirements.

Assembly

A projection plate consisting of at least two layers of mirror arrays positioned at 45° relative to the display redirects light emanating from the display an additional 45° and concentrates it to a position at equal distance from the plate, creating the floating image.

The Touch Sensor Module can then be positioned underneath the projection plate, where its interactive area (TAA) is covering the projected image. Please refer to Optical Requirements on External Window for optical requirements.

Clean Environment 

Contactless integration provides a germ- and smudge-free solution for challenging environments. The light reflective technology of the Touch Sensor Module allows the user to make interactions using any object, which is beneficial for environments that require protective gear, such as gloves. Contactless integration is also an alternative for environments that cannot risk dirty equipment.

Unlike the standard touch-screen, a contactless holographic display requires less maintenance in regards of cleaning, as well as a lower risk of spreading bacteria, dirt, and viruses.

Software Implementation

The Touch Sensor Module can send touch notifications through USB HID pipe or I2C.

The parallel plane or holographic display solution can be implemented quickly with our Sensor Evaluation Tools. To create a custom solution on a system of your choice, please refer to Get Started with Software Integration. 

For further information, please refer to Neonode Support Team

Related Press Releases

• Neonode Touch Sensor Modules Selected for Touchless Holographic Elevator Rollout in China by Easpeed
• Neonode Touch Sensor Modules Selected for Touchless Holographic products by Yesar

• Neonod Enables Contactless Self check-in Solution at Singapore Changi Airport