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. For this purpose Neonode has developed holders that can be printed using 3D-printer. Please see Holders for the Touch Sensor Modules. The gap between the screen and the sensor would allow the end user to interact with an application by simply hovering their finger (or any other object) in front of the display in-air. Examples of this has been implemented in e.g. kiosks in order to provide a contactless alternative. 

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.

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 touchscreen, a contactless holographic display requires less maintenance in regards of cleaning, as well as a lower risk of spreading bacteria, dirt, and viruses.

Appendix 

Parallel Plane Solution

The easiest and most cost-effective way to create a contactless touch solution is to position the Touch Sensor Module above the display, while leaving a gap in-between the sensor module and the chosen display or surface. By raising the Touch Sensor Module, it is possible to interact with an application of choice by simply hovering across the Touch Active Area (TAA).

The Parallel Plane Solution is a perfectly suited contactless touch approach for elevators and a variety of kiosk appliances. That involves Self-Service Kiosks, Vending Machines, Quick Service Restaurants PoS, ATMs, or Coffee Machines.

Since the Touch Sensor Module is recognized as a HID touchscreen digitizer by the host system, the Plug-and-Play support allows an easy upgrade on existing systems. To upgrade an existing system, the sensor module will simply work upon plug-and-play if supported. The sensor module can also be implemented or configured using the evaluation tools (i.e. Workbench, example-SDK, Arduino Library), or a custom solution through USB HID or I2C.

It is possible to apply a new set of configurations temporarily (RAM) with the use of our evaluation tools, or by simply sending a configuration message to the sensor module. These settings can change how the sensor module handles touch input data, which makes it possible to mount the sensor alongside any sides of the display regardless of its orientation.

For further information about software integration, please refer to section Software Implementation below. 

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.

The Holographic Display 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.

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.