Planar Scatter Detection Technology

FlatFrog's multi-touch technology, called Planar Scatter Detection (PSD), is a groundbreaking optical in-glass technology with unprecedented performance through advanced opto-mechanics and signal processing. PSD is the leading optical in-glass technology and is setting a new standard for true multi-touch application.

PSD Enables Exciting Future Multi-Touch Specifications

Pen input
The high accuracy and precision of the PSD technology allows for passive and active pen input implementations.

Object shape recognition
PSD technology can recreate what is happening on the surface of the screen in minute detail, providing the possibility to recognize objects and shapes to enable for example palm rejection.

Sizes from 3” to more than 100”
The technology can be scaled to support anything from 3” to 100”+ displays, covering everything from smartphones, all-in-one computers to large interactive whiteboards and tables.

Low cost and low power
The PSD technology is ideal for consumer electronics products with both disruptive price points at high volumes and low power consumption while maintaining high performance and perfect optical clarity.

Flush and simple integration
The technology is designed to support simple and slim integration with a completely flush surface, ideal for multi-touch based slates and computers.

Glass or plastics
The optically based PSD technology can operate in both glass and plastic substrates. 

Curved surfaces
PSD works not only in different materials but also on curved surfaces, making spectacular and futuristic applications possible.

Ready for Windows 8
With PSD, both the 32” FlatFrog Multitouch 3200 and other sizes will surpass the stringent touch requirements set out by Microsoft for their coming operating system, ensuring smooth touch interaction for many years to come.

Designed for rapid product development
FlatFrog's developer framework and open API are developed to facilitate software porting to the multi-touch environment. All platforms are supported, such as Windows, Linux or OS X.

Rugged design
FlatFrog's system is developed to perform even in harsh environments. The robust physical characteristics maximize resistance while advanced filtering techniques ensure continued multi-touch performance despite eventual dust, liquids, scratches or reasonable physical disturbances.


Download our technology folder: Flatfrog_Technology_brochure.pdf





How PSD Works

  1. Light is injected into the waveguide
  2. The light travels via TIR - Total Internal  Reflection within the waveguide
  3. The light wave is disturbed by an object (e.g. Finger) touching the waveguide (FTIR - Frustrated Total Internal Reflection)
  4. Light is scattered from the touch point butsince only a fraction of the light travelling within the waveguide is scattered a multitude of touches may be present on a given line
  5. The remaining light is detected at the edge of the waveguide
  6. Very advanced algorithms calculate the positions of the touching objects using the detected light.

Benefits

  • Novel optical solution enabling extreme ­update frequencies and resolution
  • Utilizes transparent medium waveguide ­properties, not limited to a single material
  • Embedded system processing with digital ­signal processing support for a compact ­solution