Method and apparatus for object learning and recognition based on optical parameters

A device for determining the material of an object based on its optical characteristics within boundaries of a touch screen, the touch screen including on its periphery a plurality of light sources (Li, i=1 to N) and sensors (Sj, j=1 to M), the device comprising:

• a processor in communication with a memory, the processor executing the steps of:
• transmitting a light from each of the light sources to an object within the boundary of the touch screen;
• determining a distance from the object to each of the light sources and each of the sensors;
• detecting the presences of the sequentially transmitted light at each of the sensors;
• determining, at each of the sensors, a reflective index, n2 of the object;
• and
• determining the object material based on the determined reflective indices.

A computer program product providing instruction to a computer system for determining the material of an object based on its optical characteristics within boundaries of a touch screen, the touch screen including on its periphery a plurality of light sources (Li, i=1 to N) and sensors (Sj, j=1 to M), the instructions when loaded into the computer system causing the computer system to execute the steps of:

• transmitting a light from each of the light sources to an object within the boundary of the touch screen;
• determining a distance from the object to each of the light sources and each of the sensors;
• detecting the presences of the sequentially transmitted light at each of the sensors;
• determining, at each of the sensors, a reflective index, n2 of the object;
• and
• determining the object material based on the determined reflective indices.