Sharp presents new system LCD with image scanning functionality

Sharp's proprietary Continuous Grain Silicon technology enables the integration of optical sensors in each pixel building the basis for multi-point touch-screen, image scanning and other functionalities

Hamburg, 21 September 2007 – Sharp Corporation has successfully developed a new System LCD equipped with a completely new touch screen concept and scanner functions. This is accomplished by integrating an optical sensor into each pixel of the LCD panel. Compared to conventional touch screen displays where the touch input functionality involves laminating or bonding a tactile film on top of the LCD panel, this is completely eliminated in the new system LCD. Consequently, the display provides increased backlight transmissibility for an improved brightness and image quality paired with a slim product design of less than one millimeter thickness.

Since each pixel reacts independently to changing ambient light conditions, tactile recognition based on simultaneously touching multiple points on the screen is now possible - a feature previously difficult to implement. For example, users can easily tap the screen with two fingers to enlarge or reduce a displayed map. The integration of optical sensors in each pixel also enables the LCD to serve as a scanner; (e.g. for business cards) with the full 1/2 VGA resolution provided by the display. The scanning functionality is also expected to enable a user’s fingerprint authentication in the future.

With continuous grain technology enabling improved image quality and additional functionalities Sharp's new system LCD is predestined for the next generation of mobile devices such as smartphones, PDAs, pocket PCs and personal navigation devices where touch screen functions are becoming indispensable.

Specifications

About Sharp Microelectronics Europe
Sharp Microelectronics Europe, Hamburg, Germany, is a divisional company of Sharp Electronics (Europe) GmbH, which is a subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan. Sharp is a worldwide developer of core digital technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of electronic products for consumer and business needs. Sharp Microelectronics Europe offers groundbreaking solutions in the areas of memory products, LCD, Opto Components, CCD, RF/IR, IC and LSI components, along with packaging and integration skills that help design engineers throughout Europe to bring their ambitious ideas to market. Sharp Microelectronics Europe is dedicated to improving people’s lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design.

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responsible:
Sharp Microelectronics Europe     
Ralf Schäfer
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