Capacitive touch screens may soon go the way of the dinosaur with the introduction of Neonode’s zForce. Unlike common capacitive-based touch screen sensors which rely on the electrical properties of the human body to track movement, Neonode’s zForce Multi-Sensing technology replaces those sensors with an array infrared LEDs. Unfortunately, to use the array, a raised bezel has to be placed around the screen to house the LEDs and sensors. It works by simply detecting interruption between emitter/detector pairs.
The advantages of using a device equipped with zForce include pressure sensing (which can track everything from a stylus to a gloved hand), object size as well as the proximity of the object in relation to the screen. Since zForce is based on LEDs (light), there is almost no latency when using the display. The screen is also 100% transparent, ultra-thin, cheaper to produce over traditional displays and has a scanning speed of up to a 1000 Hz!
The Swiss company also claims that the zForce consumes less power (at 1mW @ 100Hz), which helps extend the battery life of your device. Neonode has already licensed zForce to companies that include Sony and Barnes & Noble. So, we can expect to see this technology implemented into the next generation of phones, tablets and e-readers.
PLATO V (via Wiki)
I would like to point out that infrared bezel sensing touchscreens are not that new. The PLATO V terminal from 1981 used the tech. It is also a common type of touch interface for industrial or hazardous areas where people are wearing gloves or protection gear. Neonode is taking this to an even higher level by layering the detectors into a 3D detecting sensor, dubbed "Multi Sense"
Multi Sense touch board concept (via Neonode)
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