Sharp Develops New Touch-Panel Handwriting Input System
In a paper accepted for the 2015 International Conference on Semiconductor Technologies, Sharp describes a new touch-panel system that allows multiple handwriting pens (or "styluses") to be used simultaneously to input text and lines in varying colors and thicknesses. Sharp aims to quickly commercialize the system, which represents a new method to input handwriting on interactive whiteboards.
In December 2012, Sharp developed a touch-panel system that employs a unique parallel drive method for detecting and processing multi-point inputs. The system enables multi-touch operations in which up to 50 multi-point inputs can be recognized simultaneously.
Sharp has since modified the controller IC software for the touch-panel system, while also developing a new "active stylus" that incorporates a circuit that communicates with the controller IC. These developments enable the system to identify each individual stylus on the touch panel.
Through this system, it has become possible to use multiple styluses to achieve simultaneous input of handwritten text and lines with varying colors and thicknesses. Furthermore, handwritten input from a particular stylus can be selected and deleted as desired. Sharp proposes a new handwriting system that will be suitable for use with interactive whiteboards installed in classrooms but also in business meetings and negotiations.