optical sensor LCD pad on notebook PC

Sharp Corp on Tuesday said it will release a new notebook PC employing an optical sensor LCD for the touchpad. Its new touch-sensing recognition method allows handwritten input and intuitive direct-touch operation. The notebook will cost around 80,000 yen and go on sale in late May.
The 4-inch optical sensor LCD pad in this notebook PC is more than just a conventional track pad thanks to its new touch-sensing recognition method: in addition to conventional mouse operation, it allows pen-based input of drawings and text, as well as multiple-finger-touch operation (gestures) to enlarge, shrink, or rotate items on the screen. For example, users can sign their name to an on-screen photo before emailing it, or they can use two fingers to zoom in and out of Internet Web sites to make them just the right size for viewing. Unlike regular touch panels, Sharp’s optical sensor LCD pad requires no touch sensor or protective film, so illustrations and photos are crystal clear. And the large effective operation area allows for more freedom of movement.
In the future, Sharp will expand the possibilities for its notebook PCs by developing software that makes the most of the optical sensor LCD pad