Sharp Integrates Scanner Into LCD Panel

[HardOCP News]

Sharp has just demonstrated a prototype LCD screen that, not only functions like a touch screen, it is also an optical scanner.

The 3.5-inch screen integrates an optical scanner pixel alongside each LCD pixel. This means the screen can scan objects such as name cards placed on its surface and recognize fingers or other objects.

 

[Grondy]

Interesting. Apple apparently applied for a patent on this technology on Jan 12 2006:
http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/new_apple_patent_integrated_sensing_display/

"An integrated sensing display is disclosed. The sensing display includes display elements integrated with image sensing elements. As a result, the integrated sensing device can not only output images (e.g., as a display) but also input images (e.g., as a camera)."

Is this how the iPhone's touch screen works?

 

[c.d.e]

Welcome to 1984

 

[Fooshnik]

Fingerprints on my screens piss me off.

 

[Azhar]

Please put the business card!