Samsung Electronics first to mass produce ‘optical sensor in pixel’ LCD panel

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd has begun mass production of 40-inch ‘Optical Sensor in Pixel’ LCD panels, which feature highly advanced optical sensors, in November this year.

The Optical Sensor in Pixel LCD panel detects reflected images of an object on the panel using Infrared sensors that are built into the panel. With optical sensor in each pixel of the panel, the new panel can much more accurately assess touch sensitivity compared to existing touch panels.

Using next-generation image sensing technology, the Optical Sensor in Pixel panel can detect more than 50 touch points simultaneously and can display images with Full HD resolution and wide-angle viewing.

All of the input functions of a keyboard, mouse or scanner can be carried out on the panel itself. The panel can be installed in a variety of applications including table top and wall-mounted types. Its tempered glass is strong enough to withstand external loads over 80 kilograms.

As the panel can perform touch and multi-touch sensing and image display simultaneously, it represents a new paradigm for massively interactive communications, compared to the one-way communication of today’s kiosk touch panels.

Samsung’s ‘optical sensing per pixel’ technology can perform accurate image sensing without interrupting the image signals displayed on the panel, so it should be well received by many types of professional consultants including stock brokers and financial analysts. Also, it can be handily used in eDesk applications for schools or business conference rooms.

The Optical Sensor in Pixel LCD panel has been installed in ‘Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface’, a table-type PC product, co-developed by Samsung Electronics and Microsoft. SUR40 has been available for pre-order since last month.

“Our Optical Sensor in Pixel panel has overcome the limitations of touch functionality that have hampered the effectiveness of most interactive displays,” said Younghwan Park, senior VP of sales and marketing team, Samsung Electronics LCD Business. “With the world’s first mass production of an Optical Sensor in Pixel LCD, Samsung Electronics has set its sights on taking the lead in the global interactive display market,” he added.