iPhones, iPads Could Accept Input By Pen or Finger Using New Hitachi Panel

Hitachi has developed a capacitive touch panel that enables input by pen, gloves, or finger, according to TechOn.

The new touch panel allows a variety of input means such as a multi-touch function for controlling the panel by using multiple fingers, a function to input small characters by using a synthetic-resin pen and a function to operate the panel while wearing gloves in a cold region.

The current touch panels used in the iPhone and iPad won't recognize input from insulating materials and as such are difficult to use in cold climates with gloves or for precise drawing with a normal stylus.


TechOn notes that on the new panel when the diameter of the tip of a synthetic-resin pen is 0.8mm, the margin of error in detecting coordinates is ±0.5mm (detection accuracy: ±1.0%). The panel can detect other insulating materials including natural leather, artificial leather, wool and artificial fiber.

Hitachi plans to exhibit the touch panel at Ceatec Japan 2010, from Oct 5th to Oct 9th, 2010.

Read More [via Gizmodo]