Newly Commercialized Technology Expands Selection of Input and Operation Methods
Tokyo, Japan, 11 April 2006-- Wacom® Co., Ltd. announced the development of the world's first sensor integration technology and its practical application in the "Penabled® DualPad™." Incorporation of the new technology into mobile information devices such as notebook computers allows the user to perform cursor operation and input functions using the Company's electronic pen or a finger. The technology will make its debut installed in Fujitsu's "FMV-BIBLIO NB Series" notebook computers as "Flat Point Digitizer" 1, scheduled for introduction to the market beginning from this month.
The Penabled DualPad technology is the result of integrating an electrostatic sensor2 like that used in the touch-pads of notebook computers, and Wacom's ElectroMagnetic Resonance (EMR®) sensor3 with a controller in a unique way. This system allows users to perform input operations with an electronic pen or finger using the same touch-pad. With the addition of pen-based input intuitive device operation and precise character input are now possible. A simple system configuration is realized by combining the controller and driver, making it easy for set manufacturers to incorporate the technology into their products. The electronic pen is compatible with the electronic pens of tablet PCs as well.
Switching between the electronic pen EMR sensor and the finger sensor of the Penabled DualPad is controlled via the Wacom device driver. As an example, finger movement directs cursor operation when the electrostatic sensor is activated. But when the Wacom electronic pen is brought close to the touch pad, the EMR sensor detects it and the driver switches from the electrostatic sensor to the EMR sensor, thereby making it possible to use the pen for cursor operation and input. When the pen is moved far enough away from the touch pad that the EMR sensor no longer detects it, the driver switches back to the electrostatic sensor.
In addition to use with electrostatic sensors, the Penabled DualPad is compatible with the touch sensors of other systems, enabling the electronic pen to be added for combined use, and since the electronic pen sensor can be mounted in the same space as existing touch pads, the pen input function can be incorporated into notebook computers without changing chassis design or mounting other peripheral devices. Once installed, alternative input options such as pen-based input for memos or simple drawings and finger-based input for easy operation using finger-tip control improve application use and management. Finally, the Wacom electronic pen doesn't require batteries or a cord, realizing a light, small and convenient input device. As a result, computer manufacturers easily adopt the technology to their systems to create a product lineup with electronic pen functions.
Shipment of the EMR sensor and electronic pen is scheduled to begin from this month, with a total of 500,000 units forecasted for shipment in twelve months.
Writing Pressure Sensing: 256 levels
Recognition Resolution: 0.0125mm
Recognition Accuracy: ±0.5mm
Recognition Rate: 100 point/sec (Min)
Recognition Enable Height: 3mm
Power Consumption: less than 5V/4mA
*1 Installed in FMVNB75S and FMVNB55S.
*2 Electrostatic system used to detect finger movement.
*3 Original Wacom system that detects position information and operation conditions via soft signals between a sensor and electronic pen.
Penabled DualPad technology is an application of Wacom's Penabled technology. A Wacom Penabled pen operates without batteries or wires by taking advantage of patented technology developed by Wacom in which an electromagnetic signal is sent from a sensor board to a pen and returned for position analysis, pressure sensitivity and other information. The Penabled pen therefore needs no batteries or cords. It also has the ability to 'hover,' allowing the pen to move the cursor without actually touching the LCD screen.
Founded in 1983, Wacom is the world's leading manufacturer of pen tablets and interactive pen displays with customers worldwide using its cordless, battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen technology for digital content creation. Wacom's patented electromagnetic resonance technology, called Penabled, is also offered as an OEM solution to manufacturers of PC and Macintosh computers. Many of today's tablet PCs count on the advanced features and reliability of Penabled technology for pen input. In the future, Penabled technology will play a leading role in the development of such mobile devices as smart phones and PDAs.
Wacom is a global company with its parent company, Wacom Company Ltd, based in Japan and subsidiaries in North America (Wacom Technology Corporation), Germany (Wacom Europe GmbH), United Kingdom (Wacom Component Europe), China (Wacom China Corporation), Korea (Wacom Digital Solutions), Australia (Wacom Australia Pty, Ltd), and other local offices across Asia Pacific.
Penabled DualPad is a trademark of Wacom co., Ltd.
Wacom, EMR, Penabled are registered trademarks of Wacom co., Ltd.
Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
