Taiwan's Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) showed off what it is calling the largest projected capacitive touch panel with its 21.5-inch display. The device is currently undergoing testing by clients and the company has already started shipping 10.1-inch projective capacitive touch panels and 3D panels.
Other than this technology, CPT said it will also develop touch panels using optical touch and in-cell photo sensing technology. These types of products will begin shipping at the start of 2010, the company promises.
Projected capacitive touchscreens are best suited for outdoor interactive ad or ATM applications, as the technology uses a sensor grid of micro-fine wires laminated between two layers of protective glass, which can be up to 18mm thick and tamper-proof. Optical touch technology relies on detecting the interruption of an infrared LED light source or special reflective surfaces, and is highly accurate and cost effective. In-cell photo touch technology doesn't require a separate layer for reading inputs and can even recognize gloved finger inputs.
The company expects its sales will increase by about 33 percent in 2010, to about 200 million units, thanks largely to orders from cellphone makers.
