Neonode has patented
and commercialized the zForce touch technology, which was designed to overcome
many of the limitations of today’s touchscreens. The premise of the Company’s
approach entails the projection of an infrared grid across an electronic
display. As users tap, swipe, or write on the screen, zForce detects the
location of the touch based on the interruption in infrared light projecting
across the screen, which translates to coordinates on the grid. The zForce
architecture and input method is believed to be unique to Neonode.
It
is uncommon today to find both of pens, as well as recognizes multi-touch these
features innately built into the same touchscreen. The resistive touch
technology used on most PDAs to recognize stylus writing works as a spot on the
screen is pressed inward, causing one layer of the touchscreen to make contact
with a layer beneath. This contact sends a signal to the device to recognize
the touch. Although relatively low cost, resistive touchscreens do not
typically allow multi-touch.
Application
In April 2011,
Neonode entered into a license agreement
with one of the world’s leading computer companies, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., for
the development of a series of products that
include zForce optical touchscreen technology. Headquartered in Taiwan,
ASUSTeK is a global manufacturer of
computers, communication products, and consumer electronics, including
motherboards, 3D graphic display cards, audio cards, notebook computers, smart navigation
mobile phones, LCD monitors,
servers, and broadband and communication products, among others. The
company sells its products under the “ASUS” brand.
In July 2011, Neonode entered into a
multi-year technology license agreement with Chinese company Onyx International Inc. Onyx
licensed the zForce technology for use on forthcoming eReader and tablet PC products. Onyx
specializes in the design, development, and productio of new reading equipment
and Internet service platforms. The company manufactures its own branded
products as well as develops products for branding and sale by other OEMs.
As well, in February
2012, Oregon Scientific, Inc. announced that it was launching a kid-centric,
Wi-Fi-enabled MEEP! Tablet using a seven-inch zForce color touchscreen. The
MEEP! Runs on an Android platform and is suitable for children ages six and up.
Parents can monitor and limit Internet access via an online control panel. The
tablet is anticipated to be affordable and have a rugged design for protection
against drops, breaks, and scratches.
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