Nitto Denko develops optical touch-screen technology for ‘smart’ stationery

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Nitto Denko has developed a new concept of optical waveguide-based touch-screen technology. A proof-of-concept prototype made its debut at the 22nd International Stationery & Office Products Fair Tokyo (ISOT) this month.

The prototype took the form of a seemingly-empty frame, the inside of which is filled with radiation which serves as an optical sensor. Users can simply place the frame on top of paper and write or draw anything inside the frame, by using their choice of pen, brush or any other ordinary stationery.

Any movement within the frame will be automatically sensed and transmitted wirelessly to a designated device, such as a personal computer or tablet device to be saved digitally, so users can preserve their handwriting – the analogue information, in a digital format without hassle.

Nitto Denko is now looking for partnership opportunities from stationery manufacturers to pursue joint development. There were two types of prototypes demonstrated at the ISOT. One of them was miniature-sized, assuming usage on datebook or small notebooks. The other was A5-sized, assuming application to regular paper, during occasions such as meetings or conferences.