Technology advances

Technology advances

Vision Systems Inc. (Irvine, CA), an XL Vision and Safeguard Scientifics partnership company, has developed TactileSense, a patented identity technology that embeds reliable fingerprint security sensors into devices such as monitors, keyboards, and mice. The technology uses an electro-optical polymer sensor, about the size of a postage stamp, integrated print-matching software, and a PC-host. . . . Cambridge Display Technology (CDT; London, England) and Seiko-Epson Corp. (SEC; Tokyo, Japan) have unveiled a jointly developed television screen aimed at producing television and computer monitors based on CDT`s patented light-emitting-plastic (LEP) technology and SEC`s ink-jet and active-matrix expertise. Measuring 50 mm square and 2 mm thick, the monochrome prototype display screen can show full television pictures with no restrictions on viewing angles or blurring of fast-action shots, such as found on many LCD screens. It has the potential for use as a monitor for portable VCRs and digital cameras. The active picture elements of a display are expected to be printed directly onto its base. A full-color display screen is expected to be ready later this year. Commercial versions are projected to become available within five years. When combined with polysilicon TFT technology and ink-jet printing, LEP technology outperforms existing display technologies, such as LCD, in terms of quick high-response time for video displays. In addition to delivering a thin, light package, LEP technology has been developed on existing manufacturing equipment, making it cost-competitive with both LCD and CRT technologies.