Quanta Teams Up with PixArt to Explore Market for Optical Touch Applications

Quanta Computer Inc, the world`s largest supplier of notebook PCs, has recently signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with PixArt Imaging Inc, a supplier of CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensors and related IC chips, to jointly explore the market for optical touch applications, according to company sources.

Quanta has been engaged in development of optical touch and related technologies for three years and set up a new business division dedicated to the field. In light of launch of Microsoft`s newest PC operating system Windows 7, which supports touchscreen functions in desktop PCs, the firm has officially contracted PixArt to design ASIC (application-specific integrated circuits) for optical touch, which will widely apply the technologies in desktop and notebook PCs to seize huge business opportunities in the upcoming Christmas holidays.

In fact, PixArt has been also dedicated to development of optical touch technologies and recently licensed SMART Technologies of Canada to its patent-protected DViT (digital vision touch) technology. Besides, the firm has had its ASIC protected by multifunctional patents in Taiwan and China, showing its technological competitiveness in the field.

PixArt noted that CMOS image sensing is an economical and effective solution to optical touch applications, compared with capacitive and resistance touch sensing technologies, because CMOS image sensor is more cost-efficient, durable and reliable. Especially, the solution is suited to 10-inch and above screens.

Quanta has planned to apply the optical touch technology mainly onto its all-in-one PCs, which feature large-sized screens. At present, the firm`s clients of the products include Apple, Sony, NEC and Asus.

Source: CENS