In its recent models, like BlackBerry Curve 8520 and BlackBerry Bold 9700, RIM implemented a new technology for screens, which works totally different than capacitive touch-screen. The curiosity to find out how RIM`s devices  are working was huge, so bloggers started to dig, and they found an explanation for that. In principle the trackpad works like an optical mouse, which is moving on a surface with small imperfections, and the movement over the surface, it is converted to move on the computer`s screen .

BlackBerry representatives, David (Vice President of Handheld Products) and Derek (Electronics Designer) demonstrated how technology works, revealing very low resolution images  , filmed with a high-speed camera, with black and white, grey scale. The  camera recorded the movement of the finger over the surface,so when move is detected, a special algorithm calculates into a diagram: delta x and delta y, necessary for the device to know where the touching object is.  In comparison with capacitive touch, the trackpad is snapping images, and users can navigate using everything that has a slightly rough surface.

The development of this technology separated RIM, from other manufacturers, and the idea to eliminate the need for electrical conductivity, made possible to expand the life of touchscreens. Also trackpad eliminated the usage of special tools of navigation like capacitive stylus.  That`s all for now, and we wait for a new lesson of technology.

Trackpad Diagram

via blogs.blackberry.com