BOSTON, MA -- Zytronic has developed a multi-touch projected capacitive technology display solution for industrial applications which consists of its own ZXY200 touch controller, accompanied by a ruggedized and homemade scalable touch sensor.
This solution has the capability to support ten simultaneous touch points bringing the functionality found in smartphones and tablets to a much wider range of large display formats, used in self-service, public use and industrial applications.
As with other Zytronic’s PCT touch sensors, the multi-touch sensor solution uses a matrix of 10 micron diameter copper electrodes embedded within a thick, durable glass laminate which is both impact and scratch resistant.
Current alternative multi-touch solutions have certain drawbacks preventing them from being deployed successfully in self-service and industrial environments, according to Ian Crosby, Sales and Marketing Director of Zytronic, who demonstrated the solutions at this week’s SID.
Applications using optical mechanisms, such as infrared or camera-based systems, require an exposed bezel for housing the transmitter and receivers, affecting long term performance due to exposure to the elements.
Likewise, existing projective capacitive multi-touch products, which primarily use indium tin oxide can only effectively detect a touch event through 1 or 2 mm of glass and are mostly limited to sub 22-inch sizes, both of which generally restricts their use to personal consumer devices and point of sales terminals in supervised environments. Also, ITO-based sensors lack flexibility in that each new design or size requires a new set of photolithographic tools to be created, which can cost thousands of dollars, rendering them unsuitable for low to mid volume applications, which Zytronic serves.
The company will be offering 22-, 32- and 46-inch sensors, with the release of larger formats anticipated later in 2012, and custom sizes will be possible in low volumes. The Zytronic product offers superior through glass performance and offers 10 independent points of touch with a 4 mm toughened protective front glass.
“The rugged construction and greater form factors is advantageous for interactive tables for restaurants and bars, gaming systems for casinos, industrial automation equipment, digital signage systems and educational tools,” said Crosby.