Zytronic launches new controller offering enhanced functionality for ultra large form factor PCT™ touch sensors

At Electronica 2010 (Hall A3, Booth 441), Zytronic, the leading developer of Projected CapacitiveTechnology (PCT™) touchscreen products for public and industrial applications, will launch a new addition to its range of touch controllers designed to enhance user experience in ultra large format applications. Developed for its proprietary range of touch sensors, the new touch controller offers features such as dual touch output for linkage to “multi- touch” or gesture recognition software, Windows ® 7 plug and play, in-field firmware upgradeability and reduced PCB footprint.

Visitors to the booth will experience Zytronic’s latest touch solutions including a 50″ (127cm) example of its large form factor projected capacitive screens in the form of a dual-touch ZYTOUCH® sensor. This can be used with LCD or rear projection systems up to 82″ (208cm) in size, for applications such as street vending or interactive digital signage. In addition, a central podium featuring a 26″ (66cm) custom ZYBRID® sensor will demonstrate a new driver function, which allows multiple touch zones and buttons to be defined on a single sensor. The unit will also serve as an example of how the technology supports today’s ergonomic and styling trends such as bezel-free designs and screen printed features.

The booth will also feature a quad touchscreen display highlighting the various unrivalled capabilities of PCT™, and using Zytronic’s customizable ZYBRID® sensors. These include a 15″ (38cm) LCD unit demonstrating how PCT™ can be optically bonded for extreme outdoor applications where sunlight readability and thermal management is of paramount importance. Two further exhibits will demonstrate PCT™’s through-glass sensing capability, which greatly extends the application range of touchscreen technology; and how, with the use of a mirrored-glass front, a touch display can be used to create an interactive smart-mirror for use in appliance and retail applications.

Completing the feature display, a printed, ground and polished ZYBRID® touchscreen combined with a 12″ (30cm) LCD and providing an additional array of touch-sensitive buttons will demonstrate how PCT™ supports new levels of system integration. This new solution from Zytronic is expected to be of great interest to designers of public touch user-interface applications such as industrial computing, security and self-service terminals as it allows a full drag-and-drop touch screen to be combined with a keyboard, pin pad or hotkeys located outside the viewable area of the LCD. This simplifies integration and reduces peripheral devices and mechanical buttons for greater reliability, reduced cost and enhanced appearance.