Sensitive Object and Tyco Electronics' Elo TouchSystems Business Sign a Cross License Agreement
Paris (France) - Menlo Park (California), July 10, 2007: Sensitive Object and Tyco Electronics'
Elo TouchSystems business today announced they have signed a cross license agreement in
order to further the development of their technologies and expand their respective product
offerings.
Sensitive Object is the owner of a patented technology based on the recognition of sound waves
in solid objects called ReverSysTM. This development opens the way to a completely new
approach in the control and interaction with any object or system. ReverSysTM can be used in
many fields of application from home automation to control panels and from touch screens to
intelligent communicating objects. The starting point for ReverSysTM is the basic physical principle
that touching an object at a particular spot generates a vibration with an acoustic signature
unique to that spot. Sensitive Object conceived the idea of matching specific actions to these
signatures, thus laying the foundation for a wide range of applications.
Tyco Electronics owns patented technology based on the characterization of sound in surfaces
called Acoustic Pulse Recognition ("APR") and has applied this technology to launch a
revolutionary new touch capability in its already extensive line of Elo TouchSystems touch
screens, touch monitors, and touch computers. This APR touch technology is based on the
physical principle of recording the unique characteristics of a sound generated by a touch on a
surface and comparing that to a pre-measured value, thus determining the location of that touch
on the surface.
Sensitive Object and Tyco Electronics, both working in the field of acoustic touch recognition,
have recognized the commercial benefits of sharing the results of their own research and
development programs. The two companies have agreed to cross license their intellectual
property in the acoustic touch field and to enter into a mutual technology development program.
According to the terms of this agreement, Sensitive Object and Tyco Electronics will have access
to each other's IP portfolio covering acoustic technologies and will coordinate their actions on
new development projects. Both companies anticipate the cooperation and joint developments
will be of great benefit in bringing enhanced new products to market.
"The signing of this agreement will enable both companies to accelerate the commercial
development of touch sensitive systems based on acoustic technologies," explained Hervé Martin, CEO, Sensitive Object. "We have found in Tyco Electronics a team that really has its finger on thepulse and together with them we have the resources and momentum to move the technology forward".
Mark Mendenhall, Vice President of Tyco Electronics and General Manager of Elo TouchSystems
also welcomed the agreement. "We are delighted to be able to work with the acknowledged
expertise of Sensitive Object in acoustic technology, while bringing our own experience in touch
screens to the partnership. The combination of the two companies' expertise is exciting and
allows us to address all the potential of this technology."
About Sensitive Object
Sensitive Object is a start-up company created in 2003, based on work at the Laboratoire Ondes
et Acoustique (Waves and Acoustics Laboratory) into the theory of time reversal acoustics.
Sensitive Object's mission is to make any object or surface interactive by utilising its ReverSysTM
technology, based on the principle of the time reversal of sound waves in solid materials. The
company produces highly innovative Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), which respond to touch.
With ReverSysTM technology any object can become a keyboard, control panel or button, and any
transparent material can become a touch screen.
The company develops and markets a range of products based on its acoustic technologies.
Sensitive Object has operations in Paris (France) and Singapore.www.sensitive-object.com
Sensitive Object
8 rue Danjou
92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France
Sales and Product Information
Tel: +33 (0)1 46 10 37 00
Fax: +33 (0)1 46 10 37 01
Email: Contact@sensitive-object.com
About Tyco Electronics' Elo TouchSystems
Tyco Electronics Ltd. is a leading global provider of engineered electronic components, network
solutions and wireless systems, with 2006 sales of US$12.8 billion to customers in more than 150
countries. We design, manufacture and market products for customers in industries from
automotive, appliances and aerospace and defense to telecommunications, computers and
consumer electronics. With over 8,000 engineers and worldwide manufacturing, sales and
customer service capabilities, Tyco Electronics' commitment is our customers' advantage. More
information on Tyco Electronics can be found at www.tycoelectronics.com.
Tyco Electronics' Elo TouchSystems is the global leading brand in touch technology. The Elo
TouchSystems' line encompasses the largest selection of touchscreen technologies,
touchmonitors and touchcomputers, carefully designed for the demanding requirements of
diverse applications, such as industrial, medical, POS, kiosks, retail, hospitality, transportation,
and gaming. Over 30 years ago, Elo founders invented the touchscreen. Since then, Elo
touchscreens have used with one common, powerful result - advanced computer technology
simplified for all users. For more information on Elo products and services, please contact 800-
ELO-TOUCH (800-356-8682), or view Elo products website at www.elotouch.com or direct
electronic mail inquiries to eloinfo@elotouch.com.
Tyco Electronics
Elo TouchSystems
301 Constitution Drive
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Sales and Product Information
Tel: 1-800-ELO-TOUCH (356-8682)
Fax: 650-361-4722
E-mail: customerservice@elotouch.com
