Zytronic's Projected Capacitive Technology (PCT(TM)) Brings Touch Interaction to the Great Outdoors
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ZYTOUCH® sensors show their inherent ability to withstand the rigours of open-air use
Zytronic continues to gain traction in the interactive digital out-of-home market with its innovative touch sensors using patented Projected Capacitive Technology (PCT(TM)). Californian display integration specialist 2S2, Inc., under their OutdoorHDTV brand, has now implemented the company's ZYTOUCH® sensor product into its latest outdoor digital signage offering, the OHDC-EDSXXX series.
Taking advantage of the ultra large form factor capability of PCT, 2S2 has launched a range of touch displays in landscape and portrait configurations, covering 42 inch (106.7 cm), 46 inch (116.8 cm), 47 inch (119.4 cm), 55 inch (139.7 cm) and 65 inch (165.1 cm) display formats. Each OHDC-EDSXXX utilises a high brightness LCD with 1000:1 contrast ratio, making the resulting ruggedized digital signage unit capable of deployment in such high use, public environments as hotel lobbies, sports stadia, shopping malls, company reception areas, and theme parks. They have been designed to handle extremes of heat and cold, with an operating temperature range from -20 °C to 50 °C as standard and extended versions from -40°C to 60°C.
With an all-glass front, PCT can be readily sealed and is already proven in outdoor applications, therefore 2S2 was confident to house the touch displays in an IP 65-rated, all weather enclosure ensuring reliable performance in extremes of weather. Furthermore, the touch technology enabled 2S2, Inc to implement an edge-to-edge glass design that could be cleaned easily, facilitated water run-off and was visually appealing.
At the core of Zytronic's proprietary PCT touch sensing mechanism is a matrix of micro-fine copper capacitors, just 10µm in diameter. These are embedded into a tough laminated glass substrate, even capable of being mounted behind and operating through a protective glass or acrylic overlay for high levels of durability and rendering the screen virtually impervious to the type of wear and tear that would cripple the long-term operation of alternative touch sensing technologies, such as resistive or surface capacitive screens. As in the case of 2S2's design, PCT sensors can be integrated into displays without the bezel structure around the active area that is needed with infrared (IR) and surface acoustic wave (SAW) based touchscreens. This allows for flat fronted designs to be created which are both practical and attractive. As an additional benefit, with its active sensing elements embedded on the rear side of a screen, PCT does not require time consuming and costly sensor recalibration maintenance to be carried out.
"We have worked closely with Zytronic on a number of outdoor projects over the last two years. Through these collaborations we have seen that its technology is by far the most stable for this type of application," states Benjamin G. Chapman, 2S2 Vice President. "As these units are meant for outdoor use, in addition to being tough, their performance in direct sunlight and shade is critical. Several other technologies had been assessed in the past, but could not deliver the same levels of optical clarity. Zytronic's expertise in this field and the support we received from its engineering team has been exemplary," he concludes.
"2S2's application required an all weather touch technology capable of operating reliably in demanding public environments. With the ever present risk of vandalism in such areas, the large screens also had to be resistant to impact and damage, maintaining high performance response even through the added protective layer of sacrificial glass specified," Ian Crosby, Zytronic's Sales and Marketing Director, notes. "Thanks to the unique levels of durability offered by the ZYTOUCH sensors, the OHDC-EDSXXX signage units can deal with all manner of environmental conditions, irrespective of location. This means cinema goers can access movie trailers and information in front of a multiplex, diners can check out the specials on an interactive menu at the entrance to their favourite restaurant or drive through, or football fans can look at player stats, action replays, team merchandise and future fixtures at half-time in the stadium."
About Zytronic
Zytronic designs and manufactures a range of technologies that optimise the performance of electronic display applications. The company's principle products include award-winning touch sensor technologies, optical filters for enhanced performance and protection, and special filters to minimise electromagnetic emissions. In addition, the company can offer complex shaped glass composites for specialised applications. Zytronic products are used in electronic displays for information kiosks, web phones, ATMs and gaming machines, as well as by military, computer, telecommunications, medical and lighting OEMs, and are available from its network of worldwide distributors. The company has its headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Blaydon, Tyne & Wear in the UK. In addition to ISO-approved manufacturing, these facilities are home to Zytronic's team of lamination, material science and electronics specialists who are responsible for ongoing product development in composite technology.
For more company information, please visit Zytronic's web site at: www.zytronic.co.uk
About 2s2
2s2, Inc. is a leader in the contract manufacturing industry that specializes in obsolete parts and assemblies, box builds, quick turn prototyping, PCB, design manufacturing and assembly, bill-of-material management, turnkey and CFM. It is also the parent company to Display Integration Technologies (DIT) and OutdoorHDTV. The DIT division specializes in the design and manufacture of cutting edge rackmount and portable LCD solutions while the OutdoorHDTV division specializes in signage/entertainment based LCD solutions for indoor or outdoor environments.
For more information on 2s2 or its subsidiaries please visit the respective websites at: www.2s2.com, www.dithd.com, or www.OutdoorHDTV.com
Contact details for editorial enquiries:
Sheila Dean, Zytronic
Whiteley Road, Blaydon on Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE21 5NJ, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 191 414 5511
Fax: +44 (0) 191 414 0545
Email: sheila.dean@zytronic.co.uk
Contact details for 2s2, Inc.
Benjamin G. Chapman, Vice President, 2s2, Inc.
1330 Specialty Dr. Ste. A, Vista, CA 92081, USA
Tel: +1 760 599 9225 Ext 225
Fax: +1 760 454 0328
Email: benjamin.chapman@2s2.com
