Zytronic PCT-based touch sensors go al fresco - Enduring robustness of ZYBRID proves to be winning factor for new kiosk systems

The Outdoor Digital Bulletin Board from Power Products has been created for implementation in local authority/corporate offices, real estate agencies and large retail outlets to allow the general public, staff members and customers to access a variety of different types of information. These 1720 mm x 780 mm x 224 mm interactive units have a sturdy stainless steel/aluminium construction and a large format display area which consists of a set of four 22-inch (558.8 mm) high brightness LCDs with built in touchscreen functionality supplied by a single large format sensor.

As the units will predominantly be used in an open air environment they need to be able to operate in all weather conditions, when coated in dust and dirt, and to resist vandalism. These are all attributes exhibited by PCT, the patented projected capacitive sensing mechanism at the heart of Zytronic’s touch sensor products. It is made up of a matrix of micro-fine capacitors, embedded within a laminated glass substrate which if required can then be placed behind a thick glass or polycarbonate protective overlay to provide unrivalled levels of protection for the touch display from all forms of physical damage. This greatly increases the touchscreen’s operational lifespan when compared to those based on traditional front-surface sensing technologies or even conventional projected capacitive screens, as it is unaffected by scratches, impact, vibration, humidity, heat or cold. Furthermore, unlike resistive or surface capacitive touch screens, PCT touchscreens are not prone to sensor drift over time, negating the need to carry out costly recalibration or maintenance which can impact greatly on the true running cost of a kiosk.

In the case of the Power Products design, each of the four LCDs in the bulletin board display is fitted with a customised ZYBRID™ touch sensor. The entire display assembly is then placed behind an 8mm thick, toughened glass panel providing a very high level of vandal resistance.
Sixteen units have already been deployed by Prague’s public administration at its new municipal building, for the display of European Union legislation, which are required to be accessible by members of the public 24/7. Users can browse documents through an easy to navigate, intuitive touch-enabled GUI, with the accuracy and longevity of the touchscreen assured.

“We selected Zytronic’s ZYBRID product as the PCT sensing technology is capable of detecting touch even through thick anti-vandal glass, allowing the display/touchsreen assembly to remain safe from damage and other potential sources of harm,” Tomas Pav, Sales and Technical Director for Power Products, remarks. “Having been involved with the touchscreen industry for more than fifteen years, we know that it is vital to select the right sensor technology for each project, and it was clear that PCT was the best option here.”

“The flexibility of ZYBRID, which can be offered in a broad spectrum of formats, from 5-inches (127mm) through to 82-inches (2082 mm), means that our touchscreen solutions can be tailored to fit customers’ exact requirements,” states Ian Crosby, Sales and Marketing Director for Zytronic. “Design concepts can be fully realised without compromises needing to be made in terms of styling or functionality.”