Zytronic’s PCT-based touch sensors help JEA Technologies transform high street store fronts

Serving as a powerful tool allowing marketers to engage interactively with customers, the easy to install J-Vue units have the potential to add a new dimension to how consumers browse, select and purchase goods and enable vendors to promote their services and gather invaluable marketing data at all hours of the day or night. Offered as self-assembly kits, these units are suitable for deployment in supermarkets, car dealerships, real estate agencies and bank branches, enabling a higher degree of customer interactivity.

Each unit features a high brightness LCD panel (capable of producing 700 nits of luminance indoors) and has full HD resolution. Integrating a 42-inch (106cm) PCT-based ZYBRID touchscreen, linked to the recently introduced ZXY100 high performance touch controller, J-Vue has a sleek, aesthetically-pleasing design that is certain to appeal to potential customers.

The patented PCT touch sensing mechanism is made up of a matrix of micro-fine capacitor elements embedded into a laminated substrate. The substrate can be placed safely behind a thick protective overlay or even a shop window. This safeguards the sensor structure from scratches, shock, vibration and the build up of dirt – all of which can cut short the operational lifespan of products based on traditional front-facing touch technologies, such as resistive or surface capacitive. It also allows the display enclosure to be sealed to comply with an IP67 rating, providing high levels protection against dust or liquid ingress. Furthermore, as the sensing elements are located on the rear of the panel, unlike optical, IR or surface wave acoustic touch sensors, PCT screens does not require use of a mounting bezel or frame. As a result it can support attractive, smooth, all-glass fronted designs. The high level of sensitivity of the technology means it can be activated using a heavily gloved hand – a significant benefit in industrial, medical and outdoor applications. Finally, the highly customisable nature of the ZYBRID sensors means that they can be offered in any form/factor from 5 to 82-inches (12 to 208cm) providing designers with an important tool in differentiating the appearance of their product.

“The choice of ZYBRID was due to our complete confidence in the technology’s performance and customisation ability. It allowed us to develop a large format touch display capable of deployment and interactivity in almost any customer environment – from showrooms to through store windows,” states Chris Mitrokas, Business Development Manager for JEA Technologies. “This was backed up by the strong support we knew we could expect from Zytronic’s engineering team.”

“PCT offers unparalleled touch performance in public use applications. Its proven resilience to rough treatment or extreme weather conditions has led to its incorporation into touch systems for public information, industrial control and digital signage installations. It can ensure long term, drift-free operation without concerns about the cost of repair or recalibration work needing to be carried out,” notes Ian Crosby, Sales & Marketing Director for Zytronic. “Also, thanks to our newly launched touch controller, a touchscreen system incorporating PCT can now support dual-touch functionality - providing industrial and large format users with the type of touch gesture recognition increasingly commonplace in consumer electronic devices.”