P-cap sensors enable multi-touch tables

Requiring leading-edge multi-touch operation, it was vital for HUMElab that the touch sensors supplied for this project were able to meet a number of challenging criteria. Firstly: the sensors needed to withstand the stresses associated with high usage public areas, be low maintenance and easy to clean, whilst still maintaining accurate multi-touch responses. Secondly, the sensors needed to be aesthetically pleasing and fit comfortably into high-end luxury environments. Zytronic’s award winning Projected Capacitive Technology (PCT) was chosen as it fulfils all of these requirements.

Combining beautifully designed furniture with Zytronic’s innovative multi-touch solutions, each HUMElab TABATA table incorporates a large format, HD, touch-enabled display. Through which users can carry out a wide range of exciting functions, such as playing complex multi-user games, ordering food, surfing the web and connecting with friends via social media, etc.

Supplied to HUMElab in 22, 32 and 42” formats, each sensor features elegant customised printed borders with sleek polished edges; offering an attractive bezel-less design. While antiglare, thermally-toughened 4 and 6mm glass allows for excellent readability in all light conditions as well as protecting the sensing elements from environmental and physical damage.

Zytronic’s PCT technology is manufactured using a micro-fine metal matrix of sensing elements (only 10µ in diameter) embedded into a laminated substrate. The technology allows recognition of complex gestures as well as enabling up to 4 people to operate the sensor at the same time, sharing the exciting, immersive experience.

Zytronic sensors are impervious to sensor drift, unlike other forms of sensor technology, such as infrared or surface acoustic wave; this means PCT sensors do not require regular calibration. Furthermore the sensors are supported by Zytronic’s proprietary ZXY200 multi-touch controller. One of the many advanced features offered by the controller is; state-of-the-art ‘palm rejection’ firmware, enabling the touchscreens to ignore anomalous, large touch points. This feature is particularly important when touch sensors are deployed for use in tables where the probability for users to lean over the active area and register false touches is high.

“Zytronic’s touch sensors were chosen because of the fluidity of their touch response and the 40 simultaneous touch points that they can support,” said Armand Menargues, International Sales Director, HUMElab. “The sensors also showed themselves to have other advantageous qualities in terms of maintenance as there is no need to calibrate the system anything like as often as with the previous solution we used.”

“There were a number of key criteria that had to be met for this project. Firstly HUMElab required a solution that could deliver exceptional multi-touch detection. By being able to determine multiple touch points simultaneously, everyone around the touch table can participate and enjoy shared involvement,” adds Ian Crosby, Sales & Marketing Director, Zytronic. “This needed to be backed up by both responsiveness and accuracy of the touch sensor, plus support for a sleek, eye-catching exterior. We were able to present HUMElab with a solution that surpassed their expectations on all of these points.”