News

Bicycle kiosks use Zytronic technology to ensure sustainability

April 11, 2011

Bicycle rental kiosks in London are using Zytronic's Projected Capacitive Technology (PCT) to protect touchscreens from bad weather and threat of vandalism, according to a company press release.

The Public Bike System Company's BIXI units use a specially designed 12.8-inch version of Zytronic's ZYBRID customizable touch sensor with a protective overlay of 6mm thick glass.

The sensor is used in conjunction with the company's new high-performance touch controller, which speeds up touch response, improves accuracy and enhances the through-glass performance, maintaining the touchscreen's functionality, according to a press release, which also quoted Christian Vermette, operation vice president of Public Bike System Company.

"We have been greatly impressed with the PCT-based sensors from Zytronic, as well as the high level of support provided by its engineer team," Vermette said. "This has allowed us to have total confidence that the BIXI renting stations we have deployed will remain in action with minimal requirements for continued repair or maintenance."

The BIXI System has deployments in Melbourne, Washington/Arlington, Montreal and Minneapolis. The first phase of the London project, which is already underway, will make more than 6,000 bikes available to cyclists throughout the metropolitan area.

According to the press release, since the kiosks are usually outside, their touchscreens must be weather-resistant and vandal-proof in order to ensure reliable operation in all conditions. Therefore, each PCT sensor is embedded into a laminated glass substrate, which in extreme applications can be placed behind an additional thick overlay of glass or polycarbonate. This makes the sensor capable of use in areas where more commonplace resistive or surface capacitive touch technologies are incapable of use.

Furthermore, in contrast to most optical or acoustic touch sensing mechanisms, PCT can be designed without need for a bezel or frame and can be implemented in attractive smooth-fronted industrial designs popularized as a result of the iPad and other consumer products.