News

Zytronic compatible with NUITEQ’s touch screen technology

November 10, 2010

Blaydon, Tyne & Wear, United Kingdom-based Zytronic announced that its Projected Capacitive Technology (PCT) sensors and supporting family of ZXY100 dual-touch controllers now have full compatibility with the Snowflake Suite of NUITEQ, the Swedish multi-touch software solution provider.

NUITEQ’s clients include several Fortune 100 companies, as well as government organisations and academic establishments. Functioning as a layer on top of the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system, the Snowflake Suite enables dual/multi-touch functionality to be brought to large format touch screen/display assemblies for gaming systems, media viewers, presentation/educational equipment, architectural design tools, and information systems in retail outlets, public spaces or transport hubs. It is made up of over 20 different multi-touch application building blocks, along with an application programmable interface and software development kit. The blocks, which vary from 3D model viewers to slot machine mechanisms, from map readers to musical instruments, facilitate quick and easy implementation of advanced multi-touch functions. Thanks to the success of the Snowflake Suite, earlier this year NUITEQ featured in the prestigious Red Herring Europe 100 - a list of the continent’s most promising technology start ups.

“Multi-touch is destined to bring about a whole new era of human-computer interaction with more intuitive operation being enabled. Use of fingers to create several touch points on a screen will greatly enhance manipulation of digital content and result in improved user experiences,” said Harry van der Veen, CEO and founder of NUITEQ.

The PCT-based touch sensors manufactured by Zytronic utilize patented technology to differentiate themselves from more traditional approaches using front-facing sensors, such as resistive or surface capacitive.

The PCT sensor structure is made up of a matrix of micro-fine capacitor elements embedded into a laminated substrate and placed behind a thick protective overlay. It means the resultant touch screen is not affected by scratches, shock, dirt build up, extremes of heat, harsh chemicals, liquid ingress, or other factors that could shorten its operational lifespan. As a consequence these sensors are well suited to highly demanding application areas, such as public information systems, point of sales units, industrial controls and digital signage equipment. Also touch screens that employ PCT do not need inclusion of a bezel in which to house the sensors – something that is mandatory for infrared (IR) or surface acoustic wave (SAW) based touch sensing arrangements. Thus more attractive, smooth-fronted system designs can be created.