Zytronic wins design-in for Advantech’s new interactive digital signage solution

The Digital Signage Interactive Station has been designed to be employed in a broad range of different public environments. These will include; hotels, conference centres, retail areas, cinemas, exhibitions, and museums. The high definition LCD screens integrated into each of these stations will have an output of 700cd/m³, giving users bright, high resolution, and visually stunning images to enjoy. Each of these stations will feature a 42-inch ZYBRID touchscreen, enabling advertisers to engage with consumers at a personal level using compelling, interactive digital media, rather than presenting information in a far less interesting, one-way, passive style.

ZYBRID is based on Zytronic’s patented PCT, which consists of a matrix of closely spaced micro-fine capacitors which are embedded within a laminated panel. As each of these capacitors is a fraction of the diameter of a human hair, they are almost invisible to the human eye, thereby providing high performance touch functionality without affecting the optical clarity of the display while it is in operation.

Since the active sensing elements of PCT are protected by a thick layer of pure glass, rather than, as with most other touch technologies, being positioned vulnerably on the front surface , it is ideal for public access applications in both indoor and outdoor environments. PCT has unlimited touch life, giving it a far greater operating lifespan, and guards against expensive maintenance, ensuring the maximum return on investment. Furthermore, unlike touch technologies such as IR and acoustic wave which normally require an open bezel to operate, PCT sensors can be completely sealed for use in all weathers and may also be designed to eliminate the need for a frame or bezel mechanism around the display. As a result, smooth, sleek and durable digital signage systems can be created, that are much more appealing to users.

In the case of the Digital Signage Interactive Station project, the design brief from Advantech was to provide a rugged, public-use touch sensor with a screen printed border and the capability to be flush mounted – and Zytronic’s product developers rose to the challenge successfully. “OEMs are now differentiating themselves from their competitors by offering interaction,” says Ian Crosby, sales and marketing director, Zytronic.

“As digital signage becomes the medium for delivering information or advertising messages in public areas, today’s touchscreen accustomed audiences are increasingly attracted to personalised and dynamic content. As a result, in areas such as transport hubs and shopping malls, still images and posters are being replaced by LCDs displaying rich, colourful multimedia content. PCT technology is a proven robust and vandal-proof technology and has allowed the demand for interactive applications to be reliably met in all environments. ZYBRID’s unique form/factor and customisation capability enables product developers to combine high performance touchscreen functionality with cutting edge style.”

“Design flexibility, reliability and durability were all crucial factors that Zytronic’s PCT met to ensure the success of this application, and this was backed up by the company’s excellent local support, states Jessie Wu, Product Manager at Advantech. “ZYBRID did not have any of the restrictions that we recognised in the other available touch technologies, and it allowed us to rapidly take our original product concept to reality. ZYBRID delivers accurate sensing without hindering the optical performance of the display, while still being tough enough to deal with exposure to dirt and rain, potential user mistreatment, or even attempts at criminal damage. We worked on this project with the applications engineering support of Zytronic’s Taiwanese sales representative PCT Ltd. and based on its success we plan to engage with Zytronic in the future on up-coming, exciting new designs and applications.”