kiosk design
features that overcome previous issues,
this has now changed. The end result is
PCAP based on metal-mesh technology,
which is able to support 2-4K
applications and future formats too.
• A Step Forward
The thinness of the conductive layer is
a step forward – with a mesh thickness
of just three microns, the mesh is not
visible to the viewer. Importantly, it’s
also possible to project through thicker
layers of glass (currently 5mm), which
is ideal where there are high volumes
of typically unsupervised user traffic
or for outdoor applications where
robustness is vital.
• Curved Design
The new technology is based on
film, so it has the inherent flexibility
that’s needed to support the surge of
interest around curved screen designs.
• Narrow Trace Spacing
Narrow trace spacing increases the
main display viewing area. Without
getting too deep into the technical
details, this means that the border
area is reduced, as thinner traces
are needed to connect the rows
and columns on the sensor to the
processor.
Conclusion
In theory, metal-mesh has the potential
to dramatically improve the quality of
the viewing experience and the design
potential for kiosks using multi-touch
AV displays. However, as with any new
technology, it’s important to bear in
mind the practicalities, such as how well
the technology integrates with other
equipment and operating platforms;
is there a good choice of display sizes?
Is a bezel-free, edge-to-edge viewing
experience supported? Can the vendor
provide local and on-going support?
What about information, training and
other resources? How closely is the
vendor or supplier working with the rest
of the industry?
This latter point is one we keep
emphasising here at 3M: there are so
many individual contributors in multitouch – designers, software developers,
integrators, resellers, hardware
manufacturers, end users – and it is an
ecosystem that depends on everyone
playing their part and collaborating
together. If we work hard together
to deliver a robust, ‘industrial grade’
experience that meets (or exceeds)
customer experience, then the addition
of metal-mesh technology is the catalyst
for more widespread and even more
exciting, engaging multi-touch kiosk
design.
www.3m.co.uk
Multi-user
Multi-touch
the future is here now
3M Touch Systems UK Ltd
Dave Williams
T: +44 1344 858467
E: [email protected]
www.3M.co.uk/touch
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