When Electronics Sourcing announced its gaming and leisure industry focus would coincide with its latest display feature, Zytronic called to inform us about two display-based sourcing applications for the gaming and leisure sector. Read on to learn more. Sound Leisure, a specialist in commercial digital jukebox technologies, is sourcing Zytronic touchscreen technology into its latest free-standing and wall-mounted products. The company offers a range of digital audio, video and background music (BGM) systems for home and commercial use and chose to use Zytouch Through Glass touchscreen technology in two of its latest models: Browser and Music Post.
The free-standing Browser has a 20in TFT display combined with the Zytouch touch technology, while the wall-mounted Music Post is said to offer the first 18in touchscreen available for jukeboxes. Both models are designed to be sturdy and easy to use, while their aesthetics suit locations such as bars, cinema foyers and bowling alleys.
Malicious threats
Zytronics Zytouch touchscreens feature a proprietary projected capacitive sensing technology which eliminates the need for direct contact with touch sensors surface. The technology, which uses microfine wires embedded in a glass laminate, is engineered to maximise light transmission characteristics while protecting against accidental or malicious threats.
Using this product, Sound Leisure was able to apply a further 4mm polycarbonate cover in front of the touch sensor to provide an even higher level of protection. Also, the manufacturing method eliminates the need for sealing against moisture, sticky drinks, solvents, harsh cleaning fluids, grease and dirt.
Sound Leisures managing director, Alan Black, explained: Our commercial jukeboxes are typically found in public spaces such as pubs and cafes, so we needed a truly robust touchscreen technology that would be able to withstand the rigours of everyday use.
When one of our jukeboxes is situated in a pub, for example, it immediately becomes susceptible to drink, food, cigarette ash and other debris. This is generally wiped away using a strong detergent, which, over time, often leaves a build-up and could potentially interfere with the performance of the machine. Having evaluated a number of samples, Zytronics Zytouch Through Glass touch technology met all our expectations. It gives our jukebox touchscreens excellent durability, accurate and fast response times and delivers the high level of protection that is required for public access jukeboxes.
In another application, Zytronic’s Zytouch touchscreen technology is also providing the user interface for a new gaming experience called IND:E, Interactive Networkable Digital Entertainment.
Channel 1 Games, owner of IND:E, selected Zytouch for its high resistance to everyday wear and tear, plus its suitability to maximise design and styling freedoms, resulting in rapid player response and optimum game play interactivity.
Performance and price
Channel 1 Games managing director, Steve Murray, said: Differentiation and protection were the key drivers for touchscreen selection. Performance and price were pre-requisites and after evaluating alternative conventional touchscreen technologies, the advantages of Zytouchs Through Glass construction proved superior for our requirements.
Zytronics Zytouch technology achieves a response time of approximately 20ms and sensing accuracy to within 1.5 per cent of reported position. Zytronic developed a 19in Zytouch touch sensor for Channel 1 Games, comprising a 5mm thick sensor, which is positioned behind, and senses through, 6mm of thermally tempered glass.
Once again, the manufacturing method means that no additional sealing is required to ensure the sensor performance remains unaffected by cigarette ash, grease, harsh cleaning fluids, sticky drinks and accidental/malicious damage. As the IND:E terminals are typically situated in public access areas such as bars, bowling alleys and cinema foyers, durability, fast response times and reliability are critical requirements.
IND:E is a pay-to-play, payout entertainment terminal. It is PC-based and can handle multiple games to the player, providing choice. The games, which currently include Monopoly, Battleships, Snakes and Ladders and Spot the Difference, are provided by Channel 1 Games and third party developers.
Murray added: Players have variety, exciting games of skill and the opportunity to win cash prizes. The concept relies on the touchscreen to deliver a highly interactive experience and so finding the right touchscreen technology was an essential part of the design process. Zytouch was the only touch technology that could meet all of our criteria.’