Projective Capacitive (PCAP) technology was initially a breakthrough in not just the aesthetics of a touch screen, but it also offered improved clarity, scratch resistance and far more protection to the delicate LCD display inside. It was also more robust than the perimeter technology such as Infra-red touch which has exposed components.
More commonly used in consumer electronics such as smartphones, the gesturing interface is a more natural way of interacting with electronic devices. Now available in larger sizes up to 86”, touch screen manufacturers are able to bring this experience to a variety of interactive applications where durability, reliability and performance are key. It is also important, in a climate of virus threats, to ensure easy infection control and use PCAP touch screens with gloves and styluses.
What is Projective Capacitive (PCAP) Touch Technology?
PCAP technology is based on a capacitive principle, ‘projected’ because the sensor is set behind a glass or acrylic layer. The user changes the charge of an electric field created on the surface of the sensor by touching it with one or more of their fingers. These changes are recognised as input by a downstream touch controller. The sensor surfaces are installed behind a glass cover and perfectly protected against damage or wear.
Thanks to its specialised, protected construction, in PCAP technology capacity changes are indirect. This means they are projected through a glass layer. (The abbreviation PCT is also used for this type of technology, or projected capacitive touch).
After much research and development into various PCAP Technologies, U-Touch uses a metal mesh design which has fast, accurate touch responsiveness and flexible design. It also overcomes design and optical challenges found in other PCT solutions such as moiré and sparkle and other visual deficiencies.
Advantages of PCAP Technology:
High Performance
PCAP Touch Sensors are designed to provide the highest levels of touch accuracy and transmission. The touch sensors are accurate, highly dependable and have a rapid response time. The relationship between PCAP and EMR enables razor sharp annotation whilst navigating through Windows. Additionally to maximise touch performance, use of an ultra-low-profile bezel and the thinnest of toughened glass, around 3mm, can reduce the parallax to virtually nothing.
Responsive touch
Use of finger, stylus and glove, the adaptability to a myriad of applications make PCAP the choice of touch technology in this current climate. Certain gestures such as swiping, rotating, zooming, pinching, and certain other gestures (imagine iPhone, iPad), does further give this technology the upper hand. A good interactive and engaging experience for the user is essential as they expect it to be as accurate as a pad or tablet.
Better Visuals
The PCAP technology offers very high contrast, high transparency and a great visual experience. It also offers a higher light transmission in comparison to other technologies so is well suited to highly bright environments.
Noise Immunity
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise can interfere with the accurate detection of touch events. To maintain the accuracy of the touch detection, the PCAP controller leverages firmware and hardware to avoid noise interference at different frequency bandwidths.
Liquid Handling
In certain applications, water leakage, or threats from other liquids would trigger false touches. To avoid this, PCAP Technology features a water repellent surface and a firmware algorithm to differentiate touch by finger, stylus, glove or from liquid droplets. These features enable readability and unsurpassed protection in the most challenging operating conditions.
Damage Limitation
The glass lens offers resistance to scratches and abrasion. The addition of a laminated anti-bacterial, anti-reflective film gives further protection from external factors such as spills, graffiti or sharp objects.
Robust Touch Solution
The technology is more durable with a greater touch precision than resistive technologies. The sensor allows for operation behind insulating layers, screen protectors or vandal proof glass, resulting in an extremely robust solution for heavy use or public areas. The sensor will continue to work even if the top lens is cracked or broken.
Infection Control
In the age of COVID-19, and the threat from other viruses, contact surfaces need to be disinfected to ensure safety and welfare of the users. The PCAP solution not only works with a stylus or gloved finger, but is also completely IP54 rated with a flush glass surface that can withstand any cleaning solution and cloth.
Use of PCAP Technology in Large Format Touch Screen Displays
U-Touch has been at the forefront of the large format touch screen market for almost 20 years. Through research and development, the new opportunities with PCAP in the large format space gives the customer a top of the range performance touch screen at a good price.
Contact us if you have questions
Contact us!Multiple Applications
The U-Touch PCAP Touch Screens are suitable for education, corporate applications such as presentation touch screens, as well as virtual meetings with compatible applications such as Zoom and Windows MS Teams. Collaboration with teams within a boardroom environment is also possible with the right multitouch software application.
Industry and public spaces are ideally suited to the PCAP touch screen solution due to the robust nature of the product.
For more information on the PCAP Touch product range, contact the U-Touch sales team on +44 118940 1854 or by email on sales.enquiries@u-touch.eu, or by completing a contact form.
