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Methuen, Mass. - May 24, 2005 — 3M Touch Systems, Inc. introduces a new touch technology platform – Interactive Surface Technology (IST) – offering the ability to apply a touch interface to nearly any surface, completely expanding the possibilities of where touch can be implemented. 3M will display MicroTouch IST this week at the Society for Information Display trade show in Boston.
The new technology is an evolution of 3M’s projected capacitive touch technology. Its unique design is based on the fact that the interactive touch surface is constructed of a flexible, polyester layer that can be laminated to the front of any surface, laminated to the back of any surface, or applied to a contoured surface. The substrate for lamination can be plexiglass, polycarbonate, plastic, glass, laminated glass or any other non-conductive surface. In addition, MicroTouch IST can support "on display" use with LCD panels or "off display" use creating touch pad or button interface designs not using a display.
This new technology platform addresses the needs of traditional touch application segments such as retail, point-of-sale, kiosks, and industrial. It also expands the possibilities of touch for new emerging applications, such as outdoor environments, mobile and handheld devices, and on- and off-display implementation for use in automobiles.
Emerging Applications for Touch
Mobile devices and handheld computers with MicroTouch IST will be enhanced with new and different capabilities for these devices that can be activated with finger, stylus, or gloved input.
Products used in outdoor environments can be supported with laminated stack-ups integrated with Vikuiti Solar Reflecting Film for heat resistance or Vikuiti Light Control Film for privacy. The ability to have a protective, replaceable front surface placed in front of a MicroTouch IST touch screen is also planned.
Opportunities exist for automotive designers to design in MicroTouch IST for on-display navigation systems or as part of an integrated center stack, center console, and/or overhead controls. In addition, the flexible foundation of this technology – the polyester touch layer – allows off-display, button-like implementations under leather, vinyl, cloth, or molded plastics.
MicroTouch IST’s unique ability to underlay this touch layer behind any non-conductive material offers home appliance and home automation designers new ways to implement touch embedded in glass tables or countertops or as the actual interface for an appliance – with or without an LCD.
"Steadfast in our commitment to provide innovative touch solutions, the addition of this new touch technology platform continues to demonstrate our dedication to bring new and creative ways to solve today’s industrial design challenges in order to deliver tomorrow’s products, " said Terry Jones, general manager for 3M Touch Systems, Inc. "Our customers continually request touch solutions that satisfy specific requirements for distinct environments. It is through the efforts of our continued pursuit to satisfy our customers that we were able to develop another new technology platform – Interactive Surface Technology."
About 3M Touch Systems, Inc.
3M Touch Systems Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of 3M, operates globally and reports
through the 3M Electro and Communications Business, headquartered in Austin, TX.
3M Touch Systems provides fast, reliable and accurate touch products to customers
worldwide under the "MicroTouch" brand. Popular interactive applications include
casino gaming, retail point of sale, foodservice, hospitality, self-service, mobile
handheld, and interactive digital signage. For more information visit www.3M.com/touch01.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative
products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more
than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of
customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, including the latest
product and technology news, visit http://www.3m.com/.
3M, MicroTouch, and ClearTek are trademarks of 3M Company. All other trademarks
listed herein are owned by their respective companies.
For high-resolution images of 3M MicroTouch products to accompany this release, contact Jane Kovacs, 3M Public Relations, 512-984-6747, jkovacs@mmm.com.
For media inquiries, contact Jane Kovacs, 3M Public Relations, 512-984-6747,
www.3m.com/PressContact.
For all other inquiries, visit www.3M.com/touch01.
For media inquiries, contact Lorin Robinson, 3M Public Relations:
For all other inquiries, visit www.3Mtouch.com/info/pr.
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