Touchscreen Technology
3M Touch Systems Announces Strategy to Integrate Vikuiti Films with MicroTouch Touch Screens
Methuen, Mass. - January 6, 2004 - 3M Touch Systems, Inc. announces its plan to integrate selected Vikuiti Display Enhancement Films from 3M with its extensive line of MicroTouch Touch Screen products in order to provide unique, value-added solutions for many different vertical applications requiring a touch interface.
The integration of Vikuiti display enhancement films will deliver optically-enhanced touch screens that offer innovative solutions for image directing, solar reflectivity, and one solution that will aid in the confidential viewing of sensitive material. These solutions are designed to help satisfy many customer requests in the industrial, outdoor, entertainment, and medical applications. Vikuiti display enhancement films will be integrated with 3M Touch Systems' ClearTek, Near Field Imaging, and Resistive touch screen product lines throughout 2004.
"This strategy continues with our plan to build synergy between our touch screen business and other solutions provided by 3M Optical Systems Division," said Terry Jones, general manager, 3M Touch Systems. "Many of our customers continue to request touch screens that satisfy specific requirements for distinct environments; 3M can now do this effectively with a team that will design and deliver standard MicroTouch touch screen products with integrated Vikuiti display enhancement films."
Vikuiti Image Directing Films bend the light coming from the display toward the viewer to optimize the viewing angle. This innovative film enhances the viewing ability by helping to bring better viewing angles to people, standing or sitting, at tabletop and bartop applications. These types of touch applications are popular in casino gaming, bar top games, and menu ordering systems.
Vikuiti Solar Reflective Film helps prevent infrared solar rays from overheating devices or enclosures in sunlight. When incorporated with a touch screen, this solution offers tremendous value for industrial enclosures, gas pumps, kiosks, and outdoor ticketing applications without radio frequency interference or corrosion issues.
Keeping information confidential has become a strong concern among consumers and patients alike. With the integration of Vikuiti Light Control Film, controlled viewing is achievable. Only the person directly in front of the screen is able to view its contents; observers standing to the side have their line of sight blocked. This can be critical in hospitals and doctors' offices, but also in banking applications and voting machines.
"As more and more touch screen applications are exposed to varying ambient light conditions or require controlled viewing of confidential material, the requirements for touch have converged with optical needs," said John Barkholtz, integrated products manager, 3M Touch Systems. "Because 3M offers both Vikuiti films and MicroTouch touch screens, we can facilitate the integration of the two, making the process much smoother for customers."
About 3M Touch Systems, Inc.
3M Touch Systems Inc., a subsidiary of 3M, operates globally and reports through 3M Optical Systems Division headquartered in St. Paul, Minn.
About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include icons such as Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Dyneon and O-Cel-O. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 70,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
3M, Vikuiti, ClearTek, MicroTouch, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Dyneon and O-Cel-O are trademarks of 3M.
For media inquiries, contact: Donna Fleming, 3M Public Relations at 651-736-7646.
For all other inquiries, visit www.3Mtouch.com/info/pr.
CONTACT:
3M, St. Paul
Donna Fleming
(651)736-7646
To download a high resolution JPEG image related to this release, visit
(URL) www.3m.com/3MTouchSystems/Corporate/News/photos/Touch_and_Films.jhtml
Posted by Craig at January 6, 2004 06:28 PM