The Japanese company JDI (Japan Display Inc) presented an interesting technology during the CEATEC 2024 exhibition, through which the surface of a wide range of objects can be transformed into a capacitive touch surface, whether it is a plush cat or a wooden or ceramic table top. Existing objects or even houseplants. Thanks to the capacitive touch interface, it is possible to activate or deactivate different software or hardware functions, as well as many other options that can be developed around the technology, which will allow us to experience a new user experience when we interact with different objects and things. Surfaces.
Based on the presentation, the types of materials that can be used include wood, stone, fabric and even velvet/fur, and the list is far from complete, which shows that the technology called ZINNSIA has a lot of potential, as long as different industries show interest in it. During the show, by touching a plush surface imitating a cat, the connected system produced various sounds, and the cat's head appearing on the screen produced feedback corresponding to the touch. Perhaps what is most interesting is that the technology is also integrated next to the houseplant, thanks to which the connected system emits different sounds, depending on the type and length of the touch.
Of course, we have already come across technologies that use the touch function to adjust surrounding objects, for example, the keyboard was displayed on the table, and then it was possible to “type” on it based on the movement of our fingers – or, of course, the accuracy did not always reach the expected level. Some companies have already created a similar solution using camera technology, a good example of which is the Xbox Kinect sensor array, which has sometimes worked with surprising accuracy. Capacitive touch technology has also been with us for a long time, but JDI ZINNSIA's technology will enable new ways of use in the not-too-distant future.
In comparison to this, ZINNSIA uses capacitive sensors that can work with sufficient accuracy even under thick materials, that is, they do not have to be in direct contact with the user's fingers, and the selected object does not have to have a regular shape for the technology used in it.
The various physical supports were also showcased in a special wall demo, where capacitive touch sensors were placed behind surfaces with different textures. It was only enough to touch the selected surface, then the LED-based light source above the six samples would turn on or off – depending on the state they were in before – and it was also possible to change its brightness via the capacitive touch surface. According to the labels, the ZINNSIA technology does not necessarily require hand touch. Rather, it may be enough to place your hand or finger close to the surface, which can be good news, because it is easier to keep the surface clean, and you do not have to feel surfaces that may be abrasive. , which can also be positive.
Based on the demonstrations, ZINNSIA technology has already reached a mature and reliable form, so it will slowly be used on the surface of commercially available products. Possible application areas include smart pets, smart home appliances, and various home and office controls, but the technology can also be useful in vehicles, points of sale and other areas where its inherent potential can be exploited, even without the need to use technology. Need for direct contact – this may also be a positive on public transport, for example.
