Grayhill debuts ultra-intuitive, optically bonded touch panel technology at RSNA

La Grange, IL – November 20, 2014 – Advanced as many current medical devices may be, in numerous facilities technicians and physicians still manipulate ultrasound, CT and MRI images in 2D using a mouse and keyboard. Viewing 3D images also involves clicking menu selections, turning dials, rolling trackballs and the like. Even users of Projected Capacitive (PCAP) touch screens often contend with poor readability from reflective-light glare and other issues.

That’s why OEMs as well as medical practitioners will want to visit Grayhill‘s booth in the McCormick Place South Building – Hall A: 1502, during RSNA’s 100th annual meeting in Chicago from November 30 – December 5.

The suburban Chicago firm’s new Instinct™ touch panel, capable of recognizing up to 10 touch points simultaneously, will be on display. Visitors can see firsthand how optically bonded Instinct touch panels resolve image readability problems - along with details regarding other issues resolved by this technology - and efficiencies it provides.

“OEMs can gain a competitive edge using Instinct technology to create more usable, more affordable devices,” declares Grayhill Marketing Manager Jason Kandik. “Integrating controls into one easy-to-use device helps simplify design and reduce manufacturing costs. Such devices also improve medical staff productivity and efficiency.”

Instinct touch panels: more than just another ‘high resolution’ screen. Much more.

In medical environments, Instinct touch panel devices enable hospital personnel to see more clearly, act more quickly, instinctively and precisely, according to Kandik. And they can do it all while focused on the screen without having to look away or reach for knobs,

dials and such. One key to this is the extraordinarily high screen sensor resolution that is 4,096 x 4,096.

“This enables many more distinct touch points in close proximity, which allows an operator to make full use of high-resolution displays and, importantly, to control image manipulation at a very minute level. As close as you can put two fingers together, Instinct technology can recognize two separate points without merging them into one, as lower resolution touch panels will.”

This is true whether or not the user is wearing gloves, Kandik notes. The Instinct touch panel instantly, automatically recognizes and adjusts. Likewise, it can tell when gels or other fluids accumulate on the surface; it shifts into Fluid Compatibility Mode and continues to track individual touch points.

Many other panels are two-touch, Kandik adds, which allow simple gestures but don’t begin to approach the customization and multiplicity of actions 10-point systems can provide. “With an Instinct panel, you could measure the distance between multiple points on an image. Or, on ultrasound machines, some imaging professionals may move an entire row of (10) slider controls all at once … on screen with touch interaction.”

The options are almost endless.

Optically bonded in-house, multi-point Instinct panels shrug off EMI, gels, water.

Another plus is the controller’s ability to ignore the cacophony of “electrical noise” typically found in hospital operating and imaging rooms, without disrupting its operation. It avoids adding to the noise, too, meeting industry standard requirements for Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC).

Perhaps the feature that most differentiates Instinct touch panels from others – while ensuring continuous, superb performance and visual clarity in any theater – is optical bonding. While optical bonding per se is not new, Grayhill’s process is unsurpassed. Done in-house under stringent controls, a clear liquid adhesive layer is meticulously applied to initially bond the touch sensor to a protective glass cover. The process can then be repeated, bonding the Instinct touch panel to an LCD.

The result is an airtight seal. No gaps or air pockets to reflect light. No entre for dust, moisture or bacteria. And the impact-resistant glass can easily be washed/wiped down and disinfected.

“OEMs will find more ways in which Instinct technology can improve the usability and affordability of their devices when they visit our booth at RSNA,” asserts Kandik.

About Grayhill

Grayhill, Inc. designs and manufactures a broad line of intuitive human interface components and custom solutions for the medical industry and other markets to make life simpler, safer and more efficient. Founded in 1943 and headquartered in suburban Chicago, the company’s engineering, development and manufacturing expertise delivers both standard and customized products quickly and cost-effectively. Components can be customized for specific applications or integrated into a complete front panel solution. For more information, visit www.grayhill.com or call (708) 354-1040.