Albatron Multi-Touch Touchscreen LCD Targets Windows 7 [Optical Touch Monitor]

Albatron Technology have taken the wraps off their up and coming OTM (Optical Touch Monitor) which utilises the same multi-touch technology that has previously been demonstrated by Bill Gates using a beta version of MS’s new Windows 7 operating system and which, as Albatron are keen to point out, results in the same user experience as seen in Spielberg’s movie Minority Report.

The new Albatron Multi-Touch LCD, which appears not to carry a model number at this stage, boasts a 21.5” Full HD screen, comes with DVI and DSub ports for connection to your PC, an audio line-out allowing you to hook up external speakers as well as USB 2.0 connectivity which is utilised to convey the users touch and gesture controls to the connected PC.

Unlike traditional touchscreen devices, Albatron Technology’s OTM based display works by employing sensors embedded into the display’s bezel rather than relying on captive/resistance type sensing housed (as such) in the screen itself and, according to Albatron Technology’s press release, offers the following advantages over ‘traditional’ type touchscreen displays:

• The OTM requires no recalibration as opposed to traditional touch monitors that typically require recalibration after extended use.
• OTM is more cost effective. When manufacturing larger and larger traditional touch screens, there is a proportional increase in the cost of “sensing” material, since the technology is embedded into the screen. As mentioned, there is no “sensing” material in an OTM screen itself, so increasing the size of the monitor does not result in a proportional increase in the cost of “sensing” material (there is only a marginal increase in general costs due to materials needed for producing a larger product).
• OTM monitors are more durable. In a traditional touch monitor, wear and tear from tapping, prodding, scraping, dragging can damage the “sensing” material on the screen. Since the “sensing” material is not embedded into the screen on an OTM, it is impossible to damage the “sensing” capabilities through normal use.
• OTM has multi-touch capabilities (manipulating the screen with more than one finger). Traditional touch panels are incapable of multi-touch capabilities.
• OTM can grow to unlimited size. Because of the simple structure of OTM technology, these monitors can theoretically be built as large as you need. Traditional touch monitors, however, are limited to 15” or less.
• OTM display is more brilliant than traditional touch monitors because the screen itself is not obstructed with embedded sensing hardware.

Albatron Technology’s Multi-Touch/OTM 21.5” LCD is envisaged to begin shipping sometime in March for an as yet undisclosed price.