Touchscreen specialist Zytronic has used special glass made by Merseyside Glassmaker Pilkington to develop a new concept for casinos and bars. Tony McDonough reports
Merseyside glassmaker Pilkington has joined forces with touchscreen specialist Zytronic to create a futuristic gaming concept for casinos and bars.
The ElectroglaZ gaming concept comprises of a single, upright sheet of laminated glass, which wirelessly powers various embedded devices including a 21.5” non-conductive touchscreen LCD monitor for players to interact with.
It also includes an induction phone charger, a USB port for additional device integration, and a branded programmable LED display. The coated glass acts as a wire, transferring power through contact alone, creating the effect that devices are freely ‘floating’ within an optically clear panel.
The concept was recently exhibited at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, the largest global casino gaming trade event, where it received significant interest from slot machine product developers.
To create the ElectroglaZ unit, Zytronic laminated together two layers of transparent, electrically conductive Pilkington TEC glass. Electricity flows into the glass via a hidden connection around its perimeter, through the conductive glass’ lamination, and out to the touchscreen and other devices via apertures and contact points.
Zytronic primarily develops and manufactures projected capacitive touch screens for use self-service and industrial applications. With more than 20 years’ experience, the company also provides highly customised touchscreens used by many of the world’s leading slot machine manufacturers.
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Dr Andrew Morrison, technical director at Zytronic, said: “Gaming is among the world’s most rapidly evolving markets, where players and product developers alike are always looking to try out innovative and futuristic new technology.
“Using wireless power transfer, Zytronic are revolutionising the look and feel of traditional gaming machines to enhance the gaming experience.”
Aderlan Vitalino from NSG Group, parent company of St Helens-based Pilikington, added: “Zytronic is taking advantage of the unique properties of TEC to realise futuristic new entertainment concepts. The glass surface is highly durable and easy to wipe clean, making it ideal for high-touch surfaces such as those on gaming machines.”
Zytronic also works with Pilkington to process other products including Pilkington Optiwhite for use in its touchscreen products.