So many of the devices being designed and used today are controlled by touch sensing from iPads and iPhones to the mouse controls on most of the laptops currently on the market. JBL is a company that seems to use this technology for most of thier "button" controls on their audio devices. Shown here is one of JBL's Spot Speakers. The right satellite control has two silver "buttons" however, you do not press them, like traditional buttons, you merely place your finger on them to raise and lower the volume. Covering both will mute the device. This same design concept has been used on several of their other designs. Note how the designers have still distinguished the buttons by a change in material and colour to allow users a point on which to focus, unlike a screen which can turn blank, loosing any graphics which would have been used as a touch point. Capacitive sensors detect anything which is conductive or has a "feel" different than that of air. They are used in many devices such as laptop trackpads, computer and mobile phone devices and digital audio devices. This touch technology is becoming increasingly popular for their versatility, reliability and robustness, unique human-device interface and cost reduction over mechanical switches. There are other touch sensing technologies which can replace mechanical buttons such as, multi-touch and gesture based touchscreens.
Steph Tan
No comments:
Post a Comment