Microchip uses light-guides for interactive model

Microchip has combined its Mtouch capacitive sensing technology with Design LED's printed light-guides to make an interactive demonstrator for its automotive electronics.

This combination created touch-sensitive areas on the body of a model car, allowing Microchip to show how its technologies improve comfort, safety, performance and economy.

The new demonstrator allows presenters to compile interactive presentations that are more simple and engaging for customers.

Touching an icon triggers PC presentation software to deliver an overview of Microchip's offering in the chosen application.

Printed light-guide technology, developed by Design LED, has been central to the success of the project.

It has allowed designers to build imaginative user-interfaces quickly and cost-effectively, avoiding the high cost of injection-moulded light-guides or the need to attach a PCB behind the front panel.

The light-guides combine with capacitive touch-sensing to enable ultra low-profile switches and instrument panels.

Illuminated logos or icons can be added.

The LEDs can also be controlled to create animated effects.

Unlike conventional panel backlighting, the uniform illumination from a printed light-guide delivers high visual quality.

The demonstrator body was designed by Peter Atkinson of Coventry University School of Art and Design and produced by staff at the university's Department of Industrial and Transport Design.

The illuminated capacitive switch was designed by Design LED Products and IGT Industries.

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