• Intuitive HMIs for the international market
• Haptic touch HMI also works without a display

Glass-based, haptic, embedded touch HMIs from Irlbacher, the global specialist for the processing and functionalization of flat glass, enable intuitive user interfaces that can do without a display and therefore without speech. PCAP-based operating elements integrated into the glass, which can even be felt through gloves, replace controls and buttons, thus avoiding openings in the front panel. All production steps for the customized solutions are carried out in Germany.

The haptic control elements can be either recessed or raised. Elements in the form of fingertips replace buttons and allow intuitive operation, as it is immediately apparent where on the front an operation is to take place. Input devices in the form of sliders or encoders can also be simulated using this technology. Appropriately arranged LEDs or small alphanumeric displays show current setting values. By designing the backlighting and its individual scenes accordingly, operating procedures are intuitively understandable and clear, even without a display.

The microcontrollers used to evaluate the PCAP sensor signals offer sufficient computing power to embed some or all of the customer's applications. In this case, special tools ensure that the customer's IP remains protected. This allows development tasks to be parallelized, shortening the time to market and reducing manufacturing costs.

Irlbacher's embedded HMIs are based on PCAP technology. Accordingly, they are completely closed, joint-free, do not require any openings and therefore offer protection ratings up to IP69K. Cleaning - or, in the MedTech sector for example, hygienic reprocessing - can be carried out at any time without any problems. Depending on the design requirements, the HMI is integrated flush or glued in - or forms the actual front of the device.

A clever combination of sensors and backlighting means that even complex device behavior can be mapped using the simplest of operating procedures. For example, a first touch on the glass front activates the device; the backlighting is raised evenly. This eliminates the need for an ON button, for example. The integrated control system is so powerful that scenic backlighting can also be implemented. The illumination of the HMI thus adapts to the respective device status and the expected operating process.

Timelessly elegant HMIs generally use rich black as the basic color. Company logos, device names, symbols etc. can also be applied to the front glass using UV-resistant, environmentally friendly ceramic printing. In a final processing step, all color layers enamel inseparably with the glass, which is simultaneously refined into toughened safety glass.

The Irlbacher Group, which has been in existence for almost 90 years, is regarded as the glass processor with the widest range of production options worldwide. The company has been printing electronic circuits on glass for over 15 years and supports its customers in the development of sophisticated assembly solutions for customized embedded touch HMIs, both with and without displays.