Press Release
Tyco Electronics’ Elo Touchsystems Business
and Sensitive Object Sign License Agreement
The companies have agreed to cross license IP and to create a joint technology development programme
to launch future generations of innovative products for Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Touchscreen markets
July 2007 – Tyco Electronics’ Elo TouchSystems business and French company Sensitive Object have announced they have signed a cross license agreement in order to further the development of their technologies and expand their respective product offerings.
Sensitive Object is the owner of a patented technology based on the recognition of sound waves in solid objects called ReverSysTM. This development opens the way to a completely new approach in the control and interaction with any object or system. ReverSysTM can be used in many fields of application from home automation to control panels and from touchscreens to intelligent communicating objects. The starting point for ReverSysTMis the basic physical principle that touching an object at a particular spot generates a vibration with an acoustic signature unique to that spot. Sensitive Object conceived the idea of matching specific actions to these signatures, thus laying the foundation for a wide range of applications.
Tyco Electronics owns patented technology based on the characterisation of sound in surfaces called Acoustic Pulse Recognition (APR) and has applied this technology to launch a revolutionary new touch capability in its already extensive line of Elo TouchSystems touchscreens, touchmonitors and touchcomputers. This APR touch technology is based on the physical principle of recording the unique characteristics of a sound generated by a touch on a surface and comparing that to a pre-measured value, thus determining the location of that touch on the surface.
Sensitive Object and Tyco Electronics, both working in the field of acoustic touch recognition, have recognised the commercial benefits of sharing the results of their own research and development programmes. The two companies have agreed to cross license their intellectual property in the acoustic touch field and to enter into a mutual technology development programme.
According to the terms of this agreement, Sensitive Object and Tyco Electronics will have access to each other’s IP portfolio covering acoustic technologies and will coordinate their actions on new development projects. Both companies anticipate the cooperation and joint developments will be of great benefit in bringing enhanced new products to market.
“The signing of this agreement will enable both companies to accelerate the commercial development of touch sensitive systems based on acoustic technologies,” explained Hervé Martin, CEO, Sensitive Object. “We have found in Tyco Electronics a team that really has its finger on the pulse and together with them we have the resources and momentum to move the technology forward.”
Mark Mendenhall, Vice President of Tyco Electronics and General Manager of Elo TouchSystems also welcomed the agreement. “We are delighted to be able to work with the acknowledged expertise of Sensitive Object in acoustic technology, while bringing our own experience in touchscreens to the partnership. The combination of the two companies’ expertise is exciting and allows us to address all the potential of this technology.”
About Sensitive Object
Sensitive Object is a start-up company created in 2003, based on work at the Laboratoire Ondes et Acoustique (Waves and Acoustics Laboratory) into the theory of time reversal acoustics. Sensitive Object’s mission is to make any object or surface interactive by utilising its ReverSysTM technology, based on the principle of the time reversal of sound waves in solid materials. The company produces highly innovative Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), which respond to touch. With ReverSysTM technology any object can become a keyboard, control panel or button, and any transparent material can become a touchscreen.
The company develops and markets a range of products based on its acoustic technologies.
Sensitive Object has operations in Paris (France) and Singapore. www.sensitive-object.com
Sensitive Object, 8 rue Danjou, 92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France.
About
Elo TouchSystems
Elo TouchSystems, global leader in touch technology, is a division of Tyco Electronics Corporation. Elo develops, manufactures and markets a complete line of touch products that simplify the interface between people and computers in both public access and employee-activated applications. Founded in 1971, the company is headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with manufacturing sites in the United States, Belgium, Brazil, China, and Japan (Elo operates in Japan under the name of Touch Panel Systems). For more information on Elo TouchSystems’ products and services, call +32‑16‑35‑2100 in Europe or visit our web site at www.elotouch.co.uk
About Tyco Electronics
Tyco Electronics Ltd. is a leading global provider of engineered electronic components, network solutions and wireless systems, with 2006 sales of US$12.8 billion to customers in more than 150 countries. We design, manufacture and market products for customers in industries from automotive, appliances and aerospace and defense to telecommunications, computers and consumer electronics. With over 8,000 engineers and worldwide manufacturing, sales and customer service capabilities, Tyco Electronics’ commitment is our customers’ advantage. More information on Tyco Electronics can be found at www.tycoelectronics.com
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Contact
- Elo TouchSystems
Nadia Vandeweyer
Phone: +32 16 35 2125
nvandewe@elotouch.com
- Tyco Electronics Ltd.
Mike Ratcliff
Phone: +1 717 592 2316
mike.ratcliff@tycoelectronics.com
- Press Information (UK)
Tim Jennings, Marshall Jennings PR Ltd.
Wyvols Court, Swallowfield
Reading, Berkshire
RG7 1WY
Tel: +44 (0)118 988 0288
Fax: +44 (0)118 988 0388
tim.jennings@mjpr.com
www.mjpr.com
Elo TouchSystems is a trademark of Tyco Electronics Corporation. All other products and company names referred to herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders
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