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Augmented reality app brings modules to life

ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY is using augmented reality (AR) to bring its new uniTFT display module to the attention of potential users. The free app provides an unprecedented means of displaying in-depth information on what is probably the most innovative display module in the world. It is based on the print advert that is to appear as part of an advertising campaign across a large range of media for the uniTFT but is also available for downloading on the website.Point the camera of a smartphone or tablet at the advert and the module comes alive, and at the same time a short humorous film is launched on the display module! With the aid of a 3D model, the app also provides valuable information on this new 5" screen.The use of augmented reality is becoming increasingly widespread for enriching visual representations of any object with additional computer-generated information directly on the screen. ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY provides a wealth of information for the uniTFT via the augmented reality app that enables customers to explore the full potential of this advanced touchscreen unit. Among the many functions, a number of videos are available for users of the app to discover more about its performance and options as a control unit. The videos explain to users how to program an entry screen with the display module, how to incorporate a keyboard, the range of settings the touch panel offers and how to feed in analog signals and create virtual measurement instruments on the screen. With the aid of a 3D model, the app also explains the complex components of the display module which range from PCAP, Sound and RTC as well as USB, I2C, SPI and RS-232 interfaces right through to a card slot for a micro SD memory card. The revolutionary uniTFT display module from ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY is the first of its kind to offer the option of combining predefined objects on the screen, rotating them, zooming in on them and assigning attributes. The wide range of possibilities offered by this display module considerably increases the productivity of systems integrators and developers, since it allows developers to produce control elements and display tools graphically and to equip them with real functions. The app is available via Google Play for devices with an Android operating system, while iOS users can source it from the Apple App Store free of charge:

AppstoreGoogle Playstore

Screen with object graphics

Tasks such as modifying, rotating, grouping and zooming in on objects on the screen can now all be done using the new intelligent display modules in the EA uniTFT product family from ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY. Design engineers and systems integrators benefit from considerably shorter development times and gain significantly more flexibility. As a result, the modules open up a whole raft of new options for developers and users. The company will premiere the new display module to a wide audience at electronica 2016.

The new EA uniTFT050 makes it remarkably easy to combine, modify and adapt a great many objects to a particular need. All objects can be positioned, rotated and zoomed in on as required on the screen and attributes such as transparency and color assigned, while there’s also the option of linking objects to actions. It couldn't be easier for design engineers needing to create keys, dials and other control elements and assign specific functions to them. And that's not all: with the use of style sheets, it is also possible to standardize the look of these elements, thereby creating elegant and user-friendly designs. Tones can also be incorporated for a range of functions from acoustic feedback for operating procedures to entire jingles. The module also allows designers to create fonts to suit their needs, and with Unicode on board the control unit is prepared for all fonts and for marketing worldwide. uniSKETCH, a specially designed PC graphic tool, enables users to create screen layouts and interfaces, edit the properties of objects and adapt style sheets. Also available as an option are display modules with a touch panel that use resistive or PCAP technology. With the PCAP Touch, multi-touch inputs familar from smartphones and tablet computers can also be provided. The appropriate touch controller and software are already integrated into the display modules.

Where they are to be connected to external devices, actuators and sensors, the display modules are able to access all interfaces which are significant for industrial electronics – such as SPI, RS-232, I2C-Bus and USB. Several analog inputs, one PWM output and 16 digital I/O lines allow the module to be integrated into all types of control tasks. Moreover, the video input also provides for the direct playback of video signals. This comprehensive design even allows the display modules to be operated as stand-alone units, e.g. for controlling different devices.

The EA uniTFT050-A, ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY's first model to come onto the market, has a screen diagonal of 5 inches (12.7 cm). Designs with diagonals of 8 inches and 10.1 inches will follow shortly.

You do find more information on our Website. Here is the data sheet.

Easily Programmable Graphic Modules

“A picture is worth a thousand words”. To an increasing extent, development teams are taking this truism on board. They are designing in graphic displays rather than alphanumeric panels to show machine state information and instrumentation data. Text and graphics can easily be displayed together on the same screen.

The EA eDIP128-6 product family made by Electronic Assembly is the follow-on to the text displays which are now an aging technology. Letters, numbers and special characters can still be displayed, but in different fonts and sizes as well. Users can also add company logos and icons with the aid of simple drawing functions that eliminate the need for complicated graphic programming. The texts and images are stored in on-board memory or loaded at runtime. A display and a touch panel make an excellent combination. With minimal time investment, user-friendly man-machine interfaces can be designed which eliminate the need for buttons, switches and other controls. EA eDIP128-6 display service life exceeds 100,000 hours of operation, making the family ideal for demanding industrial and medical equipment applications. They also have 10-year guaranteed availability to meet the needs of this application space. The displays are available in various sizes as needed for the target applications.

Here is the link to the data sheet and here are more sizes.

Elegant Touch Panel Series – for Home and Automation

Capacitive or resistive - which touch panel is better? High-gloss capacitive touch panels are currently in great demand. However, resistive touch panels are the better choice when you are wearing gloves. The input response is flawless in any situation, even when you are using a standard stylus.

Both versions are available from Electronic Assembly, and the functionality is identical. Because many functions are already built in, the displays are extremely easy to use. The panel automatically reacts to user input with different messages, a change of output voltage level or data sent over the on-board RS-232, SPI or I²C ports.

The surface is scratch-resistant and dirt-repellent, guaranteeing excellent long-term optical performance. The display retains its attractive appearance even when used in strong environment, for example on the production floor or in machine rooms. The controls can be modified on the fly to match the current operating state.

There is a choice of 4 panel sizes (3.2”, 4.3”, 5.7” and 7”) for different mechanically situations. Monochrome versions are also available in sizes starting at 2.8”. The displays can be soldered, screw-mounted or plugged in. They have eight digital inputs and outputs and two programmable analogue inputs. They do provide a large command set for graphic instructions similar to high-level language code. This eliminates the need for time-consuming programming of character sets and graphic routines. This considerably reduces time to market. A long-life LED backlight, developed specifically for professional applications in the industrial sector, produces bright, high-contrast images. Other outstanding features include very high product quality, long-term availability and direct support from highly-qualified engineers. Development kits, mounting bezels and sample software are also available for rapid, problem-free development and deployment.

More informations for this family is available here.

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