In typical capacitive and resistive touch panels, the sense electrodes are formed with a layer of indium tin oxide (ITO) on a substrate. There are typically substantial non-conductive areas between the electrodes. The electrode traces in the ITO layer are largely transparent when formed on a substrate such as glass. However, since the ITO electrodes reflect and refract light differently than substrate in the areas between the electrodes, the electrode traces are somewhat visible to the user.

The visibility of the electrode traces is distracting to the user and is not suitable for many applications. It would be desirable for the touch panel to have the sense electrodes and other traces invisible to the user, thereby increasing the optical performance and aesthetic quality of the touch panel.

Ocular’s co-founder, Larry Mozdzyn, and his research team developed a unique ITO design that virtually eliminates the visible ITO traces. The benefits are obvious and this design enables Ocular’s PCAP Crystal Touch products to exceed 90% clarity, even at larger touch panel sizes. And since the touch panel still utilizes ITO technology, Ocular’s Crystal Touch products provide excellent performance at a competitive price point.