News

  Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. (TSE: 6770; President & CEO: Toshihiro Kuriyama) has teamed up with StellarLink Corporation (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yasuhiro Maeda) to develop an “Add-on AirInput™ Panel” enabling immediate setup of touchless operation via a USB connection. The panel primarily consists of an Alps Alpine AirInput™ Panel and a StellarLink user interface (UI) app. StellarLink commenced test marketing of the product in January 2023.

[Background]
Touchless Operation Needs on the Rise in Business and Everyday Life

  Demand for touchless options is growing. Other than as a measure for preventing COVID-19 transmission, there are a whole host of business scenarios where no-touch operation is expected to be put to good use. For example, there are businesses that want to improve plant utilization rates by cutting out the need to perform routine sterilization of industrial equipment and the need to remove gloves before operation. Some property owners want to enhance the value of their office buildings and condominiums by turning them into smart buildings. However, issues remain – equipment can be expensive, touchless capability might not be immediately obvious, and operating a device might take time because the user is not familiar with it. Touchless solutions of high practical value are in demand for input, too. Alps Alpine’s AirInput™ Panel addresses these issues, realizing comfortable mid-air input using original high-sensitivity capacitive sensing technology. The Add-on AirInput™ Panel is a model allowing external attachment to an existing display.

[Features (Advantages)]
• None of the Stress of Existing Touchless Controls

  The AirInput™ Panel uses an original high-sensitivity capacitive sensor to accurately detect the position and movements of a finger as it moves closer or further away within a touch to close proximity range. Used in combination with a user interface (UI), even someone using it for the first time can operate it intuitively in mid-air. It can also be used while wearing gloves.

• Existing Software Functions Turned Touchless with a Dedicated UI

  A StellarLink dedicated UI app takes advantage of AirInput™ features to realize straightforward, intuitive operation, allowing comfortable, touchless control of existing software functions just as they are.

• Simple USB Connection and Use of Existing Devices Reduces Initial Costs

  The Add-on AirInput™ Panel can be connected to an existing device using a USB cable. It can also be directly affixed to 15.6-inch wide* mobile monitors. Not only does use of equipment and software assets already possessed keep down installation costs, but businesses can also meet the need for touchless functionality as an option to offer with their own products.
*Other dimensions will be supported in due course.

• Support for Both Touch and Touchless Operation

  The AirInput™ Panel can be operated both by touch and without touching. Users unfamiliar with touchless operation can use devices as they always have, allowing smooth introduction of the new technology.

[Schedule]

  Through both our own existing direct sales channels and StellarLink’s efforts to expand Add-on AirInput™ Panel sales, we look to promote use of highly practical mid-air input and control technology to deliver added value in comfort, safety and peace of mind for the New Normal. The breadth of touchless applications is growing, encompassing fields where hygiene is rigorously controlled, such as food, precision equipment and machinery, and medical settings, as well as public transport, toilets, elevators and ATM controls that are shared by the masses. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen our partnership with StellarLink so we may contribute to emerging market needs through the provision of superior technology and IT services.