What Is a Panel PC?
A panel PC is a thin PC that can be operated with a touch panel, and is positioned as an industrial computer.
Since the main operation is via a touch panel, even those who do not normally use PCs can use them intuitively. Recently, they have been introduced into many places, such as hospitals, reception areas, convenience stores, karaoke parlors, and restaurants.
Many models are waterproof and dustproof, and can be used in places where it has been difficult to introduce ordinary PCs. Specifically, they are now used in kitchens, factories, and other places where there is a lot of dust and water droplets.
Usage of Panel PCs
Panel PCs are used in applications that require highly visible displays and easy operability. They are incorporated as operation panels for industrial equipment or used as terminals for places such as order, reservation, production control, and reception.
Kiosk terminals such as copy machines in convenience stores and ticket reservation terminals are also panel PCs. Panel PCs are also used for ordering in restaurants, such as pubs and family restaurants, and have become a familiar device.
With the introduction of panel PCs, a customer’s order is immediately displayed on a panel PC in the kitchen, so the order can be taken immediately.
Principle of Panel PCs
Panel PCs are slim computers with a touch panel monitor and CPU integrated into a single unit. The specifications of the CPU to be installed, etc., are selected according to the intended use. LCD-TFT LCD monitors are commonly used.
1. Touch Panel
Resistive analog and projected capacitive touch panels are mainly used.
Resistive Analog Method
In the resistive analog method, two transparent electrodes facing each other are placed with a gap between them. When the panel is touched, the two transparent electrodes make contact and an electric current flows. The current that flows differs depending on the position of contact, and this is used to identify the touched position.
Touch can be detected even with non-conductive materials. It is also resistant to environments where dust or water droplets can get on the touch surface. Note that multi-touch cannot be supported.
Projected Capacitive Method
In the projected capacitive method, an electrode film is attached to the panel where an electric field is generated by capacitive coupling. When a conductive index finger or other object approaches the electrode film, the capacitive coupling between the electrodes changes.
The touched position is identified from this change in capacitance coupling. This method is widely used in smartphones and other devices and enables multi-touch.
2. Waterproof and Dustproof
Waterproof and dustproof are realized by making various joints smaller and sealing them with rubber or gaskets.
Types of Panel PC
Panel PCs are classified into the following types according to the mounting method.
1. Panel Mount
Panel PCs are designed to be mounted on equipment panels or walls.
2. VESA Mount
VESA standard screw holes are provided and the PC can be mounted using a stand or arm that is compatible with the VESA standard.
3. Open Frame
This is a form in which there is no frame on the outside to protect the internal parts, and the circuit board, monitor, etc. are provided bare. It is used for assembling devices as parts.
4. Desktop
This model has a freestanding enclosure.
Other models include panel mounts and desktops with VESA standard screw holes and models that conform to 60601-1-2, the international standard for electromagnetic interference for medical use, and are designed to withstand alcohol and other disinfectants.
There are also quiet models that use aluminum heat sinks that dissipate heat easily and are fanless.
How to Select a Panel PC
Here are some points to consider when selecting a Panel PC.
1. Touch Panel Operation
In an environment where operation is performed while wearing gloves, select a model with a resistive analog touch panel.
2. Operating Environment
If the PC will be used in an environment where it will be exposed to dust or water, select a model with a waterproof and dustproof surname.
3. Intended Use
Select a panel mount or open frame model for use as an embedded device, or a VESA mount or desktop model for use as a freestanding terminal.
4. Quietness
Depending on the environment where panel PC is used, quietness may be required. For example, quietness is required in hospitals and libraries. In such cases, choose a fanless panel PC.
5. Software to Be Used
Select a model that allows you to choose an operating system that is compatible with the software to be run on the panel PC.