The News

Using acoustic signal recognition and free of moving parts, this wireless, fully customizable, adhesive control panel is indispensable for truly hygienic dental practice

02/05/2006

Paris, 2 May 2006 – Sensitive Object™, the company that has pioneered a revolutionary technology based on time-reversal acoustics, today announced the commercial release of its very first packaged product. It is the VirtualB Keyboard (VBK), purpose-designed for the dentist’s surgery.

The risk of infection is inherent in dentistry – and particularly surgical dentistry. Protecting practitioners, their staff, and patients from infection is therefore a priority. The instruments inserted into a patient’s mouth might be carefully sterilized. But what about the computerized equipment dentists increasingly use? This virtual keyboard from Sensitive Object™ provides a revolutionary new solution for preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Some dentists agreed to test VBK at their practices over a few months. They acclaimed it unanimously. Doctor Jacob uses a dental camera and fully automated equipment in his surgery. He considers VBK an attractive designer item that affords spotless hygiene. He used to wrap his keyboard in cellophane to prevent any risk of infection. Now he just wipes down his VBK and the surface it hugs with a cloth and surgical alcohol. He believes the innovation has brought him gains in aesthetic appeal, in available space, and in cleanliness.

Based on Sensitive Object’s acoustic signal recognition technology, dentists can tailor the keyboard to their needs. They just assign the function they wish to the key they wish, and the most frequently used keys are at the dentist’s finger tips. The virtual keyboard is absolutely flat, smooth, wireless, and can be cleaned with any kind of detergent or disinfectant, while acoustic signal recognition means it has no moving parts. It fits seamlessly into any existing environment.

About ReverSysTM
Sensitive Object’s patented ReverSysTM acoustic signal technology is based on the detection of sound waves that propagate through an object when it is touched. Tapping a table at a particular spot point emits an acoustic signature that is unique to that spot. In other words, the sound waves transmitted from one point propagate through matter differently from those propagated when the same object is tapped at another point just a few centimeters away.

Sensitive Object came up with the idea of a system that matches acoustic signatures to commands on a “virtual control panel”. Programmed software performs the matching: when touch is exerted on a specific “key” on the control panel, a specific command is executed. A sensor detects the sound waves and the system analyses their acoustic signature. If it is recognized, the action assigned to it is performed. If not, nothing happens. More elaborate than touch-sensitive screens, this process can distinguish between command and neutral zones.

About Sensitive Object
Sensitive ObjectTM strives to make everyday objects interactive through ReverSysTM, its original acoustic signal technology based on time-reversal acoustics. The company offers highly novel man-machine interfaces (MMI) which respond to touch and fit easily with a wide array of electric and electronic switches, push-buttons, keyboards, control panels, etc. Sensitive ObjectTM maintains a strong commitment to R&D in order to sustain the highest levels of expertise. It markets its technology worldwide. Sensitive ObjectTM is headquartered in Boulogne, close to Paris, France.

Media contact:
Isabelle Jourdain
Phone: +33 (0)1 57 639 639 / +33 6 87 71 20 95
email: isabelle.jourdain@sensitive-object.com
Sensitive Object is a registered trademark.
ReverSys is a registered trademark
Any other names or products mentioned in this press release are registered trademarks of their respective owners.