Epson Interactive Touch Units

Product: Epson Interactive Projectors (695wi, 725wi, 760wi)

Audience: Teachers and Technology

Overview

This KB article will go over how to identify if your projector is capable of touch, best practices for a good experience, and what environmental factors will cause issues with a touch unit.

Tools/Equipment Needed

• Epson Interactive Projector
• Epson Touch Unit

How to Identify if a Touch Unit is Present

Touch-Enabled Projectors will Always have a Sensor Bar

• Not all Interactive Projectors will have a Touch Unit. They must have a sensor bar to detect inputs from objects other than just Interactive Pens. If you don’t see a Sensor Bar, touching the board won’t interact with the projector.
  • 

Interactive Pens are Different than Touch

• All Interactive Epson Projectors come with Interactive Pens. They will interact with the Projector regardless if you have a Touch Unit installed or not. No Touch Unit? You can still use the Interactive Pens to digitally write on the board!
  • 

Tips and Tricks to Effectively Use Touch

Ensure an Object-Free Board

• Touch Units use an Infra-Red Curtain to detect inputs. Objects like decorations, books, papers, magnets, fingers, clothing, and a direct beam of sunlight, can all interact with the board as if you used an interactive pen. If objects are interacting with the Touch Unit, it may interfere with your finger touches. If you have a Touch Unit with your projector, it’s important to keep the area clear. See the images below. 
  • The image labeled “won't work” will not be suitable for a Touch Unit! Tassels and objects interfere.
  • The image labeled “will work” will be suitable for a Touch Unit. Notice how no items are physically touching the board surface? (Note: Direct Sunlight could be a problem)
  • Won't Work →
  • Will Work→

Not Every Classroom is Suitable for a Touch Unit

• Skylights, Warped walls, and Windows allowing Direct Sunlight to hit the board can all cause a Touch Unit to not work properly.
  • Facilities may not be able to address Warped Walls or Skylights, but it may be possible to install Blinds to address Direct Sunlight interfering with the Touch Unit.

Conclusion

You should now know if your Projector has a Touch Unit installed, best practices for optimal performance of a Touch Unit, and what environmental factors can impede a Touch Unit from working properly.

For instructional/pedagogical questions, please contact your SG&E Coordinator.

For technical questions, please contact your building SPOC or Classroom Technology.