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Technology Glossary

Gesture Recognition

Gesture recognition lets a touch panel – usually PCAP – interpret swipes, pinch-to-zoom, rotation and multi-finger taps, not just single touch points.

Also known as: touch gestures, multi-touch gestures, pinch to zoom

Gesture recognition is a feature available in advanced touch panels, especially those based on projected capacitive technology (PCT/PCAP). It enables interpretation of user gestures on the screen surface—such as swiping, pinching (zooming), rotating, or multi-touch tapping. The system analyzes not only the location of touches but also their direction, sequence, and dynamics, allowing for intuitive interaction without physical buttons.

Gesture recognition can be implemented at the hardware level (within the touch controller) or at the software level (via higher-level applications). It is commonly used in HMI interfaces, POS systems, industrial automation, and information terminals. Reliable performance requires properly configured controllers and filtering algorithms, particularly in demanding conditions—such as when the device is operated with gloves or in the presence of moisture.

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