A touch screen is an easy to use input device that allows users to control PC software and DVD video by touching the display screen. A touch screen can be used with most PC systems as easily as other input devices such as track balls or touch pads.
Why Touch Technology?
Touch screens enable people to use computers instantly, without any training whatsoever.
Touch screens virtually eliminate operator errors because users select from clearly defined menus.
Touch screens eliminate keyboards and mice, which many find intimidating and cumbersome to use.
Touch screens are rugged enough to stand up to harsh environments where keyboards and mice often get damaged.
Touch screens provide fast access to any and all types of digital media, with no text-bound interface getting in the way.
Touch screens ensure that no space - on the desktop or elsewhere - is wasted, as the input device is completely integrated in to the monitors.
How Does a Touch Screen Works?
Touch Screen Sensor: It is a clear glass panel with a touch responsive surface.
The touch sensor/panel is placed over a display screen so that the responsive area of the panel covers the viewable area of the video screen.
Controller: I t is a small PC card that connects between the touch sensor and the PC. It takes information from the touch sensor and translates it into information that PC can understand.
Software Driver: The driver is a software update for the PC system that allows the touch screen and computer to work together. It tells the computer's operating system how to interpret the touch event information that is sent from the controller.
Types of Touch Screen Technology
Resistive
Capacitive
Surface acoustic wave
Infrared
ResistiveTwo types:
4 wire resistive type
5 wire resistive type
Advantages
High touch resolution
Pressure sensitive, works with any stylus
Not affected by dirt, dust, water, or light
Affordable touch screen technologyDisadvantages
75 % clarity
Resistive layers can be damaged by a sharp object
Less durable then 5-Wire Resistive technology
CaptiveTwo types
Capacitive technology
Pentouch Capacitive
Advantages
High touch resolution
High image clarity
Not affected by dirt ,grease, moisture Disadvantages
Must be touched by finger, will not work with any non conductive input.
Surface WaveAdvantages
High touch resolution
Highest image clarity
All glass panel, no coatingsDisadvantages
Must be touched by finger, gloved hand, or soft-tip stylus. Something hard like a pen won’t work.
Not completely scalable, can be affected by large amounts of dirt, dust and water in the environment.
Infrared Touch Screen
This is the only type of touch technology that is available for large displays such as Plasma screens. It is a durable technology that offers high image clarity. Responds to any input device or stylus.
Advantages
Best image quality as there is no overlay
Impervious to scratchingDisadvantages
Low resolution
May cause unintended activation of target proir to finger contact with CRT caused by IR light beam location above surface of CRT.
Dust, oil or grease buildup on frame that impedes light beam may cause malfunction
Applications
Applications
Public Information DisplaysTourism displays, trade show displays, and other electronic displays are used by many people that have little or no computing experience.
Customer self-serviceCustomers can quickly place their own orders or check themselves in or out, saving them time, and decreasing wait times for other customers.
Example:
ATM
Computer Based TrainingSince the touch screen interface is more user-friendly than other input devices, overall training time for computer novices and therefore training expense can be reduced. Also make learning more interactive and fun.
Other applications include computerized gaming, student registration systems, financial and scientific applications.
Benefits
Fast, faster, fastest
Touch makes everyone an expert
Reduced cost
Compact & handy
Durable and easy to clean
When ease of use is required
Conclusion
A touch screen is the simplest, most direct way for a person to interact with a computer. The basic way users interact with a touch screen is age-old. You point to what you want. It's intuitive for virtually every child and adult in the world today.
