Tablet, smartphone, information desk, ticket machine or touch table – touch technology has made its way into all areas of life. There are a variety of touch technologies available that work in different ways, tracking touches using infrared light, pressure or even sound waves.
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But which technology is the best? Of course, there are pros and cons to each type of touch screen, and each type can be suitable for a variety of application scenarios. In this article, we present the most widely used single- and multi-touch technologies and list the pros and cons of each.
Resistive touch displays use pressure for input. They consist of two panels covered with electrically conductive layers and separated by a small air gap. When someone applies pressure to the panel, whether by touching it with a finger, stylus or by placing something on the screen, the two layers touch. The resistance between the two layers is measured, which can then determine the location on the display where the contact takes place.
The advantages of resistive touch panels include very low production costs, flexibility in the type of touch (gloves, prosthetics or styluses can be used) and the durability of the screens to water and dust.
Resistive touchscreens cannot support multi-touch - only one touch point is recognised. This not only means that the screens are unsuitable for multiple users, but also that certain gestures are not recognised, such as pinching with two fingers to zoom. Due to the conductive layers, it is also often difficult to see the content on the display in bright light conditions such as direct sunlight. These screens often show more wear and tear during use, as users must apply pressure to the screen for a touch to be recognised.
In infrared touch displays, infrared light emitters and receivers are installed in a frame around the screen in front of the monitor glass. This creates a grid of infrared rays on the surface of the screen. When an object or finger touches the screen, the infrared light in this area is blocked and the position of the touch or object is then calculated using triangulation.
Infrared touch technology is robust because the display does not need to be touched or pushed for touch input, and any type of glass can be used for the monitor. IR touch displays do not rely on capacitance, so these optical devices work just as well with gloves or a plastic stylus as they do with a bare finger or metal object. The sensors are also very accurate, responsive, and comparatively inexpensive.
Touch input is dependent on the light situation and can be disturbed when exposed to sunlight or halogen light. Dust or dirt on the sensors can also lead to malfunctions. Furthermore, the number of simultaneous touch points is limited by the structure of the light barrier network. Infrared touchscreens support multitouch use, but not with the quality and accuracy that users are familiar with from their smartphones. Infrared screens can have blind spots, areas that do not register a touch, if the light sources and sensors do not properly cover the entire display. Multitouch object recognition is also not possible, as everything that breaks through the infrared rays is only evaluated as a touch point – rotation, for example, can’t be measured.
InGlassTM technology works in a similar way to classic infrared touch technology: sensors that transmit and receive infrared light are built in and form a kind of light curtain. However, they sit behind the glass pane of the display so that the light is guided directly through the glass. When the glass is touched, the light is disturbed and shows the sensors where the finger is.
The technology is characterised by high input precision, which makes it well suited for writing with passive pens or styluses. It also automatically distinguishes between pen, finger, and palm, which offers usability advantages when using touchscreen whiteboards. It also enables pressure strength detection with the finger, which means that an additional interaction level can be used, e.g. for zooming in and out. Multitouch use with 40 simultaneous touch points is also possible with InGlassTM displays. Ambient light is no longer a critical factor with this type of infrared touch recognition, so it works well in most light conditions.
Unfortunately, InGlassTM technology does not allow multitouch object recognition and is not optimally suited for multitouch tables. Capacitive and non-capacitive objects or dirt can equally cause a disturbance of the light network and thus lead to errors. Greasy fingers, for example, can leave a stain that is briefly recognised as a finger and triggers the corresponding touch effect.
Unlike resistive touchscreens, capacitive touchscreens use the electrical properties of the human body as input. In today's PCAP touchscreens, there is a conductive layer in the form of a wafer-thin grid on the back of the glass panel. It projects a capacitive field through the pane. If an electrically conductive object or finger touches the glass pane, the capacitance at the intersection points of the conductive layer changes, allowing the position of the touch to be calculated. PCAP technology is now the most widely used touch technology, as it is used in virtually all tablets and smartphones, as well as in many large-format touchscreens.
If you are looking for a wear-resistant solution that combines high screen contrast and clarity with high and fast input accuracy, state-of-the-art capacitive touchscreens are the preferable option. Capacitive screens are exceedingly accurate, can handle multi-point input, and enable an unmatched range of functionality with object recognition and gesture recognition. Additionally, because the sensor is behind the glass, the displays are extremely robust. Changes in the ambient light situation have no effect on the sensors.
Due to the technical advantages, high-quality capacitive touchscreens can be a little more expensive than other options. They also generally react to capacitive, i.e., electrically conductive, materials. For example, liquid in the form of raindrops on a PCAP display results in touch input, which is why capacitive displays are not well suited for outdoor use. Gloves, which limit conductivity, can also make touch input difficult.
We'll have to go with the classic lawyer's answer on that one: It depends. What is your budget? In what context will it be used? Should there be expansion possibilities? Multitouch, single touch, token recognition, pen recognition? Should the display only be used on the wall or also horizontally? Are there changing environmental conditions?
Capacitive touch technology has certainly evolved in recent years. Thanks to their widespread use, especially in mobile devices, they continue to make the greatest and most promising strides in terms of performance and cost. Through the use of artificial intelligence, capacitive displays are becoming more and more accurate and even enable completely new input possibilities that expand the usage potential of touch surfaces.
At Interactive Scape, we only use projected capacitive (PCAP) touchscreens because they are by far the best and most robust solution for horizontal use such as multi-touch tables with object recognition. Also because of the vivid images and the independence from the lighting conditions in the environment.
Still not sure which touch technology would be best for your project? We will be happy to advise you on your choice of touchscreen!
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A touchscreen monitor is a display screen that allows you to interact directly with what is appearing on the screen by touching it. Instead of using a mouse or keyboard, you can control and navigate through applications and content by tapping, swiping, or pinching on the screen.
There are several types of touchscreen technologies used in monitors, including resistive, capacitive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave (SAW). Each technology has its own method of detecting touch and has unique advantages and disadvantages in terms of accuracy, responsiveness, durability, and cost.
Resistive touchscreen technology consists of two layers with a small gap between them. When you touch the screen, the layers make contact at the point of touch, creating a change in electrical current. The location of the touch is decided by measuring the change in resistance at that point. Resistive touchscreens are durable and can be run with a finger, stylus, or even gloved hand.
Capacitive touchscreen technology works by sensing changes in electrical fields. The screen is coated with a transparent conductive material, typically indium tin oxide (ITO). When you touch the screen, it disrupts the electrostatic field, and the change in capacitance is detected by the sensors. Capacitive touchscreens are known for their multi-touch capabilities and responsiveness but require a conductive input like a finger.
Infrared touchscreen technology uses an array of infrared LED lights and sensors around the screen's edges to detect touch. When you touch the screen, it interrupts the infrared light beams, and the sensors detect the interruption, finding the location of the touch. Infrared touchscreens are durable and work well in high-use environments but may be affected by external light sources.
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) touchscreen technology uses ultrasonic waves sent across the screen's surface. When you touch the screen, some of the wave energy is absorbed, and the sensors detect the change, pinpointing the location of the touch. SAW touchscreens offer excellent image clarity and durability but may be susceptible to surface contaminants.
One advantage of using a touchscreen monitor is its intuitive interface, allowing for direct interaction with content. It can enhance productivity, especially in applications where precise input or gesture-based controls are needed. Additionally, touchscreen monitors can simplify tasks like zooming, scrolling, and navigating through menus and interfaces.
Yes, touchscreen monitors can be used for gaming, although they may not be suitable for all types of games. Touchscreen gaming is particularly popular on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, where the touchscreen serves as the primary input method. However, some PC games and applications are also updated for touch controls, offering an immersive and interactive gaming experience.
Touchscreen monitors are used in a wide range of applications across various industries. Common applications of touchscreen monitors include interactive kiosks, point-of-sale systems, information displays, gaming devices, educational tools, and medical equipment interfaces.
Yes, many touchscreen monitors support the use of a stylus or digital pen for more precise input. A stylus can be particularly useful for tasks that require detailed drawing, writing, or annotation, providing greater accuracy and control than using fingers alone. Some styluses also offer added features like pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and customizable buttons for enhanced functionality.
Yes, many touchscreen monitors allow you to calibrate the touch sensitivity and accuracy to ensure best performance. Calibration involves following the on-screen instructions to touch specific points on the screen, allowing the system to adjust and fine-tune the touch response accordingly. Calibration may be necessary if you notice any issues with touch accuracy, such as misalignment or erratic behavior.
When choosing a touchscreen monitor, consider factors such as screen size, resolution, touchscreen technology, response time, viewing angles, connectivity options, ergonomic features, and compatibility with your computer or device. Think about how you plan to use the touchscreen monitor and what features are most important for your specific needs and preferences.
In general, touchscreen monitors are compatible with most modern operating systems, including Windows, Linux®, and Android™. However, compatibility may vary depending on the specific hardware and drivers used in the touchscreen monitor. It's essential to check the model’s specifications and compatibility information to ensure that the touchscreen monitor will work with your preferred operating system.
Yes, you can use a touchscreen monitor as a secondary display in conjunction with your primary monitor or computer screen. Many operating systems support multi-monitor setups, allowing you to extend your desktop across multiple screens or mirror the content from one screen to another. This can be useful for multitasking, presenting, or collaborating on projects with colleagues.
The durability of touchscreen monitors depends on factors such as the quality of construction, type of touchscreen technology, and environmental conditions. Generally, touchscreen monitors are designed to withstand normal wear and tear associated with everyday use, but they may be susceptible to damage from impacts, scratches, or exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture. Choosing a touchscreen monitor with robust construction and protective features can help ensure long-term durability.
Yes, some touchscreen monitors are designed for outdoor use and are equipped with features like high brightness displays, anti-glare coatings, and weatherproof enclosures to withstand outdoor conditions. These outdoor touchscreen monitors are commonly used in applications such as outdoor kiosks, digital signage, interactive maps, and wayfinding systems. However, it's essential to choose a touchscreen monitor specifically rated for outdoor use to ensure best performance and durability in outdoor environments.
Yes, you can connect a touchscreen monitor to a desktop computer using the right cables or adapters, such as High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), DisplayPort, or Universal Serial Bus (USB). Most modern desktop computers support touchscreen monitors, but you may need to install drivers or software provided with the monitor to enable touchscreen functionality and ensure compatibility with your computer's operating system.
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