A touch screen refers to a device for displaying objects and images in which the users can interact with the screen with their fingers. Today, the touch screen has emerged as a useful alternative to the keyboard or mouse and assists in the navigation of the graphical user interface. You can find them on several devices, such as smartphones, information kiosks, tablets, laptops, computers, and cash registers. Many touch screens also use a network of infrared beams to detect the presence of a finger.
Here are the types of touch screens to note.
1. Projected Capacitive touch screen or P-Cap
The P-Cap or the Projected Capacitive touch screen is one you can activate when wearing thin cotton or surgical gloves. It also facilitates multiple touchpoints, such as using two or more fingers at the same time to regulate the display on the screen. It comprises a glass sheet with electrode films that are transparent and an IC chip, which aids in creating an electrostatic field. While using the fingers on this screen, the electric current ratio alters, and the devices detect the touch.
2. Infrared touchscreen
The infrared touch screens use infrared for emitting and receiving, which results in creating an invisible network of light beams across the screen and improving the quality of the screen. As soon as an object interferes with the infrared beam, the sensors can detect the touch.
3. Surface capacitive touchscreen
The surface capacitive touch screen is one of the most popular types of screens available today. In this type of screen, a glass panel comprises an electrode layer on the top, and the entire thing stays under a protective cover. When you touch your fingers on the screen, there is a reaction with the human body’s static electrical capacity, and some amount of electric charge moves from the screen to the user.
Therefore, the sensors detect the reduction of capacitance and let the controller find out the touch point. For surface capacitive screens, only a stylus or human touch can activate the screen.
4. Surface acoustic wave
The Surface Acoustic Wave or SAW is another category of a touch screen that uses piezoelectric transducers and receivers along the side of the monitor’s glass plate to create an invisible network of ultrasonic waves on the surface. As soon as a user touches the panel, it absorbs a small portion of the wave.
Therefore, the receiving transducer can detect the touch point and sends the data to the device. You can activate the SAW touch screen with a stylus containing a soft tip, finger, and gloves. It is easy to use and comes with high visibility.
5. Resistive touchscreen
One of the commonest touch technologies available today is the 5-wire resistive touch, which comprises a film screen and a glass, both covered with thin metallic layers with a narrow gap in between. As soon as the user touches the screen, the metallic layers interact with each other, creating a flow of electricity. Here, the detection of the contact point comes through the changes in voltage.
6. Benefits of using a touchscreen
When choosing interface technologies, whether for personal or professional use, the touch screen is one of the most popular components. Usually, touch screens have durable and hard surfaces with screen shields, making them less susceptible to damage. Besides, they are more convenient and easy to use, making them suitable for use irrespective of the user’s skill level.
- Real interaction
With touch screens, you can expect the interaction with the device more natural and realistic. For a simple and spontaneous interaction with any device, you can depend on the touch screen.
- The best alternative to a keyboard and mouse
The touch screens allow you to say goodbye to the conventional keyboard and mouse concept. The users can now access the screen’s functions directly through the touch points on different areas of the screen. Furthermore, you can easily carry the device to any other location without the hassles of carrying the mouse and the keyboard.
- Easy to use
One of the significant reasons you should use the touch screen is the convenience of usage. Commercial places and offices can bring down the time required for training the employees, especially while serving the customers and providing them with suitable information. Besides, it can also benefit employees handling several tasks as less concentration is needed than the mouse and the keyboard.
- Speed and durability
The keypad devices are prone to damage. Moreover, there are complications as the keyboard will have different keys and circuits susceptible to damage due to water, dirt, and crumbs. In contrast, touch screens do not have multiple parts and last longer. Touchscreen usage combined with icons helps in increasing the speed of the user handling the system. Users can go through the process of application faster and complete the entire thing in seconds.
7. Cleaning and maintenance
The touch screens are easy to clean and maintain as the devices do not require separate keyboards that tend to collect dust and dirt. Businesses can reduce wait times for customers and progress the work faster.