Wikipedia defines a touch screen as a display overlay. A touch screen is fundamentally an input device like a mouse only with touch screens, your finger on the interactive touchscreen results in the same outcomes as a mouse pointer interface. By simply touching the display screen, users can perform various functions.
Interestingly, a touch screen can be used for most computer applications. If you have a touch screen display for your home computer, you will probably never need a mouse again. The technology is somewhat comparable to that used in touch pads in laptops and other computing systems.
Currently, touch screens are more popular for commercial uses like touchscreen displays and at customer support desks.
Capacitive vs resistive touchscreen for your specific industry demands
There are numerous different types of touch screen interfaces – all with different applications. There are podium touchscreens, resistive and capacitive touch panels, interactive touchscreen kiosks and all-in-one touchscreen PCs. These are just some of the many varieties of touchscreen devices utilizing touch technology.
The technology behind touch screens is complex. Touch technologies include: resistive touch screen technologies, capacitive touchscreen systems, photosensitive technologies, and acoustically sensitive interfaces. Detecting touch sensations is the premise of touch screen monitor technology whereas capacitive technology works through electrical sensitivity.
Additionally, photosensitive touch technology works by the interactions of infrared rays and acoustic touch which are based on the foundational principles of the science of surface acoustic waves.
Touch screens are very popular in the retail environment. Here, they are useful for providing information to customers. Touch screens are attractive and customers can use them without much technical knowledge. If the touch screen is used on point of sales, the screen usually also has a stylus that can be used to enter data into the system. This is common at ATMs where you can enter account information through a stylus.
Resistive vs capacitive touch screen monitor systems in specific use environments
Touch screens are getting very popular as a friendlier input device. Even gaming systems and smart-phones use touch screens. The technology is quite advanced but touch screens are more expensive than regular display systems so their usage is currently limited to the commercial segment only.
The four common touch screen technologies include the resistive, capacitive, infrared and acoustic wave.
Resistive touch screen is the most versatile of these technologies, and resistive touch monitors find wide applications in communication devices, food services and industrial process control and instrumentation, to name a few. For the Capacitive touch screen, the salient feature is its resistance to scratching.
Capacitive touch screens are extremely durable and contaminant resistant. They are a popular choice for industrial applications, such as ATM, industrial equipment and gaming machines.
You can operate them with a finger or a stylus and they are ideal for outdoor locations because they are impervious to moisture, dirt and grease. Acoustic Wave technology finds high acceptability in medical applications because of its high optical clarity and accuracy.
The decision between resistive touchscreen vs capacitive touchscreen monitor solutions depends upon industry requirements
Before deciding which technology meets your requirements, do a thorough analysis of your business application needs. You’ll need the help of touch screen professionals who can guide you about the advantages and disadvantages of each technology.
One thing to consider before your purchase is the possibility of contamination since the finger usually operates the monitors. For this reason, manufacturers also provide a stylus along with the monitors.
You may prefer to operate the monitors using gloves or a stylus.