Touchscreen Monitors – The Science Behind This Indispensible Technology

The world of computing was forever changed when the technology of touch input made its way into our high tech world. The idea was simple – creating a more effective, intuitive, easy to follow and simple to adopt method of interacting with a computer system. We first saw them in the ATM vestibules that were rolled out in the late 1990s. Just one touch of the finger at the indicated place on the screen was all it took to provide the computer with the command that you need to withdraw your funds. The same system was then further developed and miniaturized to create touchscreen monitors for computers and even smartphones that we carry around in our pocket today. We know that at this moment, imagining a world without touch technology seems virtually impossible. But for our prior generations, this was a concept that they first saw in a James Bond movie!

You will be pleased to know that modern computers are wholeheartedly embracing the latest touch technology in their most basic functions. Leading operating systems are now coming up with touch enables versions to help users install touchscreen monitors with their PCs. These systems will soon take over the entire digital world!

But before that happens, I think it is best that you understand the science that makes touchscreen monitors work. These monitors are broadly categorised into three varieties on the basis of the technology that powers them. Here is a basic description of them all.

Resistive technology touchscreen monitors

This format consists of two conductive metallic layers with resistive properties. When you touch the screen, the two layers contact each other at that point and the computer is able to detect the change in the electric field at the touch point. They are the most inexpensive format of touchscreen technology available but their image quality isn’t much to talk about. They support the use of a stylus or gloved touch.

Capacitive technology touchscreen monitors

This technology contains a layer of glass panel on top of which there is a thin layer, which stores a continuous electric charge. This charge is passed on to user when he/she touches the screen at any point. This decrease in charge is then detected by the computer to register and process the command given to it. These are extremely durable and are widely used in POS systems, Kiosks, and industrial technology. It has also been availed in high-end mobile tablet technologies in the market today. These screens, however, do not work with styluses or gloved fingers.

Surface Acoustic Wave Technology touchscreen monitors

A series of transducers are set up along the sides of the glass monitor. There are also a series of reflectors to create an invisible grid on the surface of the monitor. This grid consists of ultrasonic waves which are collected by the transducers to detect any change resulting from a touch input provided by the user. These monitors offer the highest level of image clarity and are the most expensive as well.

If you want to know more about touch screen monitors, visit Gvision-USA.com.

About The Author

Daniel Williams is an expert in human machine interface technology and is particularly interested in touchscreen monitors – a system that has taken the world by storm. He loves to write articles and blogs on the topic and recommends Gvision-USA.com as the best place to buy these devices from.