Touch Screen Technologies
By: Sergio - 5/13/2014

At times I will have customers ask me about touch screen computers and touch screen monitors. Typically they are straight forward however it is a bit confusing when it comes to the way the monitor recognizes your input. Manufacturer's like POS-X, ELO, and Touch Dynamic to name a few offer more than one type of touch screen technology like Resistive or Acoustic. I will try to explain a few of the most common and the benefits they offer.

Resistive (sometimes branded AccuTouch by ELO) - This is probably the most common used all industries. The way it works as explained by ELO is by way a glass panel with a resistive coating plus coversheet with a conductive coating. The tow layers are separated by tiny insulating dots. When the screen is touched, the coversheet flexes inward to make electrical contact with the coating. This technology offers great accuracy and is very reliable.

APR (Acoustic Pulse Recognition) - Compared to resistive, APR technology recognizes a stylus or end of a credit card/pen better. You can also use a glove. Mostly used in Retail and Hospitality. It uses less power and puts out less emissions and great durability against UV light. APR works by recognizing the sound created when the glass is touched at a certain position.

Surface Acoustic Wave - Great accuracy and stability, lacks drag sensitivity but makes it up by it's resistance to chemicals, cleaners and scratches. Great for Kiosks and self serve applications. it works by a controller that sends a 5 mhz electrical signal to the transmitting transducer, coverts the signal into ultrasonic waves within the surface of the glass.

All other technologies used such as Projected Capacitive and Surface Capacitive offer their own benefits You can view a comparison chart here: ELO Touch Comparison Chart

In conclusion, these different touch technologies offer a variety of benefits. Resistive technology being the standard these days. However, often times there are specific needs and uses, such as outdoor sales, heavy industrial settings filled with dust or humidity, cold environments, and wet ones. Using our expertise and experience we can provide a recommendation if you are still unsure which is best for you or your business.

Touch Screen Technologies By: Sergio - 5/13/2014

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Touch Screen Technologies
By: Sergio - 5/13/2014