Touchscreen Technology

A touch screen can be defined as a screen overlay which has the ability to both receive information and display it on the same screen. They can be used on computer or on whole networks. They have recently been added to a range of technologies to help with their efficiency. These have included mobile phones, personal assistants (digital ones!) such as a blackberry and with satellite navigation systems such as those in cars.

The use of touchscreen technology in products is being more widely used and this means that the cost of this technology is being reabsorbed into the product. Because the buyer expects this type of technology they are prepared to pay a slightly higher price for it. This means that the cost of the technology is passed onto the consumer and the cost to the manufacturers is minimal.

There are some 'issues' with the use of touchscreen technology however. From an ergonomic point of view, it can mean that the user's fingers are put under greater pressure after a period of usage as the screens are inflexible and therefore may require a slightly firmer touch.

Most patents for touchscreen technology were passed around the 1970's and as these have now expired it has meant that more progression has been possible within the technology due to the fact that is no longer necessary to worry about royalties of legalities. Touchscreens have now been developed that can be used by multiple users at any given time and do not need to detect one fingers strokes only.

Optical imaging is a relatively new form of technology that is used in touchscreens. With this, image sensors are placed around the edges of the device (usually in the corners) of a screen. When the screen is touched it will show up as a shadow and these sensors then detect the exact location of the touch. This technology has become more popular as the cost of it is falling and it is especially popular in larger scale units.

With a strain gauge, the screen is spring mounted, usually in the four corners. This can then tell by deflection where the screen is touched. This technology is most popular for public touchscreens (i.e. ticket machines) as they withstand vandalism and bad handling better than other technologies.