Touch screen monitors are an excellent choice for digital signage as they make it easy to navigate files and applications with a simple tap. But selecting the right one can be challenging with so many factors to consider.

The first step is to understand how different types of touch screen technology work. This will allow you to choose the best option for your needs.

Resistive

Resistive touchscreens are cheaper and more durable than capacitive touch panels, and they work well in rugged environments or with gloves. However, resistive displays can be less accurate and require more pressure to register inputs. They are also vulnerable to scratches on the outer polyester layer. Discover more at Faytech North America.

The touchscreen sensors are a combination of two layers separated by a gap and coated with special material. When you touch the screen, it causes the two layers to contact each other, which changes the electrical signal and lets the screen know where you pressed on it. The downside to resistive screens is that they only work with finger pressure, and they don’t detect multiple touches at the same time. They also tend to require calibration over time as the ITO layers lose linearity. Moreover, they can have lower optical transmissivity due to the air gap and spacer dots.

Capacitive

This technology uses a transparent conductive layer to detect touch. It is a bit more complex than resistive screens, but offers a higher resolution and image clarity. These are also more durable than their resistive counterparts and can be used with virtually any conductive object, including finger, gloved hand, pencil, or pen.

The screen has two layers, one with horizontal lines of electrodes and the other with vertical lines. A dedicated microcontroller charges and monitors the changes in the circuit’s charge-discharge times to register the touch point.

The principle is similar to how a capacitor works. Your finger introduces a small amount of electrical charge to the plate, which distorts the electrostatic field. This is detected by the touch screen and translated into coordinates that a device’s firmware can use to perform an action.

Infrared

Infrared (IR) touchscreens operate by integrating LED lights and sensors into the bezel above the monitor glass to create an invisible grid of light beams. When a finger or stylus touches the screen, it interrupts the infrared beams and the sensors register the location of the touch. They can also detect the pressure strength of the touch, allowing users to use a pen or other non-conductive tool without damaging the screen.

IR touchscreens are also less affected by ambient light, making them an excellent choice for outdoor applications. They can also work with gloves and are more resistant to surface contaminants than resistive or capacitive touchscreens.

Another advantage of IR touchscreens is their ease of maintenance. Since the interface (overlay) is separate from the LCD monitor, you can remove it easily for cleaning and repairs. However, be aware that the IR touchscreen’s bezels and seams may trap dust and debris, so you will need to clean them regularly.

Optical

You can find touchscreens everywhere, from your personal smartphone to self-serve kiosks at the airport. Touchscreens can make your point-of-sale transactions more efficient and reduce queue times for customers. They can also be used by people with disabilities to navigate digital content and perform tasks.

Optical imaging touch screens are a relatively new technology, using sensors and infrared backlights to detect finger or stylus touches. The sensors are located around the screen’s perimeter, and the backlight is placed in front of them to create an invisible grid of light. When the touch occurs, it blocks some of the light and the sensors can triangulate the location of the object with extreme accuracy.

Unlike resistive, capacitive, and infrared systems, optical imaging doesn’t require any conductive materials. This makes it a more environmentally friendly and durable option for many applications. In addition, it is more resistant to contaminants such as water, dust, and static. This can reduce maintenance and repair costs over time.