Touch Screen Technology

Touch Screen Technology
Contents
Introduction History Definition What are Touch Screens? Why to use Touch Screens? Applications of Touch Screens Types of Touch Screens
Resistive Acoustic Wave Capacitive Comparison of the Different Types
Construction of touch screen Manufacturing of touch screen Application of Touch screen Latest development Conclusion Reference
Introduction
A touch screen is a computer display screen that is sensitive to human touch, allowing a user to interact with the computer by touching pictures or words on the screen. Touch screens are used with information kiosks, computer-based training devices, and systems designed to help individuals who have difficulty manipulating a mouse or keyboard. Touch screen technology can be used as an alternative user interface with applications that normally require a mouse, such as a Web browser. Some applications are designed specifically for touch screen technology, often having larger icons and links than the typical PC application. Monitors are available with built-in touch screen technology or individuals can purchase a touch screen kit. A touch screen kit includes a touch screen panel, a controller, and a software driver. The touch screen panel is a clear panel attached externally to the monitor that plugs into a serial or Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or a bus card installed inside the computer. The touch screen panel registers touch events and passes these signals to the controller. The controller then processes the signals
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and sends the data to the processor. The software driver translates touch events into mouse events. Drivers can be provided for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Internal touch screen kits are available but require professional installation because they must be installed inside the monitor.
History of Touch screen

The first "touch sensor was developed by Dr. Sam Hurst, founder of Elographics, while he was an instructor at the University of Kentucky in 1971. This sensor was called the "Elograph", and was patented by The University of Kentucky Research Foundation. The "Elograph" was not transparent as are touchscreens, but was a significant touch technology. The first true touch screen came on the scene in 1974, again developed by Dr.Hurst, of Elographics. In 1977, Elographics developed and patented five-wire resistive technology, the most popular touch screen technology in use today. On February 24, 1994, the company officially changed Its name from Elographics to Elo TouchSystems. mile-stone for
Definition What are Touch Screens?

The touch screen is the most user interface. It with the PC. options The friendly PC
is an input device, a way to communicate user touches the screen to select on the screen. Associated
presented
hardware and software are used to determine the location of the press.
Touch Screen Touch is the easiest to learn and use of any available interface. Businesses both large and small are using touch technology to create new products, reach new markets, increase productivity, and ease the flow of information.
How Does a Touch screen Work?
A basic touch screen has three main components: a touch sensor, a controller, and a software driver. The touch screen is an input device, so it needs to be combined with a display and a PC or other device to make a complete
touch input system.
1. Touch Sensor
A touch screen sensor is a clear glass panel with a touch responsive surface. The touch sensor/panel is placed over a display screen so that the responsive area of the panel covers the viewable area of the video screen. There are several different touch sensor technologies on the market today, each using a different method to detect touch input. The sensor generally has an electrical current or signal going through it and touching the screen causes a voltage or signal change. This voltage change is used to
determine the location of the touch to the screen.
2.
Controller
The controller is a small PC card that connects between the touch sensor and the PC. It takes information from the touch sensor and translates it into information that PC can understand. The controller is usually installed inside the monitor for integrated monitors or it is housed in a plastic case for external touch add-ons/overlays. The controller determines what type of interface/connection you will need on the PC. Integrated touch monitors will have an extra cable connection on the back for the touch screen. Controllers are available that can connect to a Serial/COM port (PC) or to a USB port (PC or Macintosh). Specialized controllers are also available that work with DVD players and other devices.
3.Softwaredriver
The driver is a software update for the PC system that allows the touch screen and computer to work together. It tells the computer's operating system how to interpret the touch event information that is sent from the controller. Most touch screen drivers today are a mouse-emulation type driver. This makes touching the screen the same as clicking your mouse at the same location on the screen. This allows the touch screen to work with existing software and allows new applications to be developed
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without the need for touch screen specific programming.
Why use Touch Screens?

Touch is the easiest to learn and use of any available interface. Businesses both large and small are using touch technology to create new products, reach new markets, increase productivity, and ease the flow of information.
Applications of Touch Screens
Common Uses for Touch
Informational kiosks
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Trade show displays Museum / tourism displays Point-of-sale terminals Restaurant systems Employee time clocks Employee training systems Industrial process controls World Wide Web access kiosks Home automation systems Casino and other gaming systems Computer access for the physically disabled Railway station Airport Telephone exchange
Types of Touch Screens

There are a variety of types of touch technology available but the five major ones include analog resistive, capacitive, infrared, acoustic wave and near field imaging. Of these only one may actually be appropriate for your application.
Resistive Touch Screens

Analog resistive touch technology is comprised of a glass overlay that fits exactly to the shape of a flat panel display. The exterior face of the glass is coated with a conductive,
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transparent layer. A clear, hard coated plastic sheet is then suspended over the glass overlay. The interior face of the plastic sheet is also coated with a conductive layer. Between the glass and the plastic sheet there are thousands of tiny separator dots about one-one thousandth of an inch thick. When a stylus applies pressure to the surface of the display, the two layers make contact and a controller instantly calculates X and Y coordinates. This accounts for resistive overlay's very high touch recognition resolution.
An 8-wire analog resistive touch screen has held up to more than 35 million touches in laboratory environments, although
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most are officially rated over 1 million touches. These systems can also be sealed to prevent dust or water penetration and meet NEMA 4/12 standards. Capacitive overlay systems operate by way of a conductive stylus and require the use of the human finger or stylus. It is covered with a coat of transparent metal oxide but the coat is bonded to a single sheet of glass making it susceptible to scratches, which will jeopardize the integrity of the touch screen. A touch on the screen creates a capacitive coupling, drawing an electrical current to the touch point. However, as soon as a glove is placed over the hand, the touch screen is rendered inoperable which eliminates it from being effective in many applications. The resistive Touch Screen is set up in the following way
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Resistive Touch Screens
Formed to fit the shape of a display, the glass panel has a coating of uniform resistivity. A polyester cover sheet is tightly suspended over the top of the glass, separated from it by small, transparent insulating dots. The cover sheet has a hard, durable coating on the outer side and a conductive coating on the inner side. With a light touch, the conductive coating makes electrical contact with the coating on the glass.
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The controller circuit applies a voltage gradient across the resistive surface of the glass. The voltages at the point of contact are the analog representation of the position touched. The controller digitizes these voltages and transmits them to the computer for processing.
By using 4 wires, a pair of wires on each layer, both signals of X and Y are registered by the controller. When a touch occurs. The touch point introduces a pair of voltages for X and Y direction. The Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), which is located on the controller, is then converts these voltage positions into digital numbers. The device driver calculates these digital numbers into display (X,Y)
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coordinate. Puts the mouse cursor onto the (X,Y) coordinate. Also returns the operating system with mouse left-buttondown status, and left-button-up status while untouched is occurred. Five-Wire Technology Utilizes the bottom substrate for both X- and Y-axis measurements. The flexible coversheet acts only as a voltage-measuring probe. This means the touch screen continues working properly even with non-uniformity in the cover sheet's conductive coating. The result is an Four-Wire Technology and Eight-Wire Technology Must use two layers to create X- and Y-axis measurements. For the Y-axis, the flexible top coversheet acts as a uniform voltage gradient, while the bottom substrate acts as the voltage probe. The constant flexing that occurs on the outer coversheet will change its electrical characteristics
accurate, durable and reliable (resistance) with use, touch screen that offers drift- degrading the linearity and free operation. Durability Five-Wire Technology Tested to over 35 million finger touches with no performance degradation.
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accuracy of this axis.
Four-Wire Technology and Eight-Wire Technology 1 million-touch life max.
Design Flexibility Five-Wire Technology Advanced design allows flat and spherical designs. Four-Wire Technology and Eight-Wire Technology Not available in spherical designs.
Advantages of Resistive
High Resolution and Accuracy Fast Response Pressure-activated by finger or gloved hand with a very light touch Durable hard-coat front surface can be non glare treated for reflection control or polished for maximum clarity Touch screens and controllers are safety agency-approved components, so certification of your system is easier
Disadvantages of Resistive
80 % Clarity Resistive layers can be damaged by a sharp object
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Surface Acoustic Wave Touch Screens

The SAW touch screen is a glass overlay with transmitting and receiving piezoelectric transducers for both the X and Y-axes. The touch screen controller sends a 5 MHz electrical signal to the transmitting transducer, which converts the signal into surface waves. These mechanical waves are directed across the opposite side gather and direct the waves to the receiving transducer, which reconverts them into an electrical signal.
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Surface Acoustic Wave Touch Screens When the front surface of the touch screen is touched, a portion of the mechanical wave is absorbed, thus changing the received signal. The signal is then compared to a stored reference signal, the change recognized, and a coordinate calculated. This process happens independently for both the X and Y-axes. By measuring the amount of the signal that is absorbed, a Z-axis is determined.
Acoustic wave touch screens have transducers that emit ultrasonic sound waves along two sides. Guided acoustic wave (GAW) systems function by the transmission of an acoustic wave through a glass overlay on a display surface, and surface acoustic wave systems (SAW) function by the transmission of an acoustic wave over a glass overlay on a display surface. When an input device, such as a finger, dampens the wave, electronic
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sensors
determine
the
location of the dampened area, recognizing a touch. SAW touch screen monitors have significant stylus limitations. A stylus is the actual device, which touches the displays screen. These systems require a soft, energy absorbing pressure that would come from a finger. Although the human finger is the most popular stylus, often it is desirable to have a pen-based stylus so the display does not become dirty. In this case, if trying to use a pen, the acoustic wave would not be dampened and no touch would be recognized. Infrared touch screen monitors are based on light-beam interruption technology. How the Touch screen Controller Interprets Screen Measurement When the controller is waiting for a touch, the resistive layer of the touch screen is biased at +5V through four drivelines, and the coversheet is grounded through a high resistance. When the touch screen is not being touched, the voltage on the coversheet is zero. The voltage level of the coversheet is continuously converted by the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and monitored by the microprocessor on the controller. When the touch screen is touched, the microprocessor detects the rise in the coversheet voltage and begins converting the coordinates as follows: A The microprocessor places the X drive voltage on the
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touch screen by applying +5V to pins H and X and grounding pins Y and L. An analog voltage proportional to the X (horizontal) position of the touch appears on the cover sheet at pin S of the touch screen connector. This voltage is digitized by the ADC and subjected to an averaging algorithm, then stored for transmission to the host. B Next, the microprocessor places the Y drive voltage on the touch screen by applying +5V to pins H and Y and grounding pin X and L. An analog voltage proportional to the Y (vertical position of the touch) now appears on the coversheet at pin S of the touch screen connector. This signal is converted and processed as described above for the X position
Advantages of Surface Acoustic Wave

o o o o o o o
Excellent Image Clarity Very High Light Transmission Excellent Durability Stable "No-Drift" Operation High Resolution Finger or Gloved-Hand Operation Very Light Touch
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o o o
Fast Touch Response X-, Y-, and Z-axis Response Overlay That Can Be Antiglare-Treated
Disadvantages of Surface Acoustic Wave

o
Must be touched by finger, gloved hand, or soft-tip stylus. Something hard like a pen won't work Not completely seal able, can be affected by large amounts of grease, water, or dirt on the touch screen
Capacitive Touch Screens
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Capacitive Touch Screens
The touch pad contains a two-layer grid of electrodes that are connected to a sophisticated full-custom mixed signal integrated circuit (IC) mounted on the reverse side of the pad. The upper layer contains vertical electrode strips while the lower layer is composed of horizontal electrode strips. The IC measures "Mutual capacitance" from each of the horizontal electrodes to each of the vertical electrodes. A human finger near the intersection of two electrodes modifies the mutual capacitance between them, since a finger has very different dielectric properties than air. Position of the finger centroid is precisely determined based
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on these mutual capacitance changes at various locations and can be detected before a finger actually touches the pad. Capacitive overlay systems operate by way of a conductive stylus and require the use of the human finger or stylus. It is covered with a coat of transparent metal oxide but the coat is bonded to a single sheet of glass making it susceptible to scratches, which will jeopardize the integrity of the touch screen. A touch on the screen creates a capacitive coupling, drawing an electrical current to the touch point. However, as soon as a glove is placed over the hand, the touch screen is rendered inoperable which eliminates it from being effective in many applications.
Advantages of Capacitive

High Touch Resolution High Clarity Completely Seal able
Disadvantages of Capacitive
Must be touched by finger- will not work with any non-conductive input Can be affected by electricity May need re-calibration often
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Comparison of the Different Types
Advantages of Resistive
o o o
High Resolution and Accuracy Fast Response Pressure-activated by finger or gloved hand with a very light touch Durable hard-coat front surface can be no glare treated for reflection control or polished for maximum clarity
Touch screens and controllers are safety agencyapproved components, so certification of your system is easier
Disadvantages of Resistive

80 % Clarity Resistive layers can be damaged by a sharp object
Advantages of Surface Acoustic Wave

o
Excellent Image Clarity

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o o o o o o o o o
Very High Light Transmission Excellent Durability Stable "No-Drift" Operation High Resolution Finger or Gloved-Hand Operation Very Light Touch Fast Touch Response X-, Y-, and Z-axis Response Overlay That Can Be Antiglare-Treated
Disadvantages of Surface Acoustic Wave

o
Must be touched by finger, gloved hand, or soft-tip stylus. Something hard like a pen won't work Not completely seal able, can be affected by large amounts of grease, water, or dirt on the touch screen
Comparison Between the Different Types
Type:
Activation:
Resistive*:
Pressure sensitive
Acoustic Wave:
Wave aborption Medium Best Glass - breakable Poor
Capacitive**:
Human body electricity
Clear, Light-Etch, Etched
Antiglare protection: Minimal Clarity: Damaged by: Can handle dirt: Made with: Medium Very sharp objects Good
Minimal, Medium, Best Glass coating wears out Best Glass with coatings
Hardened acrylic plastic Glass with coatings
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Durability (MTBF): Resolution: Warranty: SUMMARY:
15 million touches 1 million touch points 1 Year Best Price
30 million touches 1 million touch points 3 Years Best Clarity
60 million touches 1 million touch points 5 Years Most Durable
Construction of touch screen

Resistive
TOP:
coating with
Polyester with outside hard surface polished or no glare finish.
INSIDE: BOTTOM:
coating.
Transparent conductive coating. Glass substrate with uniform conductive
Top and bottom are layers separated by separator dots.
Surface Acoustic Wave
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Glass panel with transducers are attached to the front surface of the glass. The SAW touch screen is a glass overlay with transmitting and receiving piezoelectric transducers
Capacitive
The touch pad contains a two-layer of electrodes that are connected to a sophisticated integrated circuit (IC) mounted on the reverse side of the pad. The upper layer contains vertical electrode strips while the lower layer is composed of horizontal electrode strips.
Manufacturing Process
The resistive material for a resistive touch screen is usually made of a thin-film, Nickel -Phosphorous (NiP) alloy. In the manufacturing process, about 0.1 to 0.4 microns of the alloy is electro-deposited onto the rough, or tooth side, of a standard electrodeposited copper foil.
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Resistor Conductor Sheet Material

Typical sizes available in the market are 25 ohm per square and 100 ohm per square sheet resistivities at + or - 5% tolerance. Ohms per square is a dimensionless square area of resistive material, the length and width of the resistor being of equal size, having an Ohmic.
Application of Touch screen
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The touch screen is one of the easiest PC interfaces to use, making it the interface of choice for a wide variety of applications. Here are a few examples of how touch input systems are being used today: Public Information Displays Information kiosks, tourism displays, many people that have little or no computing experience use trade show displays, and other electronic displays. The user-friendly touch screen interface can be less intimidating and easier to use than other input devices, especially for novice users. A touch screen can help make your information more easily accessible by allowing users to navigate your presentation by simply touching the display screen. Retail and Restaurant Systems Time is money, especially in a fast paced retail or restaurant environment. Touch screen systems are easy to use so employees can get work done faster, and training time can be reduced for new employees. And because input is done right on the screen, valuable counter space can be saved. Touch screens can be used in cash registers, order
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entry stations, seating and reservation systems, and more. Customer Self-Service In todays fast pace world, waiting in line is one of the things that have yet to speed up. Self-service touch screen terminals can be used to improve customer service at busy stores, fast service restaurants, transportation hubs, and more. Customers can quickly place their own orders or check themselves in or out, saving them time, and decreasing wait times for other customers. Automated bank teller (ATM) and airline e-ticket terminals are examples of self-service stations that can benefit from touch screen input. Control and Automation Systems The touch screen interface is useful in systems ranging from industrial process control to home automation. By integrating the input device with the display, valuable workspace can be saved. And with a graphical interface, operators can monitor and control complex operations in real-time by simply touching the screen. Computer Based Training Because the touch screen interface is more user30
friendly than other input devices, overall training time for computer novices, and therefore training expense, can be reduced. It can also help to make learning more fun and interactive, which can lead to a more beneficial training experience for both students and educators. Assistive Technology The touch screen interface can be beneficial to those that have difficulty using other input devices such as a mouse or keyboard. When used in conjunction with software such as on-screen keyboards, or other assistive technology, they can help make computing resources more available to people that have difficulty using computers. And many more uses... The touch screen interface is being used in a wide variety of applications to improve humancomputer interaction. Other applications include digital jukeboxes, computerized gaming, student registration systems, multimedia software, financial and scientific applications, and more.
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Touch Screen Configurations

Touch Controls, Inc. offers the widest range of rugged zed touch screen and highly adaptable operator interface touch technology available anywhere. For example, your application may require:
a daily high pressure caustic wash-down (NEMA 4X/IP 66);
protection against abrasive dust; the use of harsh chemicals or organic solvents; outdoor installation with environmental extremes; withstanding abuse by the general public or vandalism; special cursor manipulation; or ability to locate and trigger very small targets.
For all the requirements listed above, and others, Touch Controls, Inc. can provide the right technology to protect your operator interface investment and ensure a long, trouble-free operating life.
Ruggedized Touch Screen Technology Standard and Special Faceplate Configurations
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Based on 15 years of experience in manufacturing the most ruggedized, tamper-resistant touch screens, Touch Controls, Inc. offers a wide range of proven Touch Screen Faceplate Technologies to ensure you receive the best solution that meets the precise demands of your application. Since Touch Controls, Inc. uses a special, patented form of infrared technology (click here to learn more about our exclusive EnhancedInfrared specific needs. The standard clear faceplate is totally sealed and manufactured to be scratch and impact resistant for exceptionally sharp Images. Optional faceplate configurations include:
o
technology),
the
touch
screen
configuration and operation can be optimized to your
SealTouch - Industrial Faceplate - High Impact, seal able to NEMA 4X / IP 66
TouchGuard
Changeable
Faceplate
High
Abrasion and scratch-resistant overlay, designed for dry and abrasive environments. The TouchGuard allows the user to easily replace a worn faceplate, without dismantling or opening the unit, in as little as 2 minutes.
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o
CleanTouch - Tempered Glass Faceplate - Built to withstand Harsh Chemicals, and Organic Solvents.
SunTouch - Hot Mirrored Glass Faceplate - Built for outdoor environments, and designed to block 90% of the heat emanating from direct sun radiation. This very special glass protects the liquid crystals of LCD panel from reaching high temperatures and converting to black, when exposed to direct sunlight radiation.
ToughTouch - Lined faceplate with high impact resistant thick backing - Designed to withstand the vandalism that may be encountered in a metropolitan subway, or the impact of a baseball bat. The liner can be replaced on site, in less than 10 minutes, by opening the touch screen assembly.
By consulting with a Touch Controls' Application specialist, you will be presented with the optimal solution to your harsh environment interface and computing needs.
Exclusive High Performance Touch Screen Technology

High Resolution Enhanced Infrared
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High
Resolution
Enhanced
Infrared touch screen
technology utilizes a tighter grid of infrared light than any other infrared touch screen, which increases the operator's level of control over touch targets and functions. The benefits of this include:
Easier to pinpoint small display targets. Ideal for precision applications such as Internet, mapping or plotting grid coordinates.
Permits the use of a smaller stylus for better "drag and drop" accuracy and more precise touch target control. Provides smoother pixel transition for applications that include handwriting and/or signature recognition, drawing, or connecting points with straight lines or arches.
Extra resolution can be utilized to implement a "Fault Tolerant" system, which will continue to function even if several beams have failed. (The average size finger now covers approximately 25 infrared beams.)
Total external and internal sealing of the LEDs and LRPs up to NEMA 4/4x standards.
Rugged
Mechanical for use

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Design. technology in
High was or
Resolution developed demanding
EnhancedInfrared specifically
harsh
environments. The touch screen faceplate is scratchresistant and shatterproof. Cuts or scratches on the surface of the screen have no effect on the efficiency of the touch screen.
Micropointing Micropointing can be ordered as an option for Touch Controls' EnhancedInfrared touch screen. This technology allows the touch screen user to address every pixel of the display and activate the touch screen only when the cursor is on a selected target, even if the target is very small. In addition, this technology allows the precise adjustment of control sliders. The Micropointing touch screen has a number of calibration options that are used only for setting up the desired calibration and operating mode of the touch screen. Once the calibration and set up are completed, there is no need to make any adjustment because the software automatically uses the desired settings on restart. The Enhanced Infrared calibration does not drift with varying ambient conditions. The Micropointing touch screen is compatible with various computer operating systems through the use of a system-specific emulator). touch screen software driver (mouse
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The Micropointing touch screen includes special software installed in the touch controller card at the factory. This software allows two modes of operation:
Normal Mode - The touch screen operates with the normal touch screen settings. Micropointing Mode - The touch screen allows the operator to precisely pinpoint a certain visual image with the cursor arrow in full view.
The Micropointing mode can be engaged or disengaged by the operator with a second quick touch on the screen while the first finger is still on the screen. The touch screen is activated only when the finger is lifted off the touch screen. When the Micropointing mode is activated, the movement of the cursor is approximately 1/8th of the distance that the finger is moved on the surface of the screen.
Touch Keys
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The Touch Keys technology is used to activate keyboard functions, icons, points on a map, or other targets located outside the display area. The Touch Keys touch screens utilize an enlarged active touch area. The rear of the extra faceplate area, outside the display area, is silk-screened or engraved with touchactivated "keys" that can communicate with the computer through the keyboard port or an additional Rs232 serial port.
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Latest development Introducing a New Touch Screen System

Touch screens are widely used in numerous industries and applications that require exacting combinations of accuracy, touch sensitivity, and durability. Each touch screen application has its own unique challenges, and traditionally, customers chose the touch screen technology with the fewest disadvantages and technical limitations for their specific application. Enter Dynapros Near Field Imaging (NFI) Touch Screen System. Patented by Dynapro in 1997, it is uncompromising in both performance and toughness, making it the perfect choice when high clarity and durability are at issue.
What is NFI?
Simply put, its a touch screen where the screen itself is the sensor. NFI uses a sophisticated sensing circuit that can detect a conductive object - a finger or conductive stylus through a layer of glass, as well as through gloves or other potential barriers (moisture, gels, paints, etc.). This is achieved with a high degree of accuracy using data acquisition and image processing techniques that generate a precise profile of the touch. The NFI touch screen sensor uses a transparent conductive
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film patterned with a proprietary topology applied to the base layer of glass. The front layer of glass is bonded over the base layer with an optical adhesive. An excitation waveform is supplied to the conductive layer by the controller to generate a low strength electrostatic field in the front layer of glass. The near field is modulated by finger contact with the front layer of glass, and a resultant differential signal is created, making it possible to accurately resolve the electrostatic loading on the face of the screen. Dynapros data acquisition expertise was instrumental in designing the method by which the system firmware recognizes and decodes the location of the touch. The controller scans continuously until it receives signs of an impending touch. At this point it shifts into a different mode and subtracts the baseline associated with the conditions immediately preceding the touch. This way, static and noise do not affect the image of the touch. The profile of the touch is constructed from a dynamic array of data points, and resolved to an actual touch point through continuous reimaging of the electrostatic field. Touch coordinates are fed back to the operating system as fully compliant Microsoft mouse coordinates. Once a touch is registered, its effect is zeroed out, so a subsequent touch in another location can be detected. The system resolves and reports concurrent touches without averaging, allowing for advanced touch input capabilities.
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Any long-term changes in the electrostatic image are compensated for, allowing the system to ignore unwanted objects directly on the screen such as water droplets, insects, conductive dirt, or other adhering contamination. Imaging also enables the touch screen to ignore unwanted loading effects from large or distant objects such as hands or arms, and to reject false touches. Sophisticated data acquisition and image processing ensure NFI is accurate enough to control equipment consistently and precisely, yet sensitive enough to detect finger touches through gloves, and work through moisture and other contaminants. The sensors glass construction provides superior optical performance, and will continue to operate despite scratching, pitting, and other surface damage from abrasives, chemicals or vandals. NFI touch screens can be reliably sealed for applications that require high pressure washdown or protection from contaminant-filled environments.
NFI Addresses Needs

NFI offers significant advantages in performance and
durability without compromises, and its the only touch screen technology that overcomes the technical limitations found in other touch screen technologies, by addressing
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three main factors: Accuracy - the ability to control equipment consistently and precisely despite extreme environmental conditions Touch Sensitivity - the ability to operate the touch screen with gloves through moisture, dirt, and other surface contaminants Durability - the ability to withstand scratches and other surface damage caused by abrasives, chemicals, or vandalism
The Benefits of NFI

Designed for Ruggedness
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NFI technology offers protection against scratches, scrapes, gouges, and severe abrasion. The sensor layer of the screen is well protected beneath the glass surface, so performance remains unaffected even if the front glass layer is damaged.
Contaminant Proof
Surface contaminants such as moisture, dirt, grease, and chemicals do not affect the performance of the touch screen and can easily be cleaned. The touch screen stands up to virtually all chemicals and continues to function accurately through any sub-stance.
Touch Sensitivity
You can activate NFI with a touch of a finger - gloved or ungloved - or other conductive stylus.
Stability
Variations in temperature, humidity, and altitude do not affect NFI. The touch screen remains drift-free and does not require field calibration to maintain accuracy. NFI is also immune to electro-static discharge and electromagnetic interference.
Sealing Capability
NFI touch screens can be reliably sealed for applications that
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require high pressure washdown or for protection from contaminant-filled environments. Systems incorporating NFI touch screens can readily achieve a NEMA 4X rating.
Performance
NFI requires very light contact and responds instantly to an operators touch. With NFIs linearity and resolution, you can effectively perform drag and drop operations. And the NFI touch screen also resolves and reports concurrent touches without averaging.
Shock and Vibration

NFI touch screens can withstand significant vibration and shock without jeopardizing safety or performance. With chemically strengthened glass and no mechanically sensitive components, NFI performs reliably when used in a high vibration environment.
Optical Clarity
NFIs solid glass layer provides excellent image clarity. With extremely high transmissivity, and unobtrusive glare and reflection protection, NFI provides a clear window for any application.
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How is Touch Technology different from other devices?

No special commands to learn. The user doesn't need to look away from the screen to a keyboard and back again. Entering wrong information is impossible, only valid options are offered on the screen. There are no loose pieces of hardware to be damaged or lost
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UltimaTouch
A high-performance touch screen POS platform with three different systems keyed to your needs. All provide a superior foundation for a comprehensive retail POS workstation. Each features an integrated, single-board computer, active matrix LCD with 5-wire resistive touch screen, and magnetic stripe reader to support many retail applications. Highly configurable with multiple mounting options and large selection of interface ports, including USB for connectivity to printers, cash drawers, scanners, keyboards and more. Models are differentiated by processor speed.

Attractive, compact ergonomic design Multiple mounting options ideal for any environment Rugged, tamper-resistant enclosure for high-use retail interaction
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Easy
installation,
maintenance,
and
access
to
peripheral connections
Ultrx Systems - the ultimate prescription to eliminate the paperwork Pharmacy Technology - A Way Ahead
Whether you like it or not - change is on your doorstep! The rate of change in technology occurring at present means pharmacists can either get on the wagon, or be left behind in the dust wondering just where everyone else has gone. This article will give you an idea of some of the technology is presently available to retail and hospital pharmacists to make your life easier, and save you time (a most valuable resource that pharmacists have little of!). There are a range of technology options available to todays' pharmacist, and you don't have to have a computer science degree to be able to use them. Most systems come with excellent back up, so even if you do test the "fool-proof" system to the max., there will be someone to haul you out. Technology can be divided broadly into three sections:
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Hardware Software Web-based/Internet/Intranet
Web addresses are listed where available for further information.
1.
HARDWARE
The decision to upgrade your computer is usually made based on the software you choose to purchase for your shop/dispensary system. The term "hardware" covers wide range of products such as Automated drug dispensing systems, information kiosks, EFTPOS terminals and scanners.
a) Automated Drug Dispensing Systems : a) Healthpoint Kiosks:

Healthpoint kiosks are user-friendly, comprehensive tools for up to date health information. With touch screen technology and a wide range of information available such as adult ailments, specialty diets, post-operative care, first aid, mental health, vitamin and amino acid information, pregnancy, child care and more, customers and staff find the kiosks easy to use. Information is presented using print media, and also video and graphic presentations. Pharmacies who already have the kiosks installed find they are popular with all age groups, and lead to an increase in
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foot traffic, as well as improved communication between pharmacist and patient. b) EFTPOS terminals: EFTPOS New Zealand Limited have recently launched an innovative new product, PC EFTPOS Lite. PC EFTPOS Lite enables any pharmacy to integrate their PC-Windows based point-of-sale system with their EFTPOS terminal. This provides retailers with the ability to keep an electronic journal eliminating the need for receipt copies, and process transactions cheaper, as EFTPOS receipt and sales receipts are printed by one printer. PC EFTPOS Lite has the ability to run multiple EFTPOS lanes from a single telephone line, as well as increasing counter space due to a compact pinpad unit and no need for a separate printer.
c) Bar Code Scanners - The main types of scanners

used in the retail environment are Laser Scanners and CCD scanners. Both types scan automatically and can be initiated by either a trigger switch, or automatically using flash mode. Main differences are :
Laser scanners read bar codes over short to medium distances ( most types up to 1 metre ), and are in the upper price range . CCD scanners can read barcodes only over small distances - usually not more than 25mm.They are less expensive and more robust than the laser scanners.
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New technology which should be available to the pharmacy market in the near future is wireless scanners which will have uses for stocktaking, and potentially as a useful tool in dispensing and checking prescriptions.
2. SOFTWARE
There are two main pharmacy software programmes : (i) LOTS (Harvey Lockie): LOTS is designed to be 100% Windows compliant. You can have multiple windows open, for example, while dispensing also have open orders, and Point of Sale (PoS) for instant access. If you have both dispensing and OTC modules, the two systems are integrated to combine ordering and interactions(ie between OTC purchases and prescription medicines), and also customer accounts. LOTS uses sales forecasting and stock management formulae which have been shown to allow some 15% more turnover for the same stock compared to common computer systems, with about 50% less out-of-stocks and dead stock. LOTS has as a feature the "Compliance chart" that presents the whole of the last 12 months history of a patient in visual form on screen. It is a very popular features, and most pharmacists say that it is allows a major advance in their professional services. (ii) TONIQ :
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Toniq is a Windows-based program, with both dispensing and retail modules available. Toniq has electronic communications used as frontline support, which means any time you have a software problem, Toniq aim to resolve it for you while you are on the phone, using modems and the pcAnywhere program to control your computer from their office in Christchurch and work on the problem for you. Help is available anytime you need it. Toniq has a comprehensive database of medicines, including a large range of Hospital only medicines. The medicine file update is available for download to registered users from their website. This year Toniq is introducing a number of new features-Web based education and on-line forums, modules for assisting patient compliance. The program prepares a patient guide, which assist the patient to understand dose times, the medication and expected pick up dates for repeats. Data sharing tools are also being introduced, to allow transfer of retail information within a group. Other software available to assist in areas of pharmacy practice includes-
a) pc Anywhere:
Pharmacies can use a program such as pcAnywhere to allow staff to work off-site, accessing the pharmacy computer via a modem connection. pcAnywhere is password protected, so
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staff can only access areas that they are assigned to. Stobo's pharmacy in Oamaru employ a staff member who works from home to process inwards goods. This streamlines the processing of orders, and frees up shop staff to be available to customers. Their Dispensary Manager also accesses the MAQS program from home to review documents using pcAnywhere, without the interruptions of a normal busy day.
3.INTERNET/INTRANET
With the many applications available through the Internet, it is rapidly becoming an essential business tool. Security becomes an issue with internet access, and must always be kept in mind. Many pharmacies are now advancing in e-commerce, and launching on-line stores. Pharmacy groups, such as Amcal and Unichem, recognise IT as important directions for growth, and have dedicated IT departments.
Amcal :
The Amcal website has a number of features which give pharmacies in this group a presence on the Internet. Each Amcal pharmacy has its' own on-line store, an e-zine ( an e-zine is an internet newsletter, if you're not familiar with the term ) which is generated centrally, but personalised when sent to the customer, a section where customers can enter their repeat prescription details and a
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fax is sent to their pharmacy ( which customers select from a drop-down list), with all the details, including delivery or collection time . This means Amcal pharmacists can have the prescriptions ready for the patients before they come in. Amcal also utilises Intranet technology ( which means all members are linked via an independent line ) to run a point of sale system called AdvanceRetail, which centralizes product maintenance & sales information, and is used create a national sales picture of what is happening in each pharmacy.This allows measure of how successful a particular promotion has been, and other important feedback.
Unichem
Unichem launched their IT department 6 months ago, focussing on setting up an Intranet system which was launched in Nov 2000, the first in a number of technology projects the Board are committed to. It caters to the three franchises, Unichem, Unichem Life, and Dispensary First, with each franchise only accessing information relevant to them. The Intranet is named "Splash " and allows Unichem members to "dive" into four different sections of information technology - News, Knowledge, Discussion and Trade. The News area has general news pertaining to pharmacy, such as industry news - both local and international, suppliers' news, conference and marketing information. The Knowledge area contains logos and templates for
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advertising, training information, marketing promotions, and reference articles. This frees up the Head Office staff from repetitive tasks to allow them to concentrate on other issues, as well as allowing pharmacies to access information in their own time, as often as they like. This flexibility, as well as ease of content editing is essential for the success of Splash. The discussion area is proving popular for discussion on issues such as Society and new Government initiatives, as is the Trade area, giving pharmacists the opportunity to exchange dead stock.
Primenet:
Primenet is a secure on-line information network and communications package. With 50% ownership by the Pharmacy Guild and the remaining 50% owned by pharmacists, Primenet will bring pharmacy to the fore in the ownership of medicine data collection and feedback, putting a stake in the ground for pharmacy to be the correlators of patient care. The system has nationwide application, and so far , 763 pharmacies have shown interest in joining the Primenet network. A number of IPA groups have also shown interest in the system, recognising the value of feedback on issues such as patient compliance, as well as prescribing habits and correlation with costs.
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Primenet
offers
complete
communication
package,
allowing savings to be made on existing telecommunication and operating costs. Savings will also be made through access to medical reference material, reducing the necessity for purchasing these items. Finding and retrieving information will be quick and easy with high speed, secure Internet access. Of particular importance to pharmacy are the security protocols that have been built into Primenet, to ensure an exceptionally high level of security. Being a secure intranet for the medical community, usage is restricted to registered health professionals with authorised access. While the protection of data is provided through a layer of encryption processes and network firewalls. Probably the most exciting benefit that Primenet offers is the glimpse of future directions and uses the Primenet system will offer. Data collection and exchange not only prescription details, but also clinical information such as test results will give pharmacists meaningful data to assist in patient care, and the tracking of any alterations in therapy made through PRS. IPA budget spending can already be tracked for individual IPA groups and categorised into 144 Therapeutic groups. Meaningful data is collected, with not only funded medicines being analysed, but also prescription items that are presently "lost"in the pharmaceutical system such as NSS
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items and Under$15 scripts. Being able to extract, analyze and correlate this type of data will improve doctorpharmacist relations, as has already been shown where these types of systems have been trailed.
Conclusion:
Touch Screen is widely used and emerging technology that is sensitive to human touch, allowing a user to interact with the computer by touching pictures or words on the screen. It
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provides a very good user interface with applications that normally require a mouse. It is very useful in various fields like Museum / tourism displays, railway station, casino and other gaming systems, Airport, telephone exchange etc. It has good future in many new technologies like in cell phones, palmtops, laptops etc.
References:
http://www.touchscreen_encyclopedia.com http://www.elotouchsystem.com
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Comparison of touchscreen technologies

The following information is supplied by Mass Multimedia Inc., a Colorado-based company selling touch screen technology.[19] 4-Wire Resistive Surface Acoustic Wave 5-Wire Resistive
Technology
Infrared
Capacitive
Durability
3 year
5 Year
5 Year
5 Year
2 Year
Stability
High
Higher
High
High
Ok
Transparency
Bad
Good
Bad
Good
Ok
Installation
Built-in/Onwall Built-in/Onwall
Built-in/Onwall Onwall
Built-in
Touch
Anything
Finger/Pen
Anything
Finger/Pen
Conductive
Intense lightresistant
Good
Good
Good
Bad
Bad
Response time
<10ms
10ms
<15ms
<20ms
<15ms
Following Speed Good
Low
Good
Good
Good
Excursion
No
Small
Big
Big
Big
Monitor option
CRT or LCD
CRT or LCD
CRT or LCD
CRT or LCD
CRT or LCD or LED
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Waterproof
Good
Ok
Good
Ok
Good
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Touch Screen Technology

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Resistive Acoustic Wave Capacitive Comparison of the Different Types