How the Touch Screen Technology Works

The touch screen POS technology is one of the most popular features of many of the new released gadgets these days. Its application seems to be growing too. Before it came to popularity, it was employed only in computer monitors and ATM machines, but now it can be used for gaming devices, smart phones, televisions, car navigation systems, and many other appliances used around the house or at work. But what makes the touchscreen technology unique, and how does it work anyway?

Three basic systems that allow for the touch screen POS technology to work exist. These are the resistive, capacitive and surface acoustic wave systems. Each system is designed differently, but they all work toward the same goal. 

·         Resistive. The resistive system basically functions as the separator between the device and the touch. It is composed of a layer that has conductive and resistive properties. The layer is powered by electricity. This system makes it possible for the device to identify where the person is pointing at. If you would notice, you would see a formation as you press down on a specific area of a device with touch screen technology.

·         Capacitive. The capacitive layer runs the electrical charges. When a user points on a certain part of the device, an electrical charge is released. The electrical charge would then transport the information to the data information system of the device and alerts the right functions of the device.

·         Surface Acoustic wave. The surface acoustic wave is composed of components that allow for the good display of the graphics in the device. Reflectors that reflect the electrical signals are included in this system. There are also two transducers, which identifies when a device is touched in an instant, and properly alerts the connected systems in the right function. 

Although each system works differently, each system follows the stimuli system of the touchscreen technology. At the very foundation of all these touch screen systems is the principle of stimuli, or the reaction to a certain trigger sensor, which in this case is the reaction of the device and its functions to the touch of the user or a stylus.