The iPhone 2G was the first mobile phone to operate entirely on a touch screen. More than ten years have passed since its presentation, but many of us still do not know how the Touchscreen works. But we encounter this intuitive input tool not only in smartphones, but also in ATMs, payment terminals, computers, cars and airplanes - literally everywhere.
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What is touch screen and who invented it
This is a digital device, the surface of which is sensitive to the touch of your fingertips or a special pen (stylus). The touch projector reads the command to action after touching the desired area of the display. The advantage of the device is that it operates without tangible buttons or other keys. Can be used on a tablet, computer or TV. Depends on the characteristics and developer of the device.
It seems that the invention is modern in nature, but this is not a correct judgment. The first touchscreen systems appeared in the 70s. In parallel, several professors - Samuel Hurst and another group of scientists from the USA - developed a touchscreen surface scheme. One was based on a grid of infrared rays, the other on a resistive screen.
The birth of the technology occurred in 1972-1982, the first copy was a computer whose function was to read information from recorder tapes. Only in 1998 did a mobile phone with touch capabilities appear.
Massage
TiTouch massage is applied to every area of the dog's body. The correct selection of the area is made according to the algorithm:
- Slowly, with gentle pressure, feel the dog's muscles.
- Identify in which places the muscles tense from a light touch.
Beginners are recommended to start with a massage of the ears, the surface of which is dotted with acupuncture points. TiTouch massage is a circular motion with light pressure on the skin, that is, the skin should move, but not stretch.
Massage can be done clockwise or counterclockwise. Starting from point 6, apply light pressure to point 9 and massage the skin in this state for several seconds. Release the pressure, grab the skin again and move to point 12. If the dog is very excited, do not apply pressure, just move your fingers around the ear, stopping at points 6, 9, 12, 3. Change the circular movements to stroking the ear and massaging the tip (shock point) . Even breathing and half-closed eyes are a sign that you are doing everything right.
How does the touchscreen work?
To understand how a touch screen works, you should study its internal structure. The touch panel is presented in the form of layers, each of which performs a specific function. In a simplified way, the design of the display consists of an outer part - glass, anti-reflective coating, a middle part - diodes, and an internal part - a matrix with microdiodes.
If we look deeper into the location and function of each component, the furthest part from the human eye will be the microdiodes. These are micro bulbs used to illuminate the image. Located under the matrix.
The matrix of a smartphone is designed similarly to a TV, computer, or interactive whiteboard. Presented in the form of a layer of liquid crystals. The surface above contains diodes - touch-sensitive elements located on the top of the imaging layer.
Next come the components visible to the eye: glass and anti-reflective coating. Glass acts as a partition between the internal and external components of the device, and the anti-reflective coating is designed to make it easier to perceive the information supplied from the screen. It protects against glare from excess sunlight.
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The role of the touch surface in the screen
There are push-button and touch-sensitive devices. The difference is in the range of capabilities, characteristics, application.
Devices without a touchscreen system are limited in use; only one person can interact with the gadget. Touch glass received a positive response among users, after which they began to produce similar devices with touchscreen technology, but modified: interactive whiteboards, panels, tables, tablets, etc. Touch devices are designed to speed up the process of work or learning. The range of possibilities is wider than that of push-button ones, which leads to less time spent on work. The invention of touch screens has led to faster work processes.
Author of TTouch and description of the technique
TTouch was developed by veterinary physiotherapist Linda Tellington-Jones in 1983. The program was developed to work with horses, but was successfully “tested” on dogs, cats and people.
TiTach has not gained wide popularity, although it is successfully used by veterinarians, doctors at rehabilitation centers, and dog handlers who support the idea of humane training. Experts explain that the technique allows the animal to completely relax and forget about stress. TiTach covers two areas:
- Eradicating fears and phobias.
- Rehabilitation after physical and mental injuries.
TiTach is a completely safe method. The purpose of the manipulations is aimed at restoring the sensations of one’s own body and strengthening the nervous system. Therapy takes time and a gradual approach, since the functioning of nerve cells is restored gradually.
Where is touchscreen technology used?
Initially, the touchscreen was used in the design of personal pocket computers (PDAs, PDAs) and did not have a wide range of applications. Using a touchscreen on a phone is convenient, but impractical, so the technology has been expanded. Improved devices have appeared with an identical control method, i.e. by touching with a fingertip or a special pen. These are interactive whiteboards, tables, tablets, kiosks, etc. The increase in the variety of digital devices and their practicality has led to an expansion of the field of operation.
Areas of application of touchscreen:
- educational;
- working;
- service sector;
- medical;
- public;
- cultural;
- sales, commerce, etc.
Touch system technology allows you to start working with the device without prior preparation, which facilitates the process of interacting with the device. Due to ease of use, the touchscreen program is installed on terminals in public places: shops, shopping centers, exhibition halls. Touch terminals, kiosks, digital stands, etc. act as information carriers.
Classic displays
What can be said about “non-touch”, classic displays? In essence, all that distinguishes them from touchscreens is the absence in the design of those elements that can become tools for managing screen content. Classic displays can only display data. To enter information, you must use third-party devices - keyboard, mouse, joystick.
Classic displays are presented on the market in the same technological modifications as touch screens - LCD, LED, OLED. They can also be cathode ray - in which case they are almost guaranteed not to be touchscreens.
The most common types of touchscreens
The operation of a touchscreen screen is superficially understandable, but from a physics point of view, it’s not very clear. There are many types of touch screens, some are outdated and not used, while others are in demand. Below is a list of common touchscreen screens.
Surface capacitive
Devices with surface capacitive technology operate on the principle of interrupting alternating current. An electrically conductive layer is applied to the surface of the screen, and a weak alternating current is conducted to each of the four corners of the device through electrodes. A person's finger or stylus (a special pen for working with a touch screen) acts as a conductor, and when touched, current leaks. After touching the screen, the current value changes. The electrodes located at the corners of the device change their characteristics, on the basis of which the controller calculates the point on the display to which the command is sent, i.e. place of touch.
Projected capacitive
If in surface-capacitive technology the electrodes are located at the corners of the device, then in projection-capacitive technology a network of electrodes is stretched across the entire surface of the screen. Touching the display with a finger or device touches the electrode and causes condensation. At the point of contact, charge and energy are generated, as a result of which the voltage between the human body and the electrode that was touched increases. Control sensors automatically calculate which area of the monitor the command is sent to.
The device, which has a capacitive screen, can be equipped with a multi-touch system - the perception of two to ten or more touches simultaneously. Another advantage of the technology is the high transparency of the screen, which allows you to install thick glass for durability when using the device in public places.
Infrared
Infrared touchscreen technology is not as common as projected and surface capacitive. But due to the simplicity of the device, high clarity of information transmitted from the screen is maintained. Therefore, infrared technology is used in e-books, where image quality is important.
Along the perimeter of the device there are LEDs that emit infrared radiation. One line of LEDs is located vertically, the other - horizontally. The design forms a grid of infrared rays with a slight scattering angle. Vertical stripes are located on the membrane, and horizontal stripes are located on the glass surface. At the point where the screen is touched, the grid of rays overlaps, and the controller calculates the coordinates of the point of contact.
Users note that the disadvantages of the technology are that the touch screen is subject to mechanical contamination, as a result of which the speed of the device is disrupted.
Induction
The internal structure is similar to infrared. It is based on a grid of sensitive sensors that senses touch. But the conducting rays are formed by an inductor. Such a screen can be controlled exclusively by an inductive pen, which is charged by electromagnetic resonance, that is, with each contact with the screen. When the pen touches the glass, the magnetic field strength changes, after which special sensors record the location of the resonance and recognize the command being given.
Thanks to accurate recognition of the location of pressing, the device is used in graphic design. It becomes possible to create precise thin parts or structures.
The disadvantage of induction screens is that the technology only senses the induction pen; other conductors are not able to control the device. The device is appropriate to install in places where work is tied to one location: schools, offices. Then the condition of having a specialized pen does not create inconvenience. In everyday life, an inductive touch screen is less suitable, because Requires a stylus at all times.
Advantages of the technology:
- ability to distinguish the force of pressure on the screen;
- accuracy of determining the location of pressing.
Flaws:
- price;
- condition of working exclusively with an induction pen.
Resistive
The resistive touch screen is considered a pioneer in the world of touchscreens. It was by analogy with resistive technology that the successors of sensory devices were equipped.
Resistive screens are divided into four-wire and five-wire.
Four-wire: the device is presented in the form of a single panel consisting of glass and a soft membrane, which is equipped with a resistive coating. Each glass has a thin conductive wall. The distance between the two components is filled with insulators. When pressed, the circuit is closed and the controller is able to calculate the location of pressing and the command to action. The role of the “controller” is played by the electrodes located at the corners of the matrix.
Five-wire: the absence of a resistive membrane is a distinctive feature from the previous type. The signal is perceived by monitoring changes in membrane voltage. The advantage of the technology is that if the matrix is damaged, the sensor continues to perceive signals.
Advantages of resistive technology:
- reaction even to an insulated conductor (gloved hand);
- low cost.
Flaws:
- does not support multitouch;
- The resistive matrix reacts exclusively to clicks, therefore there is no possibility of perceiving commands in the form of sliding across the screen.
Read our article about which type of screen is better.
Windows 7
It became possible to control the computer using the “Scroll”, “Forward/backward”, “Rotate” and “Zoom” gestures. The Windows 7 operating system is much better adapted to work with touch displays than all previous versions. 06 this is evidenced by the modified interface and taskbar, in which square icons have appeared in place of rectangular buttons symbolizing running programs - they are much more convenient to press with your finger. In addition, a new feature has appeared - jump lists, allowing you to quickly find recently opened files or frequently launched items. To activate this feature, simply drag the program icon onto the Desktop.
For the first time, an option has been added to the Windows operating system to recognize touch gestures, which are associated with the execution of individual functions. Thus, in Windows 7, touch scrolling appeared and, the same as, for example, in the Apple iPhone, the ability to enlarge pictures or documents by moving two fingers in different directions. There was also movement responsible for rotating the image. Operations such as copy, delete, and paste can also be assigned separate gestures. The onscreen keyboard buttons light up when touched, making it easier to use on a touchscreen. And the ability to recognize handwritten text allows you to quickly enter small messages.
Less current types of touch screens
Touchscreen developers strive to make interaction with a phone or interactive equipment convenient and simple. The history of the creation of the sensor has many branches, including less successful developments.
Optical
The optical touch screen system contains cameras with infrared illumination. There are cameras in two or four corners of the display, each of which has IR illumination. The lights come on periodically and alternately. If an object (finger or stylus) does not fall into the field of the beam grid, then the light is not refracted and the device remains in a resting position. When an object hits the grid, the IR boundaries are violated, and the controllers register changes in the beam structure at the location.
Multi-touch technology on an optical device is narrowly applicable. The touch screen with two cameras accepts one to two touches. The four-camera system recognizes 4-6 touches, but the inaccuracy of command perception is high. The development is used in LCD—liquid crystal displays (smart watches, TV) and projection displays.
Matrix
The matrix screen is similar to resistive touchscreen technology. The base is also presented in the form of two plates - a flexible membrane and glass. The difference lies in the differentiation of conductors into vertical ones, which are attached to a soft membrane, and horizontal ones, located on the glass.
The operating principle is similar to resistive technology: when an object comes into contact with the monitor, the flexible membrane bends and the upper and lower conductors come into contact. The controller fixes the location of the touch for signal processing.
Also, the difference between matrix screens and resistive screens is their reduced price and simplicity.
Strain gauge
Unlike the above types of touchscreens, strain gauge touchscreens work by deforming the display.
The strain gauge monitor device is resistant to temperature fluctuations, suitable for mass use in public places, and generally equipped with a strong, stable frame.
Advantages:
- durable coating of the device (low probability of breaking the screen);
- distinguishes the force of touch;
- protection from external factors - dust, dirt, moisture;
- Unlimited transparency: 95%.
Flaws:
- low accuracy of touch recognition.
How to check multitouch on your phone
Multitouch works fine on most modern mobile phones. Even on the most budget phones, this function works flawlessly and recognizes all 10 touches. But, if you wish, you can check how multi-touch works on your device.
To do this, you will need a multi-touch testing application, such as AnTuTu Benchmark. Launch this application on your device and go to the “Function Test – Multi-Touch Test” section.
Checking Multi-touch on your phone.
After that, touch all your fingers to the phone screen and release. The number of recorded touches will appear on the screen.
Advantages and disadvantages of touch screens
Before purchasing a touchscreen device or making a decision to equip an existing device with a touchscreen system, it is logical to familiarize yourself with its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- wide range of applications;
- interactivity;
- simple graphical interface;
- quick access to settings;
- variability of screen sizes;
- anti-vandal coating.
Flaws:
- insufficient control of the sensor, the need to install a push-button keyboard (case with a computer, laptop);
- consumption of more energy;
- increased price;
- The touch screen requires more care because there is a high probability of contamination from working with your fingers;
- physical damage to the screen leads to disruption of the functionality of the touchscreen.
Degree of security
Like any device, touch screens have a limited lifespan. And over time, constant physical impact will affect its performance. The degree of equipment security is determined by the IP index, which must be indicated in the specification sheet.
This index consists of two letters and numbers, each responsible for a specific parameter:
- I – protection from physical impact,
- P – protection against moisture and pollution.
For example, products with an IP50 index are protected from some physical damage, but are completely vulnerable to moisture. The most secure device will have an IP68 rating. Such smartphones can be submerged in water. And even drive a car over them, and they will still function perfectly.
Types of touchscreen breakdowns
If the capacitive touchscreen fails, you will immediately know about it. A number of characteristic changes in the behavior of the device will indicate a breakdown.
Visually noticeable damage:
- mirror response of the team;
- partial perception of touch;
- foreign elements on the screen;
- distortion of perception.
The above damages must be corrected depending on the degree of damage. In some cases, manual repair at home is possible - calibration. The availability of the function depends on the capabilities of the gadget. You need to go to the settings and find the “Calibration” option. After starting the program, the device will make adjustments to work with the touchscreen.
What makes the device vulnerable to damage is the glass screen, which suffers from improper use of the device. As a result, a crack or deep scratch appears that can disrupt the touchscreen system. The solution to the problem is a complete replacement of the touchscreen. Previously, smartphones were manufactured with a separation between the touch technology and the screen, which, if damaged, allowed only one part to be replaced. This method is financially more economical. Now they produce devices with a common touchscreen display, where the glass is inseparable from the touch system, which makes repairs more expensive.
To prevent damage, manufacturers recommend equipping the device with protective glass, which, when attached to a smartphone, will protect it from mechanical damage.
Resistive screen.
The simplest type is a four-wire one, which consists of a special glass panel as well as a plastic membrane. The space between the glass and the plastic membrane must be filled with microinsulators that can reliably isolate conductive surfaces from each other. Electrodes, which are thin plates made of metal, are installed over the entire surface of the layers. In the rear layer, the electrodes are in a vertical position, and in the front layer - in a horizontal position so that coordinates can be calculated. If you press on the display, the panel and membrane will automatically close, and a special sensor will sense the press, converting it into a signal. Eight-wire displays, which are distinguished by a high level of accuracy, are considered the most advanced type. However, these screens are characterized by a low level of reliability and fragility
If it is important that the display is reliable, you need to choose its five-wire type
1 - glass panel, 2 - resistive coating, 3 - microinsulators, 4 - film with conductive coating
What is the difference between a touchscreen and a display?
The difference between the two components is functionality.
A touchscreen is a system built into a digital device to perform functions through the touch of a finger or stylus. Translated from English, “touch” means touch, “screen” means screen. The principle of application of the technology comes from the name.
The display is the top portion of a device's screen that displays information or illustrations to be perceived.
Combining the touchscreen and display using lamination technology, you get a touch display glued with a transparent sealant. Such designs are common in the digital market, despite the fact that if one of the two components is damaged, the entire system fails.
Surface acoustic signals
The operating principle of the touch screen of early phone models was equipped with similar technology. The display is a glass panel into which receivers (two pieces) and piezoelectric transformers are embedded, placed on opposite corner parts.
From the generator, a frequency electrical signal is supplied to converters, from where a series of pulses are propagated using reflectors. The waves are captured by sensors and returned to the probe, where they are converted back into electric current. Next, the information goes to the controller, where it is analyzed.
When you touch the screen, the characteristics of the wave undergo changes with the absorption of part of the energy in a specific place. Based on this information, the point and force of touch are calculated. Displays in this category are available with film thickness of 3 or 6 millimeters, which allows them to withstand a light hand blow without consequences.
Flaws:
- disruption of work in conditions of vibration and shaking;
- instability to any pollution;
- the presence of interference due to acoustic signals of a certain configuration;
- low accuracy makes them unsuitable for drawing.
What is multi touch
The creation of touch screens received a positive response from users, after which the technology continued to develop. The next step in digital evolution was the multi-touch system. This is a version of an improved touch display that accepts not one touch, but two or more simultaneously.
The term “multi” itself translated from English means “many, several”, and “touch” means “touch”, from which we get the correspondence of the name of the device with its main function.
Read more in the article: “Multitouch technology, why is it needed?”
Devices with multi-touch functions are common in the professional and educational spheres, presented in the form of interactive devices: whiteboards, tablets, tables, screens, etc. When working with an audience, multi-touch technology speeds up the learning or design process and allows two to ten people to work simultaneously on one board.
What is a touchscreen
This term comes from the merger of two English words: touch and screen, which means “touch screen”. This display responds to touch and makes it easier to control equipment. However, it is worth distinguishing between several types of equipment, since the principle of their operation is not entirely similar.
Modern gadgets, such as the iPhone, use capacitive and projected-capacitive displays. The latter type can be called more advanced, since it is capable of reading a certain number of touches simultaneously. These touchscreens themselves are glass panels with a layer of resistive material and electrodes.
There are also displays on which a flexible membrane is applied. Between it and the glass there are micro-insulators, pressing on which provokes a change in resistance. It is captured by the controller and converted into coordinates, resulting in control of the device.
The main difference between these types of technologies is that a capacitive display does not respond to touch with any object or even a simple stylus, which cannot be said about a resistive touchscreen. Thus, locking a smartphone on it works much better than on its outdated “brother”.
