In a more competitive worldwide market and with the growth of E-commerce, capturing the attention of prospective clients is more difficult than ever before &#; let alone enticing them to take a chance on your business.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website.
So, how can brick-and-mortar stores provide a distinct shopping experience in the internet age? With the assistance of digital signage, of course!
It will not only catch the eye of every passer-by, but it will also offer your brand a fresh and current appearance appropriate for the new age of retail. These are some of the primary advantages of incorporating digital signage in the exact location of your shop.
But did you realize that there are numerous distinct types of digital signage? One of the most popular ones is smart touch technology.
Touch screens are becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives: mobile phones, ATMs, kiosks, ticket vending machines, and other devices all employ touch panels to allow users to connect with a computer or device without using a keyboard or mouse.
There are two main types of touch screen technologies. To know which one is right for your business, we have to make the necessary comparisons.
It&#;s infrared vs projected capacitive touch screens! Let us be the first to tell you, there&#;s not going to be a champion as both have their own strengths and drawbacks.
If you want to learn more about the type of innovation taking place in the realm of smart touch and automation, keep reading.
But First, What is Smart Touch?
Smart Touch is REV Interactive&#;s touch screen brand. The Smart Touch range of touch screens by Rev Interactive have been in the works for half a decade now.
These touch screens are interactive and equipped with Multi-touch solutions. As we mentioned, they are based on two distinct technologies: Projected Capacitive (PCAP) and Infrared (IR).
A touchscreen may be defined as an input and output device that is generally stacked on top of an electric visual display system and is capable of processing information. It allows users to enter or control data and information with a single or many touches with a specific stylus or a finger.
A touch screen allows users to manipulate what&#;s on the screen with a single touch. Source: Unsplash
Certain touch screens require the use of ordinary or particularly coated gloves to work, whilst others merely demand the use of a specific pen or stylus.
Users may also modify what is displayed depending on the kind of touch screen. For instance, they might increase the text font size using a zooming option.
The touch screen technologies, such as kiosk touch screens, allow consumers to interact directly with what is displayed, removing the need for the touchpad, mouse, or other similar devices.
Types of Smart Touch Solutions in Malaysia
There are two main types of touch technologies: Projected capacitive and infrared touch.
Projected capacitive touch technology detects and locates a touch by measuring peak changes in the frequency. When a user touches the screen, capacitance arises between a finger and on the screen causing the electromagnetic field of the sensor to be disturbed.
Infrared touch overlays are placed in a frame surrounding the display and emit infrared LEDs and sensors in a vertical and horizontal row. Because infrared touch technology is less expensive and more scalable than projected capacitance, we can build large touch screen solutions.
Read on to learn more about the distinct features and benefits of a projected capacitive touch and infrared touch technology.
Infrared (IR) vs Projected Capacitive (PCAP). Differences Between IR & PCAP
Although you may not be able to discern the difference between infrared (IR) and projected capacitive (PCAP) when using interactive touch screens, they are structurally and aesthetically distinct.
We&#;ll explore how these two are different and you can use the breakdown to decide which is better for your project.
Projected Capacitive Touch Screen (PCAP)
Active capacitive touch screen. Source: Pinterest
Projected capacitive (also known as PCT or PCAP) is a type of a touch screen technology found on the surface of smartphones, tablets, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and a variety of other touch screen devices. It is largely the same as surface capacitive technology, with a few improvements.
PCAP touch has more electrodes than the surface of the capacitive touch screen. As a result, they can handle a wider range of touch instructions.
The touch points are supported in the thousands of distinct places to determine the contact with the display interface by certain projected capacitive touch screens. PCAP touch screens are available at REV Interactive as Nano Touch Foil (which is more flexible) or a rigid glass panel.
ProsConsExtremely durableA bare finger or a capacitive stylus is required.Very preciseA severe scrape might have an impact on the operation of the injured region.Excellent optical clarityCostlyCan process wide variety of touch modes
Infrared Touch Screens
Infrared terminal measuring indicator. Source: Megadepot
Infrared touch technology (commonly known as IR) is the most frequently used in commercial touch screens and has been the industry standard for decades.
Using IR technology eliminates the need for the physical touch points with the screen, resulting in less damage over time. It operates by integrating LED lights and sensors into a monitor&#;s bezel above the glass. These LEDs make an unseen grid by beaming a signal across to the equivalent sensor on the other side.
When a finger or more other solid item breaks the grid, the sensors may identify the contact location. REV Interactive provides several sizes of the IR multi-touch overlays to choose from.
ProsConsLight transmission of 100 percent (not an overlay)Unreliability (MTBF for diodes)Provides accuracy and clarityParallax issuesStrong and durableUnintentional activationCan be activated with gloved hands, stylus etc.
Difference in Features
How They Work
Touch screen monitor. Source: Pinterest
The voltage of a projected capacitive touchscreen will drop if you tap or touch the display interface. When you turn on a projected capacitive touch screen, electricity flows through the X-Y grid of intersecting electrodes.
When you tap or contact the display interface, a finger or stylus absorbs part of the energy in the region, which the device recognizes as of the touch.
This generates an invisible grid of infrared beams. On the other side of the display from the emitters, sensors detect contact when the grid&#;s plane is disrupted when a user touches it with their finger (or other solid objects).
In a sense, infrared touch screens use light-beam interruption or &#;beam break&#;, to ascertain where the touch has occurred.
Functionality
A consistent electrostatic charge is applied to the top layer of capacitive touch screens. Touching the display will absorb part of the current that the gadget uses to detect touch points since the human body conducts electricity.
If you make contact with the display, the LED light in that area will be interrupted, allowing the gadget to recognize by the touch on the surface of the screen.
To detect the touch commands on the screen, infrared (IR) employs a mix of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and sensors. IR touch screens are built with LEDs that emit light to the matching sensors on the display&#;s surface.
Support for Touch Commands
The multi-touch instructions on a capacitive device are not possible while wearing gloves.
With IR touch screens, they will recognize your multi-touch command whether you use a finger, a gloved finger, or even a stylus.
Accuracy
Both capacitive and infrared touch screens are very accurate, capable of detecting the precise place of your touch instruction.
Capacitive technology, however, is generally more accurate. The touch in a capacitive device&#;s display absorbs electrostatic current from the precise region, providing for a higher level of precision of touch technology.
Screen Size
Different screen sizes of digital kiosks. Source: Freepik
PCAP touch screen software is most often seen in smartphones and tablets, but it may also be utilized on much bigger panels.
The integrated overlay of infrared beams from the top to bottom and side to side across the device&#;s bezel constitutes IR touch technology. The infrared touch system can also be the most cost-effective touch solution we provide, and it is available for a wide range of display sizes (32&#; &#; 100+&#;).
Best Applications of Projected Capacitive (PCAP Touch) and Infrared (IR) Touch
Here are some practical applications of projected capacitive touch and infrared technology.
We hope this section will give you a better idea of which you should use for your project!
Automatic Teller Machines
Automatic teller machine. Source: Pinterest
Automatic teller machines (ATMs), often known as cash machines, are a well-established kind of self-service technology that the general public has grown used to the utilization of a touch on a regular basis of resistive touch.
They are not only limited up to bank branches where they can be maintained and loaded up by the bank personnel. Mobile ATMs, for example, are erected in fields at the music festival season, depending on high-tech wireless data connections to verify balances and provide access to funds.
Self-service Kiosk
With competitive price and timely delivery, IRTOUCH sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Fast food ordering kiosk. Source: iDesign Cafe
Self-service kiosks rely on a strong multi-touch screen technology that lets users find the information or service they require for themselves.
All that is required is the skill to configure the software that powers these kiosks, and they may be used to issue tickets, offer sales information, access web-based services, or purchase meals.
These self-service kiosks provide a variety of services from a single, cost-effective touch unit.
Barcode Scanner
Handheld barcode scanner. Source: MadeinChina
As soon as barcode scanning began to improve the efficiency of merchants&#; point-of-sale procedures, they realized how they might become even more cost-effective if customers had access to that touch screen technology as well.
It is now typical for stores to enable customers to stroll by the store, scanning the barcodes of products as they go.
This not only saves consumers from having to line up at the conclusion of their shopping binge, but it also means that fewer customer care employees are needed on site.
Online Banking Services
Online banking is, of course, the resistive touch self-service equivalent of banking.
Self-service online banking, which is more secure than ever, puts the client in control of their funds, whether they want to change the touch order, make foreign payments using the screen , or settle their debts.
Because of the effectiveness of such self-service technology, many consumers no longer bother to visit their banks&#; resistive touch machines.
But, How Should You Choose Which to Use? IR vs. PCAP
1. Budget
PCAP is the trending touch technology of the future, although it has a higher initial cost.
Infrared is a proven and true touch point technology mainstay. If you&#;re searching for a more affordable touch screen, we recommend going with an infrared touch screen.
If you are prepared to make an investment, a PCAP touch screen will be well worth it.
2. Type of Devices
Which type of touch screen technology you use also depends on the device you&#;re applying it to.
A consistent electrostatic charge is applied to the top layer of capacitive touch screens. The touch point display will absorb part of the current that the gadget uses to detect touch instructions since the human body conducts electricity.
To detect the touch point commands, infrared touch screens do not need an electric charge. Instead, they detect multi-touch commands using a mix of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and sensors.
3. Location
Capacitive technology is suitable for both indoor and outdoor locations, as well as unattended, self-service devices, and it enables single and multi touch capabilities in any form and size.
Infrared technology is unsuitable for unsupervised outdoor applications. Ambient light and weather conditions can be having a significant impact on performance. Infrared touch technology touch is better suited for supervised indoor applications.
4. Targeted Users
Touch screens are resistive touch technology typically used in conjunction with haptic response systems. The vibratory feedback produced when a button on a touchscreen is tapped is a popular example or more of this technology.
Haptics are used to improve the user experience with touch screens by giving simulated tactile feedback. They may also be programmed to react quickly, which helps to compensate for on-screen reaction latency.
Conclusion
PCAP and Infrared are the two most appropriate types of touch technology for commercial touch panels.
Both are excellent, but depending on the customer&#;s needs, one may be more appropriate than the other.
PCAP is the touch technology of the future, although it has a higher initial cost. Infrared is a proven and true touch technology&#;s mainstay.
If you&#;re searching for a more affordable touch screen, we recommend going with an infrared touch screen. If you are prepared to invest, a PCAP touch screen will be well worth it. When it comes to choosing between the two, there is no right or wrong answer; it is just a question of preference.
So for your project, who&#;s the winner in the infrared vs projected capacitive comparison?
At REV Interactive we provide infrared and projected capacitive touch screen technologies, as well as bespoke software. Visit our website&#;s product pages to select from a wide range of touchscreen alternatives.
With inexpensive and personalized touch screen rentals delivered directly to you, we provide the ideal option for any event.
Get in touch with us to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions on Infrared vs Projected Capacitive Touch Screen
1. Which type of touchscreen is not suitable for gloved fingers?
Capacitive touch screens do not support a gloved finger&#;s touch. Gloved fingers should still elicit a reaction from IR touch overlay.
However, most of the time, touch screens aren&#;t very responsive to a user who is wearing gloves. The thickness of the glove and the material it is made of play a significant role when it comes creating a response on touch screen surfaces.
2. What type of touch screen is best?
Both projected capacitive and infrared technologies can be a good choice depending on the intended use. It is difficult to determine the best option among the two without context.
Projected capacitive touch technology has the benefit of supporting excellent image clarity, being resistant to liquids and other surface impurities, and being even more resistant to nicks and scratches than surface capacitive displays. One of the most significant advantages of this touch technology is its multi-touch capability.
If your touch screen application will be used outside or in an exposed area, IR touch technology is not the best option. If, on the other hand, you need cutting-edge optical performance and a stunning, crystal-clear display and money isn&#;t an issue, IR touch technology might be a wonderful alternative for you!
3. What is the difference between the touchscreen and multi-touch?
A single touch monitor is an electronic visual display that detects and displays the presence and position of a single touch inside the display area. Other passive items, such as a pen, can be detected by touch monitors. In essence, when a finger or stylus takes the place of the mouse click or flick.
Any touch monitor that can be identified by two touches and execute extra tasks to alter the interface is referred to as multi-touch. The iPhone is credited with popularizing this interface by allowing pinching and the touch on the screen to adjust magnification.
4. What is Zombie finger?
This is the phrase used when users are unable to get their touch technologies to respond to fingertip contact.
Electrical conductivity might be hampered when a finger has large calluses on its surface or if the user has extremely dry skin. The flow of power is halted as a result of this. As a result, you may find yourself pounding away on your or tablet with your &#;Zombie Finger&#; in vain.
Tablet, smartphone, information desk, ticket machine or touch table &#; touch technology has made its way into all areas of life. There are a variety of touch technologies available that work in different ways, tracking touches using infrared light, pressure or even sound waves.
But which technology is the best? Of course, there are pros and cons to each type of touch screen, and each type can be suitable for a variety of application scenarios. In this article, we present the most widely used single- and multi-touch technologies and list the pros and cons of each.
Resistive touchscreens: Inexpensive, but no longer state of the art
Resistive touch displays use pressure for input. They consist of two panels covered with electrically conductive layers and separated by a small air gap. When someone applies pressure to the panel, whether by touching it with a finger, stylus or by placing something on the screen, the two layers touch. The resistance between the two layers is measured, which can then determine the location on the display where the contact takes place.
What are the advantages?
The advantages of resistive touch panels include very low production costs, flexibility in the type of touch (gloves, prosthetics or styluses can be used) and the durability of the screens to water and dust.
What are the disadvantages?
Resistive touchscreens cannot support multi-touch - only one touch point is recognised. This not only means that the screens are unsuitable for multiple users, but also that certain gestures are not recognised, such as pinching with two fingers to zoom. Due to the conductive layers, it is also often difficult to see the content on the display in bright light conditions such as direct sunlight. These screens often show more wear and tear during use, as users must apply pressure to the screen for a touch to be recognised.
Infrared touchscreens: Robust, but prone to error
In infrared touch displays, infrared light emitters and receivers are installed in a frame around the screen in front of the monitor glass. This creates a grid of infrared rays on the surface of the screen. When an object or finger touches the screen, the infrared light in this area is blocked and the position of the touch or object is then calculated using triangulation.
What are the advantages?
Infrared touch technology is robust because the display does not need to be touched or pushed for touch input, and any type of glass can be used for the monitor. IR touch displays do not rely on capacitance, so these optical devices work just as well with gloves or a plastic stylus as they do with a bare finger or metal object. The sensors are also very accurate, responsive, and comparatively inexpensive.
What are the disadvantages?
Touch input is dependent on the light situation and can be disturbed when exposed to sunlight or halogen light. Dust or dirt on the sensors can also lead to malfunctions. Furthermore, the number of simultaneous touch points is limited by the structure of the light barrier network. Infrared touchscreens support multitouch use, but not with the quality and accuracy that users are familiar with from their smartphones. Infrared screens can have blind spots, areas that do not register a touch, if the light sources and sensors do not properly cover the entire display. Multitouch object recognition is also not possible, as everything that breaks through the infrared rays is only evaluated as a touch point &#; rotation, for example, can&#;t be measured.
InGlassTM Touch: Premium infrared touch, but no object recognition
InGlassTM technology works in a similar way to classic infrared touch technology: sensors that transmit and receive infrared light are built in and form a kind of light curtain. However, they sit behind the glass pane of the display so that the light is guided directly through the glass. When the glass is touched, the light is disturbed and shows the sensors where the finger is.
What are the advantages?
The technology is characterised by high input precision, which makes it well suited for writing with passive pens or styluses. It also automatically distinguishes between pen, finger, and palm, which offers usability advantages when using touchscreen whiteboards. It also enables pressure strength detection with the finger, which means that an additional interaction level can be used, e.g. for zooming in and out. Multitouch use with 40 simultaneous touch points is also possible with InGlassTM displays. Ambient light is no longer a critical factor with this type of infrared touch recognition, so it works well in most light conditions.
What are the disadvantages?
Unfortunately, InGlassTM technology does not allow multitouch object recognition and is not optimally suited for multitouch tables. Capacitive and non-capacitive objects or dirt can equally cause a disturbance of the light network and thus lead to errors. Greasy fingers, for example, can leave a stain that is briefly recognised as a finger and triggers the corresponding touch effect.
PCAP (projected capacitive) touchscreens: The clear market leader
Unlike resistive touchscreens, capacitive touchscreens use the electrical properties of the human body as input. In today's PCAP touchscreens, there is a conductive layer in the form of a wafer-thin grid on the back of the glass panel. It projects a capacitive field through the pane. If an electrically conductive object or finger touches the glass pane, the capacitance at the intersection points of the conductive layer changes, allowing the position of the touch to be calculated. PCAP technology is now the most widely used touch technology, as it is used in virtually all tablets and smartphones, as well as in many large-format touchscreens.
What are the advantages?
If you are looking for a wear-resistant solution that combines high screen contrast and clarity with high and fast input accuracy, state-of-the-art capacitive touchscreens are the preferable option. Capacitive screens are exceedingly accurate, can handle multi-point input, and enable an unmatched range of functionality with object recognition and gesture recognition. Additionally, because the sensor is behind the glass, the displays are extremely robust. Changes in the ambient light situation have no effect on the sensors.
What are the disadvantages?
Due to the technical advantages, high-quality capacitive touchscreens can be a little more expensive than other options. They also generally react to capacitive, i.e., electrically conductive, materials. For example, liquid in the form of raindrops on a PCAP display results in touch input, which is why capacitive displays are not well suited for outdoor use. Gloves, which limit conductivity, can also make touch input difficult.
So, which touch technology is best?
We'll have to go with the classic lawyer's answer on that one: It depends. What is your budget? In what context will it be used? Should there be expansion possibilities? Multitouch, single touch, token recognition, pen recognition? Should the display only be used on the wall or also horizontally? Are there changing environmental conditions?
Capacitive touch technology has certainly evolved in recent years. Thanks to their widespread use, especially in mobile devices, they continue to make the greatest and most promising strides in terms of performance and cost. Through the use of artificial intelligence, capacitive displays are becoming more and more accurate and even enable completely new input possibilities that expand the usage potential of touch surfaces.
At Interactive Scape, we only use projected capacitive (PCAP) touchscreens because they are by far the best and most robust solution for horizontal use such as multi-touch tables with object recognition. Also because of the vivid images and the independence from the lighting conditions in the environment.
Still not sure which touch technology would be best for your project? We will be happy to advise you on your choice of touchscreen!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of infrared touch monitor. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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