Now, with the power of a PC running the machine, the applications demand the display of extensive information in a more visual and intuitive format. This is the key trend in this market. To reduce the possibility of contamination and improve usability of the machine, many of the company's customers replace the keyboard and mouse with a touchscreen. They provide touch input from a finger, gloved hand, or alternate stylus. For example, a shop floor worker can touch the screen with a gloved hand or a tool.
Voltage is applied to the topsheet.
When the topsheet is compressed into contact with the glass sensor, voltage flows to each of the four corners in proportion to the distance from the edge. The controller then calculates the position of the finger or stylus-type object based on the current flows. Damato added that recent touchscreen design enhancements have made the screen more rugged, upping the average screen life from three million to 30 million touches. The combination of reliability, speed, and simplicity of the touchscreen makes it an ideal input device for certain applications. The software Manufacturers who have investigated touchscreen systems in the past may have been put off by the fact that each touchscreen needed its own PC to operate.