Infrared vs Capacitive Touch Screens: Which Is Right for You?

Capacitive touch screens work by detecting touch through the properties of the body while infrared touch screens use infrared sensors, for touch detection.

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Capacitive screens are known for their high touch sensitivity and are commonly seen in smartphones and tablets.

On the other hand, infrared touch screens are more robust and suitable for environments.

Both types vary in terms of cost, lifespan, and applications which we will delve into further in this blog post. 

Let&#;s dive in.

What is a capacitive touch screen?

A capacitive touch screen is a display that detects touch inputs based on the characteristics of the human body.

It comprises a panel made of glass or transparent plastic with a layer, on top. When touched a small electrical charge is transferred to the user altering capacitance at that spot.

Sensors positioned at the screen corners detect this change in capacitance enabling the system to pinpoint the location of the touch.

What is an infrared touch screen?

A touch screen also referred to as an IR touch screen employs an array of LEDs and photodetectors to register touch inputs.

Touch screens usually have a frame, around the display with LEDs on one side and photodetectors on the side. 

When someone touches the screen, it disrupts the light beams prompting the sensors to determine where the touch occurred based on how the interruption pattern looks.

What is the capacitive touch screen working principle?

Touch screens function based on capacitance which is how well an object can store an electrical charge. 

When a finger or something conductive touches the screen, it changes the field slightly affecting capacitance at that spot. 

The touch screen controller detects this capacitance change figures out where the touch happened and then sends that input to the device&#;s software for processing.

Capacitive touch screen not working: Important troubleshooting steps

Step 1: Inspect for Physical Damage

Check if there are any cracks scratches or damage that could affect how well it works.

Step 2: Keep It Clean

Dirt, grease, or moisture might mess with how responsive it is to touch. Use a cloth or mild cleaner to clean it.

Step 3: Calibration

Sometimes, recalibrating may be needed to make sure its responsiveness is back on track. Look into calibration options, in your device settings.

Step 4: Keep Your Drivers Updated

Make sure your drivers are updated to avoid any touch screen troubles caused by drivers.

Step 5: Test or Restart the Device

Give your device a reboot when facing software glitches or temporary issues with the touch screen.

How does an infrared touch screen work?

Infrared touch screens work by using an array of LEDs and photodetectors to recognize touch inputs.

These LEDs emit light over the screen creating a grid pattern. 

When someone touches the screen it disrupts the light beams forming a shadow within the grid. 

The photodetectors identify this pattern of interruption. Determine the touch location based on where the shadow appears.

Capacitive Touch Screen vs Infrared: Material

Capacitive Touch Screen: Typically made with a glass or see-through panel layered with a capacitive coating.

Infrared Touch Screen: Comprises an array of LEDs and photodetectors enclosed in a frame around the display.

Capacitive Touch Screen vs Infrared: Touch sensitivity

Capacitive Touch Screen: Provides excellent touch sensitivity and responsiveness of detecting gentle touches or gestures.

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Infrared Touch Screen: Also delivers touch sensitivity accurately recognizing touch inputs, over the screen surface.

Capacitive Touch Screen vs Infrared: Applications

When comparing capacitive touch screens and infrared options in terms of applications, the former is commonly seen in smartphones, tablets, ATMs, kiosks, and various consumer electronics that require touch input. 

On the other hand, infrared touch screens are more suitable for applications that demand durability and resistance to factors like outdoor kiosks, industrial control panels, and interactive digital signage.

Capacitive Touch Screen vs Infrared: Cost

In terms of cost comparison between capacitive touch screens and infrared ones, the former is generally pricier due to its manufacturing process and high touch sensitivity. 

Conversely, infrared touch screens are typically more budget-friendly than screens making them a cost-effective choice for applications.

How much does a capacitive touch screen cost?

The pricing of a capacitive touch screen can vary based on factors such as size, resolution, and brand. 

Smaller screens for consumer devices can range from $10 to $50 while larger industrial-grade screens may cost a hundred dollars or more. 

How much does an infrared touch screen cost?

Infrared touch screens are usually more affordable than ones. 

Prices for touch screens can start at around $20 for panels and go up to a few hundred dollars for larger sizes or specialized applications.

Capacitive Touch Screen vs Infrared: Lifespan

In general, capacitive touch screens tend to last than infrared touch screens because they are more resistant, to damage from physical interactions.

Regarding infrared touch screens, they might deteriorate over time due to being exposed to elements like dust, moisture, and changes in temperature.

Capacitive vs Infrared Touch Screen Advantages and Disadvantages

Capacitive Touch Screen Advantages

•  Offers high touch sensitivity and responsiveness
•  Supports multi touch gestures
•  Features a durable and scratch resistant surface

Capacitive Touch Screen Disadvantages

•  Generally more costly compared to other touch screen technologies
•  Vulnerable to interference from moisture or conductive materials

Infrared Touch Screen Advantages

•  Known for excellent durability and resistance, to physical damage
•  Compatible with gloved hands or stylus input
•  Cost-effective choice for specific applications

Infrared Touch Screen Disadvantages

•  Lower touch sensitivity when compared to capacitive touch screens
•  Prone to environmental factors such as dust accumulation and temperature fluctuations

Summary Comparison Table

AspectCapacitive Touch ScreenInfrared Touch ScreenMaterialGlass/plastic panel with a capacitive layerFrame with infrared LEDs and photodetectors Touch SensitivityHighGoodApplicationsConsumer electronics, kiosks, ATMsOutdoor kiosks, industrial control panels CostTypically HigherUsually LowerLifespanLongerModerateAdvantagesHigh touch sensitivity, multi-touch supportDurability, usually works with gloves on DisadvantagesExpensive, more prone to interferenceLower touch sensitivity 

Capacitive Touch Screen vs Infrared: FAQs

FAQ

• 1. What is an example of a capacitive screen?

  A capacitive touch screen, like the one found in smartphones and tablets, lets users interact with the device through touch gestures.

• 2. Are smartphone screens capacitive?

  Yes, typically smartphone screens use touch technology that allows users to navigate menus, type messages, and perform functions, by simply touching the screen with their fingers.

Key Takeaway

Although both capacitive and infrared touch screens have their strengths, they are suitable for different uses.

Choosing between them depends on factors, such as touch sensitivity, durability, cost, and specific application requirements. 

It&#;s important to understand the distinctions and capabilities of each technology when deciding on the touch screen solution for an application.

Earlier resistive and capacitive touch screens had a strong foothold in the touch screen market. However, as the demand for touch applications spurred, more technologies have been introduced to streamline the production process with all kinds of needs. Infrared (IR) touch screens are one of those technologies that become an excellent alternative for applications where capacitive or resistive touch technology doesn&#;t fit right.

What is IR-Infrared Touch Screen Technology?
An infrared touch screen is composed of an LCD monitor and an IR touch frame. The touch frame outfitted with LEDs and photodetectors, consists of an optical bezel or protective cover that enables LEDs to emit infrared beams but are invisible to the naked eye. This process creates an optical grid on the display&#;s surface, and during the touch event, it blocks some of the light beams, allowing photodetectors to detect these interruptions.

Given their reliability, accuracy, and durability, IR-Infrared Touch Screens are used for a variety of interactive applications, including retail, gaming, healthcare, and manufacturing. However, the traditional IR touch sensor technology also has a few limitations.

Limitations of Infrared Touch Screens

Susceptibility to from Bright Light Interference:
Ambient light can cause problems with infrared touch screens. Touch detection can be hampered by strong sources of infrared light, such as strobing sunlight or bright interior illumination.

Restricted Touch Detection in Some Conditions:
When a user operates a touch application using a stylus which is too narrow to interrupt light beams, the screen may become inactive. Styluses must be wide enough to break at least one of the light beams to trigger a touch event.

Power Consumption is Higher Than Other Touch Technologies:
Traditional infrared touch screens require more power than other touch screen technologies, such as capacitive or resistive. The demand for continuous infrared light emission quire often requires a more robust power supply.

Overcoming These Limitations with A D Metro&#;s LCIR Touch Technology:
Considering these limitations and challenges of using traditional infrared touch screens, A D Metro has engineered an advanced IR touch sensor known as linear correlating infrared (LCIR) touch technology. A D Metro&#;s patented linear correlating infrared (LCIR) touch technology delivers highly responsive, precise, glove-compatible, two-touch, zero-force operation.

The LCIR design improves over traditional infrared touch systems in several ways. Traditional infrared touch systems include rectangular sensor frames, LEDs, and photodetectors, optionally enclosed by a bezel or cover which also includes the controller interface. Whereas LCIR touch systems consist of a sensor frame and a separate external controller board. This makes the touch frame very compact and easy to integrate into most displays where other makes are quite large with restricting frame heights and widths which can make integration a challenge. Also, LCIR does not use a glass substrate panel to mount the optics frame onto to keep narrow beam optics used in standard IR optically aligned. Such a glass panel can interfere with the clarity and transmissivity of the display. If the display has contrast enhancements applied, this glass panel will greatly diminish the effectiveness of such enhancements like anti-reflective films or circular polarizers and produce a lot of reflectance and reduce transmissivity.

The linear correlation technology does not look at just one light beam at a time but look at a group of 5 simultaneously as the groups progress across each plane of the screen. This allows for wider beam optics and negates the need for a glass panel to keep narrow beam optics aligned so there is nothing between the user&#;s eyes and the display itself. This type of touch detection also provides complete ambient light immunity no matter if it&#;s strong sunlight or strobing light or both. The LCIR design provides two-touch performance by employing optical scans at different angles across the touch sensing area &#; ideal for pinch, zoom, and rotate actions.

The revolutionary LCIR solution from A D Metro is an excellent alternative for applications that demand multi-touch functionality but struggle to integrate projected capacitive (PCAP) touch sensors because of their operational limitations. Even in harsh settings like high radio frequency interference (RFI) and full sunlight interference, LCIR technology provides:

• 100% optical clarity/maximum contrast due to the absence of a substrate layer;
• 100% sunlight immunity, including strobing sunlight;
• Reliable two-touch functionality;
• Compatible with Gloved fingers and 5mm stylus touch input.

Conclusion:
A D Metro&#;s patented LCIR touch technology helps improve the usability of traditional IR-infrared touch screens for a variety of interactive applications. Most importantly, the LCIR touch screens are an excellent solution for defense, automotive, aviation, and medical applications and all markets where ultra-reliable touch screen function is critical.

 

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