Touch screen technology is used in a number of industries across the globe. The current use of resistive touch screens with single-touch functionality is widespread and highly popular. The recent addition of multi-touch technology has made the application of resistive touch screens much more flexible , dynamic and intuitive.
Multi-touch devices provide the ability to detect and respond to multiple points of contact, simultaneously. This allows users to use 2 or more fingers, or other input device, for gestures such as pinch, zoom, rotate.
A D Metro has more than 30 years experience in applying resistive touch screen solutions and has recently released our patented dual-touch technology that is compatible with most 5-wire resistive touch sensors as well as its own durable ULTRA Glass-Glass resistive product.
Here are the most important factors to know about using resistive multi-touch technology.
The Benefits of Resistive Multi Touch
Applying a multi-touch controller to a resistive touch application provides enhanced functionality, while leveraging all of the benefits of resistive touch technologies. This is especially true for our ULTRA 5-wire touch technology that applies a multi-touch controller to the system, plenty of benefits will come into play.
Here’s what you get from a multi-touch upgrade:
- Strong harsh environment performance
- Resistant to dirt and water
- High level of accuracy
- Cost effective
- PCAP “like” performance provides the ability to Pinch<>Zoom<>Rotate the display (like Mapping Applications)
How Resistive Multi Touch Technology Works
Resistive tech works off voltage measurements between conductive elements. Usually the system can only work out a single measurement, but A D Metro’s 2-touch controller adds some extra functionality. This allows the system to take multiple measurements, ensuring multiple touches can be tracked and utilized. 4-s.
A D Metro’s two-touch resistive touch controller is backward compatible with most 5-wire resistive touch sensors to allow an upgrade to a multi-touch interface.
Comparing Resistive vs. Capacitive Touch Screens
Choosing the right touch screen is all in the details. You need to know how you’re going to use it and what screen type is best for your needs.
Resistive and capacitive are the two most common and adaptable types of touch screens on the market, so you’re likely to go for one or the other.
Here are the pros and cons to be aware of in each tech before you buy:
Resistive pros
- EMI/RF Immune, making them great for use in military environments, as they cannot be affected by light or waves emitted by other equipment
- Similarly, resistive screens do not interfere with other sensitive equipment as they do not emit RF themselves. Also, they cannot be tracked by adversaries in defense applications.
- If using resistive tech fitted with ULTRA Armoured touch screen sensors, the screen will be more durable than a standard resistive screen, which can be prone to surface damage. ULTRA also greatly extends the life of resistive sensors since the laminated switch layer is stiffer than standard resistive which makes the switch layer conductive coating difficult to crack from excessive usage
- ULTRA armoured sensors can also make resistive screens easier to use in all weather conditions, whether stationary or on the move, or if you wearing gloves or using a stylus
Standard Resistive cons
- Cannot accept multiple touches, which reduces the user input and makes usage more time consuming
Capacitive pros
- Greater display clarity and visibility, even in bright light environments
- Multi-touch functionality, making them great for dragging, pinching, and zooming
Capacitive cons
- More expensive than resistive touch screens
- Require conduction to work, making them hard to use by anything other than fingers
- Sensitive screen input makes them prone to false touches in wet environments, making them hard to use outdoors
Applications of Resistive Multi Touch Screens
With A D Metro’s 2-Touch Controller being used, resistive screens become capable of multi-touch functionality. This provides features like:
- Panning
- Zooming
- Tilting
- Rotating
Settings like these make resistive multi-touch screens ideal for mobile use, especially in harsh environments. Typically these environments carry difficult mapping applications, as well as lower visibility and control over the landscape, but a multi-touch screen provides a dynamic boost to these abilities.
Industries that typically benefit from investing in resistive multi-touch include:
- Industrial automation – Heavy machinery is constantly in use, but the right touch screen for control panels that monitor machinery operation could dramatically improve workflow.
- Healthcare – Careful, deliberate action is often required in medical settings, with patients relying on medical staff to get to the root of any healthcare issues. A resistive touch screen can uplift various diagnostic and surgical medical devices, as well as patient monitors that require regular interaction and are used on multiple patients within the hospital or clinic.
- Retail – Supermarkets, boutiques, hotels, and even entertainment settings like arcades can benefit from multi-touch technology. Streamlined and convenient point-of-sale systems are a must for the modern retail business, and interactive kiosks can be made into displays, and even gaming systems, to provide durable entertainment through a one off investment.
- Automotive – Modern vehicles have been fitted with various mod cons that make being on the road easier and safer. In-built GPS systems, entertainment systems like music players and app access, and even parking cameras, are all made possible by the use of a multi-touch screen on the driver’s dashboard.
- Military – Anything at use on the front line or within field operations needs to be ruggedized, electronically stealthy, and resistive multi-touch technology allows for this greater durability and level of detail.
Choosing the Right Resistive Multi Touch Display
Resistive multi-touch technology is rather adaptable, meaning it can come in all shapes and sizes. That means you need to be sure about the best display for your needs.
Deciding on the best display will come down to a variety of factors. These include:
Size and aspect ratio
The display you choose needs to be able to fit the situation you’ll be using it. It also needs to come prepared with an aspect ratio that’s appropriate for the screen size, which will then help to ensure proper clarity, and no blurry images or words when the screen is in use.
Resolution and brightness
If the display will be used in darker environments, the brightness needs to be of a similar level to ensure no blow out. Alternatively, if your screen will be used in harsh lighting, the brightness level needs to be able to match and offset the incoming light that could obscure it.
Touchscreen controller features
If you’re going to be relying on multi-touch resistive technology, the display needs to be capable of accepting it. For example, A D Metro’s 5-wire 2 touch is compatible with standard 5-wire resistive sensors.
Unlike many other manufacturers, our dual-touch resistive touch controller also works with the same 5-wire resistive touch sensors that are compatible with single-touch resistive touch controllers. They’re also of a similar size, meaning they can be swapped in and out as required without any issues.
Operating temperature range
If you’re going to be using a screen in an environment that is regularly hotter or cooler than the average room, the display needs to be operable at a similar level. The performance of mechanical systems can suffer when applied at temperatures above 30 degrees or below freezing, so be sure to look out for this assurance before buying.
Environmental sealing (IP rating)
The display needs to be sealed against things like dirt and moisture, ensuring nothing gets inside to wreak havoc on the inner system. For example, an IP of 69 means the unit is totally protected against particles and water exposure.
Enhancing User Experience with Resistive Multi Touch
Design the interface to be user friendly
This will depend on who will be using the screen, but primarily navigation needs to be easy, and language should be put in plain, understandable terms.
Keep the screen calibrated
Properly calibrated screens reduce frustration when in use, and can be performed quickly and easily in between day to day operations.
Make use of shortcuts
Common operations can be added to the interface to ensure users can get from A to B without the need to follow breadcrumbs every single time.
Ensure accessibility
Those who need to use the screen you’ve invested in may all differ in their level of ability. As such, ensuring accessibility will be one of the best options for enhancing the user experience.
This can be added into your system very easily through a series of customization options. Accessibility customization can include:
- Be able to choose a different language for anyone who isn’t a native English speaker
- Be able change letter sizing and/or have a more tactile screen for visually impaired users
