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Who is Purchasing Touchscreens?
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is a diverse group of customers (the largest
group), purchases touchscreens to simplify computers and speed access to information for
users of their programs. Many OEMs recognize the value in eliminating keyboards from
their customers’ ins tallations and replacing them with a more intuitive and user-friendly
touchscreen interface. OEMs develop touch-based applications in a range of
environments, including hospitals, restaurants, factories, gaming establishments, and public
facilities such as malls and tourist centers.
Value-Added Resellers (VARs), along with Systems Integrators (SIs) such as IBM, DEC,
Apple, and EDS, also purchase touchscreens as part of the systems they design and install
for their customers. In many cases, the added value a VAR or SI delivers lies in utilizing the
best touchscreen interface available for a given solution or environment (primarily because
they want to simplify the
man-machine interface.
)
Large companies also purchase touchscreens as part of the information-technology
solutions they develop in-house. For example, many large financial institutions make use of
touchscreens at the trading desk, and major retailers like Macy’s and J.C. Penny Co. have
invested in touchscreens for various in-store applications.
What are the basic components used in touchscreen?
There are five basic components associated with touch technology.
1. Touch Sensor: Capacitive, Resistive, SAW, WAV, etc.
2. Monitor: Either Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), LCD or Plasma on which the sensor can be
fitted.
3. Controller: Which enables the sensor to work like any other peripheral.
4. Software Drive: Which allows the controller and the computer-operating system to
communicate and helps the controller recognize input.
5. A computer (usually a PC) which is interfaced to the touch panel and will run the
selected option for the enduser when accessed.
Of course, a software application is needed which will enable you to develop new or
customize existing touch applications to meet specific applications.
SUMMARY: The Power of Touchscreen
Regardless of the industry or application, the essential benefits touchscreen technology
provides remain unchanged:
n
Touchscreens enable people to use computers instantly, without any training
whatsoever.
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Touchscreens virtually eliminate operator errors because users select from clearly
defined menus.
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Touchscreens eliminate keyboards and mice, which many find intimidating and
cumbersome to use.
