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Touchscreen applications are developing into a major display market niche as they ramp
up their utilization of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) flat panels into their designs. Touch
technologies allow an interface to access a computer’s database without relying on the
traditional keyboard-mouse interface. This is advantageous in applications in which the
computer has been programmed to allow the user to step through a menu system to find
the answer they seek, i.e., directions from the car rental or using an ATM.
Why Touch Technology?
Touch is one of the simplest, most instinctive, and universal human actions. There are
several reasons to use touch technologies, which include limiting an end-user's access to
a computer in kiosk-type applications as well as harsh environments where data entry
needs to be balanced against sealing and protecting the computer. Touch technologies
allow both of these applications to be retrofitted to computers utilizing one of several
technologies currently available.
A touchscreen is the simplest, most direct way for a person to interact with a computer.
Though it is a relatively new technology - two of the larger touchscreen manufacturers
claim to have started their operations in the 70s - the basic way users interact with a
touchscreen is age old: you point to what you want. It's intuitive for virtually every child and
adult in the world.
Companies in a broad cross-section of industries have successfully harnessed the power
of a touchscreen for a wide variety of applications. Airlines use them to simulate aircraft
cockpits and train their pilots to fly. Realtors use them to put full-color images of homes for
sale a fingertip away from homebuyers. Greeting card companies use them to let
customers create their own one-of-a-kind cards. Restaurants use them to simplify their
point-of-sale terminals. Medical schools use them to teach student nurses how to respond
to crisis situations.
Regardless of the industry or application, the essential benefits touchscreen technology
provides remain unchanged:
•
Touchscreens enable people to use computers instantly, without any training
whatsoever
•
Touchscreens virtually eliminate operator errors because users select from
clearly defined menus
•
Touchscreens eliminate keyboards and mice, which many find intimidating and
cumbersome to use
