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When it comes to collaboration in the workplace and classroom, interactive displays have become increasingly popular. The trend seems to be on the rise across the globe as demand has outpaced supply. The reason behind the success of interactive technology is that it is extensive. This means that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. The latest interactive displays that are available today offer a variety of touch technologies.
Although each interactive display enables interactivity, they have their own pros and cons which is why there is a specific interactive display for every type of environment. If you are interested in interactive displays, this article takes a close look at the top 3 types of interactive displays.
- Infrared Touch Technology
Infrared touch technology is extremely popular for detecting touch. Also known as IR touch displays, infrared touch displays have hundreds of receptors and infrared light-emitting diodes that are embedded within the screen.
The diodes produce light that crosses horizontally and vertically to create a grid that covers the display. What IR touch technology does is that it detects disruptions in the pattern and registers the location of this interruption. A solid object would trigger the disruption which means that you should have no trouble writing on this type of interactive display using a pen, stylus, or gloved finger.
As infrared touch displays work on top of the glass, they are a great option. Even if they get damaged, you should have no trouble replacing them without having to worry about anything. These interactive displays do not require touch-enabling modifications which ensures that the display would always be clear.
The most recent IR touch displays can detect multiple touchpoints which makes them the perfect choice for group activities. On the other hand, older models do not provide such an amazing touch experience as they detect touch based on light beam interruption. Therefore, an interruption would accidentally occur if you wear a bracelet or long sleeve cuffs. Reduce accuracy is also possible due to a high touch height.
- Advanced Infrared (Fine IR) Technology
Infrared touch delivers a highly intuitive and responsive touch experience since its very beginning. Most manufacturers have taken things to the next level by introducing advanced versions which offer improvement and greater capabilities. ActivPanel maximizes touch accuracy and enhances other features. Advanced infrared technology uses upgraded receptors and light-emitting diodes.
What sets fine IR technology apart from single diode technology is that there are multiple receptors that pick up the light. Thus, you can expect greater accuracy. Larger displays would pick up light from many receptors.
As for the distance between the glass and the light beam structure, it has been decreased to minimize the height for activating touch. This prevents dangling bracelets and long sleeves from triggering touch. Therefore, fine IR technology is the best option for meeting rooms and classrooms. However, it is worth mentioning that infrared technology might encounter difficulties when working in an environment where there is plenty of dust. The light-emitting diodes would only get tampered with by the buildup of solid matter on the screen.
- Projected Capacitive Touch Technology
Besides the use of infrared light for detecting touch, projected capacitive touch technology is a great option. It is commonly known as PCAP and is widely used by smartphones. The reason why it has become incredibly popular today is that it offers an intuitive touch solution. It applies a conductive grid beneath the glass which establishes a capacitive field. When you use a stylus or a finger on the glass, disturbances in the capacitive field are picked up by the sensing layer which is registered as a touchpoint.
Projected capacitive touch technology delivers the most accurate and intuitive touch experience out there. Average users will find the experience to resemble the one offered by a tablet or smartphone. Anyone who uses capacitive sensing for enabling touch would not need to stress about non-conductive objects such as bracelets or sleeves coming in the way.
Since everything works beneath the glass, the interactive displays for education are commonly traded in for a more refined and sleek design instead of the usual bezels. Besides this, the glass protects interactivity and does not get affected by excessive light, moisture, or dust. Small touchscreens such as tablets and smartphones rely on capacitive sensing technology. However, it can prove far too costly for larger screens. High education centers, exhibition spaces, and offices can rely on bezel-free design for the best interactive displays. PCAP is widely used for collaboration and brainstorming. ActivPanel offers outstanding PCAP touch.
Now that you know about the different types of interactive displays that are available, you can contact an ActivPanel sales representative to order the one that suits your organization best.
