Acknowledgement

First and foremost, I would like to thank God for his never-ending grace, mercy, and provision during what ended up being one of the toughest times of my life. Next, I would like to thank my brilliant and truly outstanding guide,

Mr.Tahseen Ali, whose leadership, encouragement, guidance & vision steered this project from day one. And to the amazing Team Members and classmates. It was always a pleasure coming to college every day with such friendly and engaging people. I would also like to acknowledge Mr. Deshpande G. R., Mr. Panchal S. G., Miss. Bhihade P. S., Mr. Kale P. U. & Last but not the least Mr. Kurulekar A. N. for reviewing my work from time to time. A special note of gratitude goes to Mr. Bhaganagare R. C. for the support he extended to this work. I would also like to thank all who helped me during my project work.

Table of Contents
Chapters
1. Touchscreen and its interface 1.1 History 1.2 Need of touch screen technology 1.3 How does a touch screen works? 1.3.1 Touch sensor 1.3.2 Controller 1.3.3 Software drivers 1.4 Touchscreen applications 1.4.1 public information displays 1.4.2 retail and restaurant system 1.4.3 Some other information 1.5 Types of technology 1.5.1 Resistive 1.5.2 Capacitive 1.5.3 Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) 1.5.4 Infrared

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1. TOUCHSCREEN AND ITS INTERFACE

A touch screen is an input device that allows users to operate a PC by simply touching the display screen. Touch input is suitable for a wide variety of computing applications. A touch screen can be used with most PC systems as easily as other input devices such as track balls or touch pads.

1.1. History
In 1971, the first "touch sensor" was developed by Doctor Sam Hurst (founder of Elographics). This sensor called the " Elograph . The "Elograph" was not transparent like modern touch screens; however, it was a significant milestone in touch screen technology. On February 24, 1994, the company officially changed its name from Elographics to Elo Touch Systems.

1.2.

Need of 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 enduser'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 Touchscreens are rugged enough to stand up to harsh environments where keyboards and mice often get damaged

Touchscreens provide fast access to any and all types of digital media, with no textbound interface getting in the way Touchscreens ensure that no space - on the desktop or elsewhere - is wasted, as the input device is completely integrated into the monitors - Simplifies the User PC interface - Durable in harsh conditions - Suitable for all environments - Greater accuracy - Smaller footprint

1.3. Working of Touch screen

A basic touch screen has three main components: a touch sensor, a controller, and a software driver. The touch screen is an input device, so it needs to be combined with a display and a PC or other device to make a complete touch input system. Most of the technologies discussed here operate on the principle of dividing the screen image area into a predetermined grid (dependent upon screen size and resolution capabilities).Touching one of the quadrants of the menu selection causes a subroutine to execute in the same manner as typing the command at the prompt line or you would with a mouse. The first touchscreen was created by adding a transparent surface to a touch-sensitive graphics digitizer and sizing it to fit a computer monitor. The purpose was to increase the speed data that could be entered into a computer. Today, the touchscreen has been transformed into a more user5

friendly and environmentally robust replacement for the computer keyboard and mouse. Because of that touch is changing the world.

1.3.1.Touch Sensor
A touch screen sensor is a clear glass panel with a touch responsive surface. The touch sensor/panel is placed over a display screen so that the responsive area of the panel covers the viewable area of the video screen. There are several different touch sensor technologies on the market today, each using a different method to detect touch input. The sensor generally has an electrical current or signal going through it and touching the screen causes a voltage or signal change. This voltage change is used to determine the location of the touch to the screen.

1.3.2.Controller
The controller is a small PC card that connects between the touch sensor and the PC. It takes information from the touch sensor and translates it into information that PC can understand. The controller is usually installed inside the monitor for integrated monitors or it is housed in a plastic case for external touch addons/overlays. The controller determines what type of interface/connection you will need on the PC. Integrated touch monitors will have an extra cable connection on the back for the touch screen. Controllers are available that can connect to a Serial/COM port (PC) or to a USB port (PC or Macintosh). Specialized controllers are also available that work with DVD players and other devices.

1.3.3.Software Driver

The driver is a software update for the PC system that allows the touch screen and computer to work together. It tells the computer's operating system how to interpret the touch event information that is sent from the controller. Most touch screen drivers today are a mouse-emulation type driver. This makes touching the screen the same as clicking your mouse at the same location on the screen. This allows the touch screen to work with existing software and allows new applications to be developed without the need for touch screen specific programming. Some equipment such as thin client terminals, DVD players, and specialized computer systems either do not use software drivers or they have their own built-in touch screen driver.

1.4. Touch screens applications

The touch screen is one of the easiest PC interfaces to use, making it the interface of choice for a wide variety of applications. Here are a few examples of how touch input systems are being used today:
1.4.1. Public Information Displays

Information kiosks, tourism displays, trade show displays, and other electronic displays are used by many people that have little or no computing experience. The user-friendly touch screen interface can be less intimidating and easier to use than other input devices, especially for novice users. A touch screen can help make your information more easily accessible by allowing users to navigate your presentation by simply touching the display screen.

1.4.2. Retail and Restaurant Systems

Time is money, especially in a fast paced retail or restaurant environment. Touch screen systems are easy to use so employees can get work done faster, and
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training time can be reduced for new employees. And because input is done right on the screen, valuable counter space can be saved. Touch screens can be used in cash registers, order entry stations, seating and reservation systems, and more. Customer Self-Service In today's fast pace world, waiting in line is one of the things that has yet to speed up. Self-service touch screen terminals can be used to improve customer service at busy stores, fast service restaurants, transportation hubs, and more. Customers can quickly place their own orders or check themselves in or out, saving them time, and decreasing wait times for other customers. Automated bank teller (ATM) and airline e-ticket terminals are examples of self-service stations that can benefit from touch screen input.

1.4.3 Some other example

In industrial environments In hospitals In retail locations At tourist destinations In schools

1.5. Types of Technologies

There are three basic systems that are used to recognize a Person's touch: 1. 2. 3. 4. Resistive Capacitive Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Infrared

1.5.1.Resistive
Two layers of conductive material. Touch creates contact between resistive layers completing circuit. Voltage in circuit changes based on position Controller determines location based on voltages Any material can trigger sensors.

Advantages:
Cost-effective and low power Requirements Activated by any object Accurate Lower cost. Can operate with any pointing devices like stylus and nail. Good for hand writing recognition system. Resistive touch screen is not effected by any elements such as dust or water.

1.5.2. Capacitive
Glass panel with conductive layer (Indium Tin Oxide). Small amount of voltage applied to four corners of touch screen. Touch draws minute

amount of current creating voltage drop. Coordinates of point of contact calculated by controller. Advantages: Durable surface material High endurance (~255 million touches)
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 Very accurate Good optical quality Visibility of the capacitive touch screen is good even in sunlight. Highly sensitive to finger touch leading to easy to use. Highly transmissivity transmit more than 85% of light. Capacitive touch screen can also implement multi touch gesture. This technology is used in smart phones (e.g. Apple iPhones , HTC mobiles and Samsung )

1.5.3. Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW)

Surface consists of glass overlay with transmitting and receiving transducers. Electrical signals sent to the transmitting transducers converts to ultrasonic waves. Waves are directed across screen by reflectors then directed to receiving transducers. When finger touches screen it absorbs waves. Received values are compared to stored digital maps to calculate x and y coordinates Advantages: Best optical quality High surface durability and seal Activated by multiple sources High Resolution. SAW technology provides superior image clarity. Highly transmissivity transmit more than 92% of light.
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 It has excellent durability that allow it to continue working if scratched. This technology is used in ATMs, Banking and Financial applications.

1.5.4. Infrared
The new generation IR touchscreen LCD has been increased brightness, clarity and durability. Touched with a finger, gloved hand, fingernail, or stylus, it delivers a fast, accurate response every time. Cameras detect reflected LED caused by touch. Controller able to calculate coordinates from camera data

Advantages:
High optical clarity Durable surface Supports multi-touch Can scale to large sizes Best image quality. Almost all kind of stylus materials can be used. High stability, change in time and environment will not effect. IR having no intermediate touch overlay so it transmit 100% light. It used in ATMs, plasma TV, Hospital operation room etc.

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