How Does a Touch Screen Work?

In this visually oriented title, readers will quickly learn that the question “How does a touch screen work?” has multiple answers—because different devices utilize different technology. For example, capacitive touch screens, used in Apple’s iPhone, actually transfer electricity to users’ fingers; on the other hand, surface acoustic wave (SAW) touch screens, used in some high-tech televisions, utilize sound waves transmitted across the screen’s surface to register commands. A short history of touch screens follows the technology’s development, from its first use at the CERN laboratory in Switzerland to its current ubiquity. Subsequent chapters discuss the benefits and different applications of touch screens, including more interactive gaming consoles and easier-to-operate medical equipment. Finally, a look to the future anticipates touch screens that can re-create the texture of objects they display and clothing that incorporates bendable screens. Throughout, chapters are broken down into engaging, titled spreads (e.g. “Light Beams,” “Multitouch Screens,” “Touch Computers”), with clear color photographs that break up concise, topical paragraphs. Text boxes and captions add further context. Back matter consists of a glossary, book and Web-site suggestions for more information, and an index.