Tag: rugged touchscreen

Different Types of Touchscreen Monitors and Displays

Posted on: October 14, 2021

waterproof touchscreen monitor

Touchscreen monitors and displays have become such an integral part of our daily lives that even though we would once marvel at the technology behind them, they’ve now become commonplace.

 

Laptops, smartphones, self-checkout kiosks, tablets, ATMs, etc. all have touchscreen technology built into them. Some of these touch panels are more ruggedly designed than others to withstand all kinds of indoor and outdoor use. Yet, they each offer unique performance value depending on the application.

 

How do you know which touch monitor types are best suited for your needs? Start by learning about all of the different commercial and industrial computer monitors in this article.

 

What Are Rugged Touchscreen Panels and Monitors?

 

Touchscreen displays consist of several internal mechanisms that make it possible to control and perform actions on the screen with a simple touch of the screen. Although they’re all unique in their own right, the rugged touchscreen displays mentioned in this article all share three common components that activate touchpoints all along the surface of their screens:

 

  • Internal touchpoint sensors
  • Responsive control mechanisms
  • Device drivers

 

Types of Touchscreen Monitors 

 

Resistive Touchscreens

 

As one of the most commonly used touch monitor types, resistive touchscreens are often built into smartphones, automotive navigation devices, various medical equipment, self-checkout kiosks, in-flight entertainment devices, and so much more. Resistive touchscreens consist of two sheets of flexible transparent material that are coated with a resistive film with air gaps in between that recognize and respond to various touchpoints on the screen. 

 

Infrared Touchscreens

 

Infrared touchscreen displays consist of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and sensors that are held together by a protective bezel. Sensors instantly identify touchpoints on the screen when animate or inanimate objects such as a finger or pen make contact. Touchpoint coordinates are then delivered to the internal controller, which performs the desired action. 

 

Optical Touchscreens

 

Optical industrial displays, commercial monitors, and panel mount displays incorporate the use of infrared touch technology. Infrared sensors just below the surface of the screen produce continuous light beams that scan the screen. When that light beam is interrupted at a certain touchpoint on the screen, the internal mechanisms recognize the touch location and immediately perform the action. Optical screens can respond to conductive and non-conductive objects. 

 

Capacitive Touchscreens

 

Capacitive touchscreens are prevalent in a lot of industrial applications and can only be operated with conductive objects, which means they require direct skin-to-screen contact. Using an electrostatic charge upon contact, data is immediately delivered from the touchpoint to the touch control panel to perform specific functions. 

 

SAW Touchscreens

 

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) touchscreens consist of a reflector and two transducers on the surface of the glass. SAW touchscreens can be used with a stylus pen or gloves. Waves bounce off of the reflector and delivered to the transducers to provide actionable instructions when a touch is detected. 

 

Projected Capacitive Touchscreens

 

Projected capacitive touchscreens can be operated with conductive and non-conductive objects such as a bare finger or gloves. Multi-touch activation is also enabled thanks to the three dimensional electrostatic field inside the display that’s created by a combination of a sheet of glass that contains transparent electrode films and an IC chip, which is entrenched within it. 

 

Nauticomp Inc. is one of the leading designers and distributors of state-of-the-art rugged touchscreen stand alone and panel mount displays that can be used for a variety of commercial and industrial applications. Contact us today to learn more about our products or to place an order.

 

Features, Uses, and Benefits of Rugged LCD Displays

Posted on: March 22, 2021

hammer series rugged displayWhat’s the appeal of rugged LCD displays? Are they really worth the extra upfront money or should you opt for a cheaper option instead? The answers to these questions depend largely on what the displays are being used for and in what capacity. Rugged LCD displays have been around for a fairly long time and their uses range from aiding in military and marines operations to the retail, restaurant, hospitality, and medical industries. Keep reading to learn all about the distinct features and benefits of rugged LCD touchscreen monitors and displays.

What Is a Rugged LCD Display?

LCD stands for liquid crystal display. Equipped with an ultra-thin screen, LCD displays provide high-definition crystal-clear picture quality. They’re comprised of two pieces of polarizing glass that are held together with a layer of liquid film in between. The picture quality of LCD displays is enhanced by strong fluorescent backlighting that shines through the two layers of glass and illuminates the internal crystals.

What Are Some Notable Features of Rugged LCD Displays?

Some notable features of LCD displays include:

  • They’re capable of lasting approximately 30,000 hours with continuous use for about 10 hours per day (that’s the equivalent of about 8 years)
  • Touchscreen LCD displays won’t overheat if they’re left on for long periods of time, which is ideal for environments and applications that require ongoing usage (e.g., military and marine ops, retail displays, restaurant digital menus, medical facilities, etc.)
  • Designed and manufactured with high performance standards to withstand extremely harsh weather and usage conditions
  • Dustproof and waterproof to prevent miniscule elements from causing internal damages
  • Sunlight readability and extensive brightness adjustment capability to facilitate usage in all lighting conditions
  • They’re completely shock- and vibration-proof to protect the internal mechanisms from damage caused by external elements
  • They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from below freezing to extremely hot, depending on the environment

What Are Some Common Uses for Rugged LCD Displays?

Rugged LCD monitors and touchscreen displays are ideal for a variety of uses and applications. Whether you’re using them for work or play, LCD displays are capable of handling anything you can throw at them. Many consumers purchase LCD displays for personal use such as at-home gaming, doing schoolwork, and more recently working from home.

LCD displays also have great industrial use, however. They can be used as digital displays in retail settings, digital menu boards in restaurants, digital patient sign-in forms for medical facilities, and so much more. Their unmatched durability and flexibility even make them the ideal tool for a number of military and marines applications.

Benefits of Rugged LCD Displays from Nauticomp Inc.

Nauticomp Inc. started off manufacturing technologically advanced rugged LCD displays and monitors strictly for marines and military operations in 1997. Since then, we’ve successfully expanded our operations and variety of LCD displays to meet a variety of industry-specific needs, including commercial and personal use. Contact us today to learn more about our products or to place an order.

5 Most Popular Touchscreen Technologies Available in 2021

Posted on: February 3, 2021

touchscreen technologyTouchscreen technology has become increasingly sophisticated over the years with new developments and improvements constantly on the horizon. And the year 2021 is no exception. In fact, there are going to be a lot of advancements made to this technology to increase its convenience factor and prevalence.

Here are the top five most popular types of rugged touchscreen technology that we think will continue to make big waves in 2021.

Surface Capacitive Touchscreen

Comprised of a glass panel that’s located under a layer of transparent electrodes and a protective screen cover, surface capacitive touchscreens are most commonly used for everyday devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers. They respond to direct skin-to-screen touch only. Surface capacitive touchscreen technology requires the electrical capacity of the human body to function. Hence, surface capacitive touchscreens can only be operated by an electrically charged stylus pen, touchscreen gloves, or a naked human finger.

Surface capacitive touchscreens also boast a number of desirable features including excellent picture/image quality, excellent durability, shatter resistance, scratch resistance, as well as water, dust, and greaseproof capacities that ensure a superior user experience compared to other touchscreen technologies on the market.

Projected Capacitive Touchscreen

Projected capacitive touchscreen technology has two major advantages over its predecessor, the surface capacitive touchscreen.

While surface capacitive touchscreen technology can only be operated by making direct contact with a naked human finger or special accessories, the projected capacitive touchscreen can be activated with gloved hands. The benefit is that users don’t have to purchase special accessories like mobile phone gloves or a stylus pen to use it while outside during the winter months. This is especially useful for people who work in environments that require them to wear surgical or plastic gloves.

Also, projected capacitive touchscreens have what’s known as a multi-touch activation feature. The screen recognizes and responds to coinciding touch functions from various sources. Projected capacitive touchscreens offer crystal clear image and video quality and they’re resistant to water, dust, and other surface contaminants as well as scratches.

Although projected capacitive touchscreens can’t be operated with a stylus pen, they can be operated with gloves. This makes them the perfect option for healthcare workers and anyone else who has to wear gloves for work.

Resistive Touchscreen

Resistive touchscreen is one of the most commonly used types of touch technology for a variety of devices. It contains a thin metallic sheet that covers a film screen and glass panel, leaving a miniscule gap in between. The gap allows for maximum flexibility when the screen is being used, preventing the glass component from cracking under the slightest pressure.

When contact is made, the two metallic sheets come together at the specific contact point. This generates an electric current that indicates to the device where the point of contact was made and what action needs to be taken. All of these processes happen simultaneously in a matter of seconds completely unbeknownst to the user.

Resistive touchscreens are great for a variety of applications and users. Unlike the surface and projected capacitive touchscreens, the resistive touchscreen can be operated using any instrument whether it’s direct touch with a human finger, a stylus pen, or a gloved hand. Resistive touchscreens also come at a much lower price point than its contemporaries, but there are some drawbacks to this.

The image quality is lower and the film screen isn’t completely impervious to scratches or cracks if it comes in contact with a sharp object or too much pressure. If cost is the main driving force behind your touch technology buying decision, however, then the resistive touchscreen is the right choice for you.

Infrared Touchscreen

Infrared touchscreens come in at the highest price point, but they also have a lot of advantages, one of which is the ultra-crystal clear image quality and clarity. It’s also one of the most durable touchscreen technologies on the market.

The way it works is that infrared receivers and light emitters produce a group of invisible light beams throughout the screen, which eliminates the need for a protective layer. The lack of a protective screen results in the pristine crystal clear picture quality. Every time a point of contact is made either by an object or human finger, the light beams are interrupted. The device automatically recognizes and reacts to the directive given by the point of contact.

Aside from the amazing image quality, other advantages of infrared technology are it’s completely scratch-resistant and has an infinite touch life. Despite all of these great features, there are a few glaring disadvantages that are hard to ignore, especially since infrared touchscreens are the most expensive out of all of the displays mentioned here. Infrared touchscreens are incredibly sensitive to all points of contract, including dirt, dust, and grease buildup on the screen.

In order for the screen to work accurately, it has to be perfectly clean at all times. Coming too close to the screen will activate its sensors, causing it to immediately react to any accidental touches. Plus, infrared touchscreens aren’t waterproof and any small liquid droplets can cause the screen to malfunction.

Surface Acoustic Wave

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) touchscreens are made up of a variety of piezoelectric transducers which convert different amounts of pressure into electrical signals and receivers that are located along the sides of the screen. The piezoelectric transducers and the receivers work in tandem to create an unseen grid system of ultrasonic waves across the surface panel. Touching these ultrasonic waves interrupts their movement directly at the point of contact. This interruption and absorption communicates to the device where the screen has been touched and what action needs to be taken in accordance to the touchpoint.

Advantages of SAW touchscreens are that it can be operated by any soft object, it has high-quality image clarity, and it’s scratch resistant. A few drawbacks is that it can’t be operated by hard objects like pens and any dirt, oil, or grease on the screen will create unresponsive areas. SAW touchscreens come at a fairly moderate price point.

For more information on the latest technological touchscreen developments and trends for 2021, read our blog. Nauticomp Inc. is one of the most renowned developers of state-of-the-art custom industrial and commercial-grade touchscreen monitors and displays in North America. Contact us today to place an order.

Rugged Touchscreen Monitors for the Mining Industry

Posted on: February 7, 2017

The mining industry entails many tough, dirty, and oftentimes, dangerous working conditions that call for only the most rugged industrial touchscreen monitors currently on the market. These industrial touchscreen displays should have numerous fieldwork-related capabilities that include various safety features and other important technical applications that facilitate smooth-running operations all-around. They need to be heavy-duty and able to withstand even the harshest of weather conditions like extreme temperatures from subfreezing to extreme heat with malfunctioning.

The Importance of Rugged Touchscreen Monitors for Mining

Mining is a very difficult, dangerous, and labour-intensive occupation. Fieldworkers need reliable and rugged touchscreen monitors that can handle the everyday physical hardships that are a natural part of the job. The equipment used should substantially maximize productivity levels on the jobsite rather than slow down or halt progress.

Good quality industrial touchscreen PCs should be water-, shock-, drop-, and vibration-resistant because these are all commonplace occurrences on industrial worksites. All of these features are important for protecting the integrity of the project at hand as well as ensuring the safety of the fieldworkers.

Applications of Rugged Touchscreen Monitors in Mining

High-calibre rugged touchscreen PCs should include internal and external applications that can enhance and even improve the working conditions of this type of fieldwork. These applications include, but are not limited to:

  • Telecommunications capabilities
  • Dispatch services so that workers can communicate with one another and call for assistance on the job
  • Work order management to enable mining crews to track progress on all projects and maintain proper schedules and reasonable timelines
  • Delivery route optimization, which ascertains all materials are received on time
  • Proof of service
  • Industrial equipment maintenance, which helps ascertain that all machinery is in proper working order and diminishes any risks of on-site injuries

In order for all of these applications to function cohesively and optimally, industrial touchscreen displays must be crack- and dent-resistant and incorporate high-performance tendencies for accurate and efficient data input and management. This means that freezing up and lagging even under the harshest conditions is completely out of the question.

Uptime must be maximal to reduce unpredictable delays in completing important and expensive high-stakes projects. On top of that, worker safety guarantees are an absolute must. Every day, miners and other fieldworkers risk their lives simply by doing their jobs, whether that involves going underground or working with live wires. The least they should be able to expect from their technical work equipment is that it can endure hard labour and not jeopardize their safety.

Why Choose Our Industrial Rugged Touchscreen Monitors?

Nauticomp Inc. is one of the leading designers, manufacturers, and distributers of high-quality rugged industrial touchscreen monitors and PCs in the world. Our industrial touchscreen computers are versatile and come equipped with a multitude of applications that can work well in any field-related industry.

Our models are waterproof, shock resistant, sunlight-readable, and compatible with multiple components. Our monitors come with features like dim-to-red capability, LED backlighting, optically bonded glass, and enhanced temperature ranges, and we can also offer custom designs that meet the requirements of your company. For more information on our products, contact us at 1-7-5-328-2992 for Canadian service and at 1-800-267-9491 for U.S service.

Rugged Touchscreen for Kiosks

Posted on: September 13, 2016

rugged touchscreenWhen it comes to business kiosks, rugged touchscreens offer distinct advantages over older technology. With advances in technology, kiosks are becoming more common in a variety of industries. Before, displays and monitors were primarily used in purely industrial fields, where they were necessary for high-level tasks.

However, kiosks are becoming integrated into many types of businesses. Shopping malls, fast-food restaurants, banks, airports, retail outlets, and other public-facing businesses are now making use of digital kiosks, using these displays to provide greater service, accessibility, and experience to their customers.

Kiosks can be used to display information, allow customers to find answers to their questions, and replace front-line staff for a variety of functions. A digital kiosk can allow customers to place orders, make a purchase, or sign up for a contest or service. There are many advantages to using digital kiosks, and employing a rugged touchscreen monitor for a kiosk carries many additional benefits.

Importance of Rugged Touchscreen for Kiosks

There are reasons why it’s important to use rugged technology for digital kiosks. Kiosks need to be rugged. Often, touchscreen kiosks need to endure heavy usage per day, being used by tens, hundreds, or even thousands of people. Furthermore, business kiosks often need to provide consistent use over a wide span of time. For instance, an airport kiosk may need to be operational 24/7. In addition to that, certain kiosks that are used outdoors or in proximity to the outdoors (such as those used drive-thrus or front-of-store displays) can be exposed to weather conditions, including sunlight, rain, or fluctuating temperatures.

For all of these reasons, digital kiosks need to be able to withstand harsh usage and conditions that would damage consumer-grade technology. Traditional touchscreen displays can easily break, malfunction, or become damaged due to the harsh use. Rugged technology is designed to provide consistent use in extreme or unfavorable conditions. When used for kiosks, rugged touchscreens can ensure long-lasting benefits, greater durability, and increased cost-savings in the long term.

How to Select a Rugged Touchscreen for a Kiosk

When it comes to choosing rugged touchscreens for kiosks, there are some specific features and functionalities that business owners should keep in mind.

Waterproof Touchscreen

If a kiosk is going to be used outdoors (such as in a drive-thru) or could potentially be exposed to liquids (such as in a restaurant or cafe), it’s important to use a waterproof monitor. IP67/68-sealed monitors are designed for use in marine environments and are designed to withstand wet weather conditions. While regular monitors can become easily damaged when exposed to liquids, waterproof displays can be used effectively outdoors or in other harsh environments.

Sunlight Readability

If a kiosk is going to be exposed to sunlight, whether outside or in close proximity to windows, then sunlight readability is essential to ensuring the touchscreen can be used. Sunlight can easily wash out monitors, preventing visibility and readability. A sunlight-readable monitor employs optically bonded glass, LED backlighting, or other technology to keep the display readable in the brightest lighting conditions.

Temperature Resistant

In large commercial environments, it can be difficult to control temperature as effectively as in a smaller space. Fluctuations in temperature, as well as temperature extremes, can render a touchscreen kiosk inoperable. Rugged touchscreens have extended temperature ranges, allowing for consistent use in indoor and outdoor environments.

Various Mounting Options

Businesses often have special considerations when installing kiosks. For instance, displays may need to be at certain heights or angles, or placed in specific environments (such as outdoors for a drive-thru, or extending from ground level in a large airport terminal). Rugged touchscreens can be built to allow for versatile mounting options, giving business owners more usability.

Custom Dimensions

Rugged touchscreen manufacturers can build kiosk displays to business owners’ specifications, offering custom designs that meet their needs. Businesses often have special considerations that need to be taken into account. Rugged display manufacturers can engineer and design custom displays, with the features, size, and capabilities that are needed.

Nauticomp’s Rugged Touchscreen Solution for Kiosks

Nauticomp Inc. offers a range of rugged touchscreens suitable for use in commercial, industrial, marine, and military applications. Our rugged touchscreen models offer the highest standard of functionality for digital kiosks and are able to withstand extreme physical use and perform consistently in both indoor and outdoor environments. An industrial touchscreen monitor for a kiosk can save business owners money in the long term, providing years or decades of use with no need for replacement. We offer custom designs, working with clients to engineer the touchscreen monitor that will meet their specific needs.

Are you looking for a commercial display? Nauticomp Inc. is an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. We are dedicated to providing high performance displays that are at the forefront of leading-edge display technology. Contact us at 1-705-328-2992 for Canadian service and at 1-800-267-9491 for U.S. service.