How to choose the touch screen of the inquiry machine: comparison between capacitive screen and infrared screen | QUNMAO source manufacturer

"Capacitive screen and infrared screen, which is better?" Don't rush to answer

This is the sentence that overseas purchasers, system integrators and equipment traders ask us the most. Our answer is usually a rhetorical question: where is the device? Who will use it? How big is the screen?

Touch technology (touch technology) is not absolutely good or bad, only suitable. The same capacitive screen, placed in the hospital hall is the first choice, placed in the semi-open entrance of direct sunlight may not be the best solution; The same infrared screen can enable users wearing gloves to operate smoothly, but it needs to face the challenges of strong ambient infrared light and ash accumulation on the border.

AsSource manufacturer of China touch query all-in-one machineQUNMAO Qunmao produces both capacitor and infrared equipment (for representative models, please refer K-type vertical touch inquiry all-in-one machine), we are more concerned about helping buyers match touch schemes with scenes, rather than recommending only one. The following is a "principle, comparison, selection, investigation, testing," the order of this matter clearly.

Why is the touch screen the most vulnerable part of the inquiry machine

If the touch fails, the user will think that the whole device is broken.

In public places, the inquiry machine is touched by hundreds of hands every day, and the touch layer is directly subjected to wear, stains, water stains, wiping and sometimes collisions. If there is a problem with other components, the user may not see it. Once the touch fails, the user can immediately perceive it and give up using it.

The touch scheme will also affect the appearance, cost, environmental adaptability and maintenance methods, so it must be determined at the selection stage, rather than waiting for the equipment to arrive and then adjust.

The principles of four touch technologies: capacitance, infrared, resistance, surface acoustic wave

There are four main touch technologies on the market. Public places of inquiry machine, the basic choice in the first two.

The resistance screen needs to be pressed, the surface film is easy to scratch, and the light transmittance is not ideal; the surface sound wave screen is more sensitive to stains and liquids on the surface. Therefore, in hospitals, government affairs, shopping malls, transportation hubs and other scenes, the common choice is capacitive screen and infrared screen, the following also focus on these two.

Capacitive Screen (PCAP) Depth Analysis

principle and advantages

The capacitive screen determines the touch position by sensing the electric field change brought by the finger, and the signal passes through the glass cover, so the surface is a whole piece of flat glass. Its advantages are clear:High precision、Multi-touch support、Smooth and beautiful surfaceFeel smooth, also easy to wipe clean.

Limitations to be aware

• Water Drops and Wet Hands:Water on the surface may affect the identification, which needs to be verified by controller calibration and prototype testing.
• Gloves:Ordinary gloves usually cannot be triggered, you need to choose a glove-supporting scheme or use a stylus.
• Electromagnetic environment and grounding:Strong electromagnetic interference and poor grounding may cause drift or accidental touch.
• Large size cost:The larger the size, the more significant the increase in cost of the capacitive solution.

QUNMAO Capacitor Inquiry Machine Specification Disassembly (QM-C43XJ-P and QM-C50XJ-P)

The following data is from the technical specifications of our 43-inch and 50-inch capacitor inquiry machines (revision date 2024-09-20). There are four versions of two sizes and two systems. The touch control and display parameters are consistent, and the difference is in the system configuration.

In addition, the 50-inch Windows specification also lists the optional Android 13 scheme (T972 quad-core, 2/4GB memory, 16/32GB storage). The installation method supports wall hanging, embedding, hoisting and bracket. The overall size is about 1117.8 × 648 × 87.45mm (including wall hanging parts) and the net weight is about 26.5kg.

Common functions include: power-on self-start, one-key power-on with light, custom on-off time, support for third-party APK installation, hot plug of mouse and keyboard, built-in two high-quality speakers, and support for English and multiple languages.

What does G mean?

G G means that both the touch sensing layer and the cover plate are made of glass structure. Compared with the film scheme, the surface is smoother, wear-resistant, has better anti-interference ability, and is more durable in public places. This is also the reason why our capacitance inquiry machine emphasizes "high channel and anti-interference.

Infrared screen depth analysis

principle and advantages

The infrared screen arranges infrared transmitting and receiving devices in the frame of the screen to form an invisible optical network. Fingers or objects block light and can be recognized. Its main advantages are:

• Any opaque object can trigger:Including the hand wearing gloves, ordinary pen, suitable for the need to wear gloves to operate the scene.
• Large size is more friendly:The larger the screen, the more obvious the cost advantage of the infrared scheme relative to the capacitor.
• Flexible surface protection:The surface can be equipped with thicker tempered glass, easy to do impact resistance design.

Limitations to be aware

• strong ambient infrared light:Strong infrared light such as sunlight will interfere with the receiving device, and outdoor and strong light entrances require targeted design.
• border dust and stains:Dust, flying insects, and stains block the light, which may cause false triggers and require regular cleaning.
• Parallax:There is a gap between the glass surface and the infrared optical network, and the contact may deviate slightly when operating from a skew angle.

QUNMAO infrared models

Our outdoor K-type horizontal inquiry machine adopts infrared touch control, 20-point touch control, protection grade IP65, aluminum alloy frame and cold-rolled steel plate body, and the screen can be selected from 32 to 65 inches, which is suitable for outdoor use in restaurants, shopping malls, scenic spots and public spaces. See details Outdoor K-type inquiry machine horizontal infrared touch integrated machine。

What needs to be reminded is that outdoor use not only depends on touch control, but also depends on display brightness, heat dissipation and protection. These should be checked together when selecting the type, not just the touch method.

Eleven-dimensional contrast matrix

The following table uses text evaluation instead of numerical evaluation: the evaluation only represents the general tendency, which still needs to be verified by the prototype.

Selection decision tree: four questions, select the touch scheme

1. Question 1: Is the equipment indoors, outdoors or semi-open?
   • INDOOR: Enter question 2.
   • Outdoor or semi-open air: give priority to special outdoor grade infrared models, and check the protection level, brightness and heat dissipation.
2. Question 2: Will users wear gloves or operate with non-conductive objects?
   • Will: give priority to infrared; If you insist on capacitance, you need a stylus or special adjustment, and do a glove test.
   • Wouldn't: Go to Question 3.
3. Question 3: What is the screen size?
   • Large and medium size (such as 43 to 50 inches): the capacitor scheme is mature, taking into account the accuracy and appearance.
   • Super size: infrared has more advantages in cost and can be further compared.
4. Question 4: Is there strong light, water stains, oil pollution or strong electromagnetic interference in the environment?
   • Strong light entrance: capacitor is more secure.
   • More water stains or oil stains: focus on water droplets and wet hand tests; Infrared should pay attention to border cleaning.
   • Strong electromagnetic interference: focus on testing the anti-interference performance of the capacitor scheme.

Common Scene Matching

Typical equipment for indoor scenes such as government halls, hospitals, and communities, for reference. K-type vertical touch inquiry all-in-one machine, it uses K/S curved metal base, ergonomic tilt angle of view and high-definition ten-point touch screen, suitable as a starting point for indoor self-service query configuration.

To understand the overall configuration of different industries, please refer "L-type horizontal hospital inquiry machine | hospital self-service guidance solution" and Station Information Inquiry Machine Solution。

Check sequence of touch failure: check simple items first, and don't change the screen in a hurry.

Blindly replacing the entire screen costs money and does not necessarily solve the problem. According to the sequence of investigation, most common touch fault can be located.

1. Surface:Check whether the tempered glass is cracked or blocked by foreign objects. This is the simplest and most overlooked step.
2. Drives and Systems:Confirm that the driver matches the system version. The capacitor models described in this article use a drive-free scheme. Windows and Android versions are usually plug and play, but they should be reviewed after upgrading the system.
3. Ambient humidity:Confirm whether the ambient humidity exceeds 10%-90% RH for a long time. Abnormal humidity may cause drift of the capacitive screen.
4. Grounding and Static:Check whether the equipment is well grounded and whether there are strong interference sources around.
5. Cables and Connections:Check whether the touch cable and interface are loose.
6. Infrared screen special:Clean the frame of dust and stains, check the strong light interference.
7. Calibration:Recalibrate if necessary.

On the processing boundary, software-level problems can be handled remotely. Physical damage of touch screen and motherboard hardware failure need to be handled on site. In a hospital project, after replacing the panel with 3mm tempered glass, the touch failure work order decreased significantly year on year during 6 consecutive months of operation, which shows that surface protection has a direct impact on touch stability. For more after-sales and maintenance questions, see "K-type inquiry machine FAQ 20 questions"。

Prototype Test List: Ten Tests Purchasers Can Do on Their Own

The numbers on the specification are verified by the prototype. The following ten tests do not require professional instruments, and both the purchaser and the integrator can complete them on their own after receiving the prototype. The conformity standard shall be set by the Buyer according to the project requirements.

It is recommended to record the test date, environmental conditions, prototype model and system version, and test results simultaneously during the test. The records shall be used as the basis for acceptance and subsequent mass production.

Coordination of touch control with other parts of the whole machine

• glass and surface treatment:Glass thickness, scratch resistance, anti-glare and anti-fingerprint treatment will affect durability and visual effects.
• Fit mode:There are differences between full fit and framing on parallax, reflection and condensation.
• Size and resolution:The larger the screen, the more limited the range of touch options available. Selection ideas see "K-type horizontal inquiry machine screen size and configuration how to choose"。
• Motherboard and system:The Android version is suitable for content publishing and lightweight applications, and the Windows version is suitable for running existing Windows software and projects with more peripherals.
• Peripherals:When card reading, code scanning and printing are needed, the touch layout and peripheral positions should also be designed together. Refer to 27 inch touch self-service inquiry terminal。

Touch Selection for Overseas Projects: Climate, Light, Gloves and Certification

For overseas buyers, touch solutions are not only technical issues, but also related to local climate, usage habits and compliance requirements.

In terms of customization, QUNMAO, as a source manufacturer, supports OEM and ODM: touch scheme, glass, appearance, brand logo and interface language can be adjusted according to the project, and it is recommended to mass produce the prototype after confirmation (available K-type vertical touch inquiry all-in-one machine of the custom direction). Device certificates are available Qualification Certificate Page View.

QUNMAO Bangkok Hospital project: 22 capacitive touch inquiry machines, 5 weeks delivery

The special feature of this project is that the touch scheme is not "selected by default", but selected through prototype testing.

Project Overview

Customer's core demands

Customers hope to deploy self-service inquiry equipment in the outpatient hall and waiting area for department guidance, appointment inquiry, information publicity and some registered payment functions. There are differences within the procurement team on the touch plan: some people prefer infrared screens on the grounds of price and "medical staff may wear gloves"; Another group of people prefer capacitive screens on the grounds of accuracy, appearance and ease of wiping and disinfection.

Our practice: using the prototype test to speak

Instead of arguing in the boardroom, let the test answer. In the first week of the project, we provided both the capacitor prototype and the infrared prototype, and worked out the test list with the customer, which was carried out in the environment of the hospital site: drawing lines, corners, multi-points, fast connecting points, wet hands and water droplets, alcohol wiping, gloves, and light conditions near the entrance.

After the test, the customer comprehensively considered the user population and environment: the equipment is mainly used by patients by themselves, the indoor environment is stable, and the light in the hall is controllable; Form filling requires better touch accuracy; Hospitals have high requirements for cleaning and disinfection, flat glass surfaces are easier to wipe, and there is no problem of dust accumulation on borders. For medical personnel who do need to wear gloves, stylus support in the specification is a feasible supplement, and the results of glove testing and usage specifications are written into the acceptance document. Finally, the capacitance scheme is selected.

Five-week delivery cadence

Problems Encountered in the Project and Handling Methods

Internal Divergence of 1. Touch Scheme

The procurement team has its own opinions on capacitance and infrared. We did not give a conclusion directly, but used a unified test list and on-site test results so that all parties could see the basis. At the same time, we incorporated the test records into the acceptance documents, and the subsequent mass production and acceptance were carried out according to the same standard.

2. cleaning and disinfection

Hospitals need to wipe equipment surfaces frequently. In the prototype stage, we did a wiping test with the cleaning agent that the customer used daily to confirm that the touch can be restored after wiping. At the same time, we explained the cleaning method to the customer: try to avoid liquid penetrating into the edge when wiping.

3. the display of the Thai interface

Thai characters with a subscript symbol, if the font is not properly selected, prone to display dislocation. We used the Thai copy provided by the customer to do typesetting tests in advance, adjusted the font and line spacing before mass production.

Project Results

• For patients:In the outpatient hall and waiting area, departments, appointments and information can be queried by themselves, and the form can be filled in smoothly.
• For the guiding staff:Repetitive consultations are reduced and time can be spent on patients who need to be accompanied and explained.
• To the information department of the hospital:The equipment can be managed remotely, the content is published uniformly, and there is a clear troubleshooting process for touch problems.

22 sets of equipment in 5 weeks to complete the site installation and acceptance, and put into use.

Customer feedback

Touch Special Procurement List

Requirement confirmation

• Installation environment: indoor, semi-outdoor or outdoor, light and temperature and humidity conditions
• User group: whether to wear gloves, whether to use a pen or other objects to operate
• Screen size and quantity
• Cleaning method: whether to wipe or disinfect frequently
• surrounding electromagnetic environment

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION

• Touch technology, points, precision, life
• Glass thickness and surface treatment
• Brightness, contrast, working temperature and humidity range
• System and Board Configuration, Interface List
• Certificates and Test Reports
• Revision Date and Version of Specification

Prototype and acceptance

• Complete the prototype test according to "Ten Tests" and keep records
• Confirm prototype and batch product consistency
• Confirm warranty, spare parts and after-sales response
• Confirm the methods of packaging, transportation and arrival acceptance

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Ask the environment first, then verify the prototype.

Back to the beginning question: Which is better, capacitive screen or infrared screen? Now we have a more complete answer:Look at the environment, look at the user, look at the size, and then use the prototype to verify. The touch solution is an engineering choice, not a technical route battle.

As the source manufacturer of China's touch inquiry all-in-one machine, QUNMAO Qunmao has verifiable data and project experience from the specifications of the touch scheme, prototype testing to mass production and export delivery. The 22 capacitance inquiry machines at Bangkok Hospital are an example of "test first, then decide. Choosing a source factory that understands the equipment and is willing to do prototype verification for you can save your project a lot of detours.