Dictionary of Computers - touch screen

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Input device that allows the user to communicate with the computer by touching a display screen. In this way, the user can point to a required menu option or item of data. Touch screens are used increasingly in many applications, such as dispensing tickets for public transport and checking in for flights. A common application is in public houses, where sales staff simply need to touch the items sold on the screen; a total is displayed for the customer, while the computing system connected to the screen calculates remaining stock levels.

Typically, the screen is able to detect the touch either because the finger presses against a sensitive membrane or because it interrupts a grid of light beams crossing the screen surface.

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