Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Functional Materials and Civil Engineering

DOI: 10.54254/2755-2721/89/20241103

The Application of Touch Sensors

Zhuoyuan Liao
Yali High School International Department, No. 428 Laodong Western Road,
Changsha, Hunan, China

[email protected]

Abstract. Touch sensors have a wide range of applications in smart homes, enabling the control
of lighting, air conditioning, curtains, and other equipment. This paper summarizes the principles,
applications, and future developments of touch sensors, including capacitive, resistive, and
piezoelectric sensors. The capacitive touch sensor operates based on the capacitance formula,
the resistive sensor on the resistivity formula, and the piezoelectric sensor on the piezoelectric
effect. Capacitive touch sensors can detect the movement and position of objects and respond
quickly, but they require power. Resistive sensors have a fast response time, long durability, low
cost, and high sensitivity, but they also require power. Piezoelectric sensors do not require power,
can detect dynamic physical quantities, but are unable to detect static ones. Both capacitive and
piezoelectric sensors are used in smart mobile devices, while resistive sensors are used in all-in-
one machines. Given their principles and current applications, touch sensors are expected to be
utilized in the touch screens of operation interfaces in more machines and the bionic skin of
androids.

Keywords: Touch Sensors, Capacitive sensor, Resistive sensor, Piezoelectric sensor,

Application.

1. Introduction
In the era of big data, information technology is becoming increasingly important, and people receive
various information every day, such as news, meat prices, stock market quotations, and current politics.
Phones have become the mainstream tools for receiving information. Newspapers, magazines, radios,
and tabloids were mainstream tools in the past, but they are gradually being replaced by phones. With
the advancement of phone technology, people have become more dependent on them. For instance,
information technology has given birth to many internet platforms where anyone can be a news reporter
or a self-media creator. People from anywhere can share what they see, what they are doing, and who
they really are on these platforms, which enables news to spread faster and wider, allowing people to
understand each other more and reduce stereotypes. However, without proper verification and
authoritative sources, the credibility of some news can be low. Therefore, the ability to distinguish right
from wrong and to analyze the credibility of news has become very important in recent times.
Additionally, Artificial Intelligence (AI), central processing units, and robots are important technologies
now and in the future [1]. But back to the point, what I am going to talk about is the sensor.
Many people know about what was mentioned in the last paragraph, but they seem to be unaware
that there is also a small piece of electrical equipment that is just as significant: sensors. Have you ever
wondered why the screen of a smartphone can respond to your touch, why AI can hear what you say

© 2024 The Authors. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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DOI: 10.54254/2755-2721/89/20241103

and reply, or how some equipment can scan your fingerprints or irises? These processes all require the
participation of sensors. Many technologies need to interact and exchange information with us in various
ways to improve our lives; otherwise, they become useless. Therefore, a medium is required to facilitate
the interaction and transformation between us and these technologies. This is where sensors come into
play.
There are many different types of sensors, such as optical sensors, temperature sensors, and sound
sensors. Sensors can detect many external changes, such as physical, chemical, or biological quantities,
and convert them into electrical signals or digitized output signals. Different sensors vary in how they
detect or perceive changes in the external world [2-4]. Take the smart home as an example: if a person
wants to turn off a light, they simply need to say, “turn off the light,” and the light will turn off
automatically, thanks to the participation of a sound sensor. In this article, I will discuss touch sensors.
Touch sensors are primarily utilized in touch screens, touch switches, touch buttons, and other
applications [5-7]. They function through various circuit designs and algorithms to achieve distinct
functionalities. Touch screens enable users to control and interact with devices through finger sliding
and tapping, while touch switches and buttons can replace mechanical counterparts, providing more
sensitive and convenient operation.
Touch sensors have extensive applications in smart homes, facilitating the control of lighting, air
conditioning, curtains, and other equipment [8-10]. For instance, touch switches can be installed on
walls to manage the switching and adjustment of various electrical appliances with a finger touch, and
they can also be remotely controlled by voice assistants and smartphone apps. Furthermore, smart homes
can integrate a variety of sensors, such as body temperature sensors and humidity sensors, to achieve
more intelligent and precise control.

2. Principles
Touch sensors can be categorized into three types based on the nature of the sensed input: movement
sensing, touch sensing, and pressure sensing. “These can be distinguished by the distance between the
fingers and the sensors, as well as the level of pressure.” Movement sensors detect finger movements
when there is a non-zero distance between the fingers and the sensors, resulting in no pressure on the
sensors. They convert finger movements into electronic signals for system processing. Touch sensors
determine whether or not the fingers are in contact with the sensors, producing binary output signals
indicating either touch or no touch, corresponding to a distance of zero or non-zero. Lastly, pressure
sensors measure the magnitude of pressure applied to the sensors, detecting the amount of force exerted
by the fingers.
From a scientific perspective, touch sensors can be classified into three types: capacitive, resistive,
and piezoelectric touch sensors.

2.1. Capacitive touch sensors

These types of sensors detect changes in physical quantities through variations in capacitance.
Capacitance refers to the ability of a device to store electrical charge, typically exemplified by capacitors.
However, this definition can be expanded: essentially, any two conductive objects with surface areas,
connected by electrodes and separated by a distance, can be considered a capacitor. Even if they store a
small amount of capacitance, changes in their separation or charge will affect their capacitance. The
𝐴𝜀 𝜀
capacitance (C) is given by the formula ∁= 0 𝑟, where A is the area of the plates, 𝜀0 is the permittivity
𝑑
of free space, 𝜀𝑟 is the relative permittivity, and d is the distance between the plates. Sensors convert
these capacitance changes into electrical signals, enabling detection and measurement.
The structure of a capacitive sensor typically includes a sensor plate, an oscillator, a trigger circuit,
and an output terminal. The target object and the sensor plate form the feedback circuit for the oscillator.
When the object moves closer to or farther away from the sensor plate, the feedback capacitance changes,
thereby affecting the oscillator’s oscillation level. The trigger circuit detects changes in this oscillation
level and adjusts the output terminal accordingly, enabling the detection of the target physical quantity.

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DOI: 10.54254/2755-2721/89/20241103

Since the human body carries electric charge, it can act as a target object and create a capacitance with
the sensor plate when in proximity or distance from the plate.
Based on its operating principles, capacitive touch sensors can detect the movement or position of a
target object. Thus, they are used in applications such as touch screens, liquid level measurement, and
shape measurement.
Despite their many advantages, capacitive sensors require a power source to function, which makes
them relatively energy-consuming and less suitable for wearable devices.

2.2. Resistive touch sensors

Resistive touch sensors operate based on changes in resistance. “They consist of several layers, the most
critical of which are two electrode layers separated by a thin, low-conductive layer.” Under normal
conditions, the resistance between these two layers remains constant. When a finger presses one of the
layers, it deforms and makes contact with the other layer. This contact creates a contact resistance
between the layers, altering the overall resistance. The resistance can be expressed using the resistivity
𝑅𝐴 𝜌𝐿
formula 𝜌 = , and 𝑅 = . Although direct contact is not always necessary, proximity can also affect
𝐿 𝐴
the resistance. Consequently, resistive touch sensors are sensitive to pressure, a property known as
pressure sensitivity. The change in resistance is determined by the contact resistance between the two
electrode layers, making it possible for the sensor to respond to various objects, including a pen or a
stone. Resistive touch sensors offer several advantages. They respond quickly to touch signals, are cost-
effective, and have a long lifespan. However, a significant drawback is that devices equipped with
resistive touch sensors require a power source to operate, rendering them unsuitable for low-power
devices such as wearables.

2.3. Piezoelectric touch sensors

The term “piezo” is derived from Greek, meaning “press” or “squeeze,” so “piezoelectric” refers to the
generation of electricity through pressing or squeezing. This phenomenon is known as the piezoelectric
effect or piezoelectricity. To generate electricity, a piezoelectric material is required; otherwise, no
electrical output will result from squeezing. Materials that exhibit the piezoelectric effect include lead
zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric ceramics, zinc oxide, and the macromolecular material
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
The generation of electricity from squeezing a piezoelectric material can be explained by the internal
structure of these materials. In a piezoelectric material, charges are distributed asymmetrically, which
causes them to cancel each other out, resulting in no net charge on the material’s surfaces. When the
material is squeezed, the internal charge distribution becomes imbalanced, causing the previously
cancelled charges to separate and produce a net positive charge on one side and a net negative charge
on the other. This separation of charges generates an electrical signal.
According to the principle that systems tend towards stability, the internal imbalances in a
piezoelectric material will eventually return to equilibrium after being squeezed. Consequently, the
electrical charge will dissipate, and the sensor will no longer produce electricity if the force or pressure
remains constant. This characteristic means that piezoelectric sensors are particularly effective at
detecting changes in force or pressure, such as acceleration.

3. Application
There are three types of sensors used for touch detection: capacitive, resistive, and piezoelectric.
Capacitive touch sensors are primarily used in smart mobile phones, tablet computers, and smartwatches.
Piezoelectric sensors are occasionally employed in these devices, while resistive sensors are commonly
found in all-in-one machines.

3.1. Smart mobile phones

Smart mobile devices are predominantly equipped with capacitive touch sensors. These sensors can
detect the movement and position of a target object, allowing users to perform a wide range of tasks on

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DOI: 10.54254/2755-2721/89/20241103

their phones, beyond just making calls. Users can draw, write articles, send messages in various formats,
watch videos, and edit photos. For devices like smartwatches with colored screens and touch sensors,
they essentially function as smartwatches and smartphones combined. For instance, to make a call using
a smartphone, a user simply needs to open the Call app, which displays a virtual keypad with numbered
buttons in different positions. When the user taps a number on the screen, the corresponding touch
sensors detect the input and send the touch signals to the system, which processes the data and updates
the display accordingly. This touch-sensitive screen can dynamically change its function, transforming
from a number keypad to a letter keypad or even to in-game controls. For example, if a user downloads
an app for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle and pairs it with their device, the phone becomes a
remote controller. This setup not only replicates the functions of a traditional remote but also displays
real-time footage from the vehicle’s camera, providing additional functionality beyond the physical
remote. In addition, smartphones can serve various roles for users, such as telephones, remote controls
for air conditioning, televisions, lights, and even joysticks. The extensive use of touch sensors in phones
has been highly successful, gradually transforming device interactions despite the tactile differences
compared to physical buttons. However, these sensors require power, limiting the device’s operational
time. When the battery depletes, the device needs recharging, which is why batteries are essential for
these devices.

3.2. Tablet personal computers

Some phones, such as the iPad, are also equipped with piezoelectric touch sensors. These sensors enable
a feature known as 3D Touch, which allows the touch screen to detect not only the presence or absence
of contact but also the amount of pressure applied when touching the screen. This capability can be
particularly useful for artists. For instance, if a painter needs to temporarily adjust the pen size to a
thicker stroke without using physical buttons, they can simply increase the pressing force on the screen.
Additionally, piezoelectric sensors do not require a power source, making them suitable for wearable
devices (note: this is not relevant to the current discussion and will not be elaborated further).

3.3. All-in-one machines

The resistive touch sensor is the final type of touch sensor, commonly used in all-in-one machines in
educational settings. These sensors contribute to the longevity of all-in-one machines, making them
well-suited for continuous use during extended periods, such as school classes. The high response time
of resistive touch sensors ensures that touch signals are quickly transmitted to the system, allowing for
rapid system responses and saving valuable class time.

4. Future development

4.1. Advantages
For capacitive touch sensors, their ability to detect the movement or position of target objects makes
them ideal for use in the touch screens of mobile devices. Resistive touch sensors, being pressure-
sensitive, offer fast response times, affordability, and durability, making them suitable for applications
like electronic balances. Piezoelectric touch sensors, which do not require an external power source, are
well-suited for wearable devices. They can detect varying forces, such as acceleration, making them
appropriate for dynamic measurement apparatuses.

4.2. Disadvantages
However, each type of sensor has its disadvantages. Capacitive touch sensors always require a power
source and depend on the target objects carrying electrical charges. Resistive touch sensors also require
power, which makes them unsuitable for low-power devices like hearing aids. Piezoelectric touch
sensors, based on their operational principles, cannot detect continuous or constant forces, limiting their
use in static measuring instruments such as balances.

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DOI: 10.54254/2755-2721/89/20241103

4.3. Future development

In my opinion, touch sensors are among the most commonly used sensors in everyday life, and their
prevalence continues to grow. Many modern devices now feature touch screens as their primary
interface. For example, phones are a key illustration of this trend. Historically, phones did not have touch
screens and relied on physical buttons for operation. These buttons had limited functionality, such as
dialing phone numbers, and were not suitable for tasks like drawing. With technological advancements,
phones have evolved to feature touch screens, virtually eliminating physical buttons. This shift has
dramatically transformed the functionality of phones. Beyond basic tasks like dialing and messaging,
touch screens enable users to watch videos, draw, play complex games, and create engineering
documents. The touch screen expands the operating space of phones, allowing for a broader range of
activities. Consequently, phones have transitioned from simple communication devices to sophisticated
smartphones. This evolution underscores how touch screens—and touch sensors more broadly—
enhance the interaction between humans and machines. I anticipate that the trend towards touch screens
will continue, with an increasing number of devices adopting this interface over traditional buttons.
Of course, touch screens do have some limitations, such as unintended activations and difficulties
with repairs. However, I believe these issues will be addressed in the future. Currently, touch screens
are typically rigid and flat, with touch sensors being fixed in place. As technology advances, touch
sensors are likely to become more flexible, adaptable, and capable of conforming to non-flat surfaces or
changing shapes. Furthermore, with the ongoing progress in artificial intelligence, there is potential to
integrate these sensors with AI and advanced algorithms, enhancing their functionality and making them
more intelligent. For instance, through technologies that mimic human skin, we could develop more
realistic androids capable of processing complex touch information quickly and accurately. This would
enable these androids to interact more naturally, resembling human behavior more closely.

5. Conclusion
This paper summarizes three types of touch sensors: capacitive, resistive, and piezoelectric.
In summary, capacitive touch sensors operate based on the principle of capacitance, resistive touch
sensors utilize the resistivity formula, and piezoelectric touch sensors rely on the piezoelectric effect.
Capacitive touch sensors can detect the movement and position of objects and respond quickly, but they
require a power source. Resistive touch sensors offer fast response times, durability, low cost, and high
sensitivity, but they also need to be powered. Piezoelectric touch sensors do not require power and can
detect dynamic physical quantities, but they are unable to detect static forces. Capacitive and
piezoelectric touch sensors are commonly used in smart mobile devices, while resistive touch sensors
are employed in all-in-one machines. Given their principles and current applications, touch sensors are
expected to be increasingly utilized in touch screens for various devices and in the development of bionic
skin for androids.

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