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1960s
Historians consider the first touch screen to be a capacitive touch screen invented by E.A. Johnson at the Royal Radar Establishment, Malvern, UK, around 1965. -
1960s
The inventor published a full description of touch screen technology for air traffic control in an article published in 1968. -
1970s
In 1971, a "touch sensor" was developed by Doctor Sam Hurst (founder of Elographics) while he was an instructor at the University of Kentucky. This sensor called the "Elograph" was patented by The University of Kentucky Research Foundation. The "Elograph" was not transparent like modern touch screens, however, it was a significant milestone in touch screen technology. -
1970s
The Elograph was selected by Industrial Research as one of the 100 Most Significant New Technical Products of the Year 1973. -
1970s
In 1974, the first true touch screen incorporating a transparent surface came on the scene developed by Sam Hurst and Elographics. -
1970s
In 1977, Siemens Corporation financed an effort by Elographics to produce the first curved glass touch sensor interface, which became the first device to have the name "touch screen" attached to it. -
1970s
In 1977, Elographics developed and patented a resistive touch screen technology, the most popular touch screen technology in use today. -
1980s
In 1983, the computer manufacturing company, Hewlett-Packard introduced the HP-150, a home computer with touch screen technology. The HP-150 had a built in grid of infrared beams across the front of the monitor which detected finger movements. However, the infrared sensors would collect dust and require frequent cleanings. -
1990s
The nineties introduced smart phones and handhelds with touch screen technology. In 1993, Apple released the Newton PDA, equipped with handwriting recognition; and IBM released the first smart phone called Simon, which featured a calendar, note pad, and fax function, and a touch screen interface that allowed users to dial phone numbers. -
1990s
On February 24, 1994, the company officially changed its name from Elographics to Elo TouchSystems. -
1990s
In 1996, Palm entered the PDA market and advanced touch screen technology with its Pilot series. -
2000s
In 2002, Microsoft introduced the Windows XP Tablet edition and started its entry into touch technology. However, you could say that the increase in the popularity of touch screen smart phones defined the 2000s. -
2000s
In 2007, Apple introduced the king of smart phones, the iPhone, with nothing but touch screen technology.
