In Button mode, touching the screen is equivalent to pressing and releasing the mouse button. The action occurs as soon as you touch the screen. This mode is best for button based applications (like a calculator). This mode is not good for drawing or dragging objects.
The Right-Click tool places an icon on the desktop (always on top) that allows you to select which mouse button to activate on touch. Note that this works for the next click action only. Control returns to the left mouse button as soon as you are done. In multiple monitor situations, you get a separate right-click tool for each touch screen. You can position this icon anywhere on your desktop by selecting it, pausing until the four-pointed arrow appears, and then dragging it wherever you want. Left button is typically used for normal select and normal drag. Right button is typically used for applet properties such as context menu and special drag. Touch Sound allows you to select audible beep on touchdown, liftoff, or no beep at all. Click the Beep button to select the appropriate option for your application. The default setting is no beep on touch (Beep off).
Double-click Speed defines how quickly you must touch the screen for the system to interpret your actions as a double-click. Set the double-click speed in the slow to medium range for optimum performance with a touch screen. The black line on the display shows the default setting. Double-click Area defines the space in which you must touch the screen for the system to interpret your actions as a double-click. Set the double-click area in the medium to high range for optimum performance with a touch screen. The black line on the display shows the default setting. Touch the globe twice to test the double-click speed and area settings. If the MicroTouch Enabled logo begins to circle the globe, the touch screen recognized your touch as a double-click.
Cursor Tab |
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NOTE: Some applications can override this setting by loading their own cursors. |
After you calibrate the touch screen, the cursor should be located directly underneath your finger when you touch the screen. However, you may prefer to offset the cursor slightly above your touch so you can see the cursor and point more easily and precisely to small objects.
The Cursor Vertical Offset option lets you define the distance between your fingertip and the position of the cursor on the screen. Offsetting the cursor is helpful when selecting small items, such as single letters in word processing, check boxes, or radio buttons.
- In the Cursor Vertical Offset box on the Cursor tab, click the Offset button. The function is enabled (On) when the green indicator is illuminated. The Set button then becomes active.
- Click Set.
- Touch the screen at the desired distance below the tip of the arrow, within the rectangular space provided. The distance between your liftoff position and the tip of the arrow is the offset distance. Thereafter, the cursor is positioned above your finger or pen by a distance equal to the offset distance. As your finger or pen approaches the bottom edge of the screen, the cursor offset automatically decreases so you can touch items in this area.
The Edge Adjustment option automatically offsets the horizontal position of the cursor near the left and right edges, so you can easily reach the edges of the screen image. TouchWare software only makes this adjustment at the left and right edges of the screen. You cannot define the horizontal offset amount.
The Stabilize Cursor option adjusts the operating frequency of the touch screen controller. In general, you do not need to stabilize the cursor for the touch screen. Some controllers do not require stabilization and thus do not support this option. However, if you are experiencing problems with a jittery cursor, ragged lines, or random touch points, you may want to run the Stabilize Cursor option.
Use the Stabilize Cursor option to test the available frequency settings and determine the best frequency. The range of frequency settings and the default setting depends on your touch screen controller. You can set a new operating frequency, and then check the performance of the touch screen at that frequency setting.
You should stabilize the cursor any time the cursor movement is very erratic or jittery. This is not a subtle movement. The cursor will be very jumpy. To test stability, use the Tools � Options � Draw diagnostic program to draw some lines on the screen. Check that they are smooth and thin. If the lines are wide and have ragged edges, the frequency setting is probably not correct for your controller and you should run Stabilize Cursor.
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NOTE: This test takes several minutes. Do not touch the screen, mouse or keyboard during the test. The test is measuring the amount of noise when there is no touch. |
- Select Stabilize Cursor from the Cursor tab.
- If you are using a TouchPen� controller in pen/finger mode, a dialog box appears asking if you want to adjust the frequency for pen or finger. Specify the desired touch method.
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NOTE: On a TouchPen� controller system, you must stabilize the cursor twice (once with your finger and once with the pen) if you are using both a pen and your finger as touch devices. |
- The system then does a preliminary check of all the frequency settings.
- The Analyzing Frequencies dialog box appears. The system tests each frequency setting and determines the optimum setting.
- Once the test is complete, a dialog box informs you of the best frequency as determined by the test. You can click on Accept to switch to this frequency setting or you may click on the Advanced button to test and select the frequencies for yourself.
- The test results are displayed in descending order with the recommended frequency at the top of the list. The current selected frequency is also indicated.
- Select a different frequency and click Apply.
Any time you adjust the frequency you should test how the touch screen is working and verify you are satisfied with the operation of the touch screen.
Test the touch screen by touching the screen in several places and sliding your finger around the screen. The cursor should hold steady and smooth. If you see erratic or jittery cursor movement, readjust the controller frequency. Adjust the frequency until your touch test produces acceptable results. A good test is to go to the Draw program and hold your finger steady on the screen. If the resulting pattern is not fuzzy then you have a good frequency.
It is recommended that you recalibrate the touch screen after using Stabilize
Cursor.
Hardware Tab
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NOTE: For USB controllers, no connection information is available. |
Use the Hardware tab to determine the basic system settings for your touch screen, select the baud rate, and restore system defaults.
The following controllers are supported in this version of TouchWare� software
- EX II controllers
- Serial/SMT series of controllers
- MT series of controllers
- TouchPen controller
- ThruGlass� controller
- USB controller
- MousePort controller
Firmware Version � These digits represent the version number and revision level of the touch screen controller firmware.
Touch Screen Status � Refers to whether or not the touch screen has been found and is operational. Possible messages include:
- OK � Touch Screen found and operational.
- Touch screen not found � The system could not detect the touch screen.
See Troubleshooting for more information
on this message.
Any other error messages indicate a hardware failure. See Troubleshooting for more information on this message.
Connection/Communication Port � Displays the COM port used for the touch screen hardware connection.
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NOTE: TouchWare software only works with COM ports configured, recognized, operational and supported by Windows at the time of install. |
If you have two serial devices operating together, such as a touch screen and a mouse, be sure each device uses a unique COM port and IRQ number. For example, the mouse can use COM1/IRQ4 and the touch screen can use COM2/IRQ3. Using the same COM port or IRQ creates device conflicts. The touch screen must have a unique IRQ; it cannot share an IRQ with another device. Use the Microsoft Hardware Conflict Troubleshooter (available in Windows Help) to try and resolve this problem.
Find Touch Screen � The software scans the available communication ports supported by Windows for a touch screen. Find Touch Screen searches the baud rates used by the touch screen. The software does the following:
- Tries to communicate with the touch screen controller.
- Waits for the touch screen controller to respond.
- Requests information about the touch screen and its controller.
If TouchWare� software does not find the touch screen, check that the touch screen is connected properly, and then repeat the search. For more information, see Troubleshooting. Note that this option cannot search any COM ports in use by other applications.
Verify that any previously loaded hardware or software (such as a mouse or modem) that used the same COM port as your touch screen has been uninstalled. Just because the hardware is disconnected does not mean that the software is not claiming the port. Ensure that all components are completely removed from the system files.
Select Baud Rate � The standard baud rate for 3M Touch Systems controllers is 9600, which is generally acceptable for most applications. You may also select 19200 (for TouchPen� controller only), 4800, 2400 or 1200 baud.
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NOTICE: The Select Baud Rate setting is not available for the ThruGlass controller or PS/2. If you change the baud rate, you could render your ThruGlass controller touch screen inoperable. |
About TouchWare� Software � Lists the version of TouchWare� software and its utilities currently installed on your computer. This information is particularly helpful if you need to call Technical Support.
Restore Defaults � This option is useful if you have reconfigured the software and need to get back to the original software settings.
You can restore the following settings:
- Cursor Visibility (On)
- Calibration style
- Touch Mode (Desktop) (In Multiple Monitor mode, the default is Click.)
- Touch Sound (Off)
- Double-click Speed and Area (Midrange)
- Advanced Touch Screen Settings
- Touch enabled
- Splash screen enabled
- Calibration reminder enabled
- Calibration verification enabled
- Linearization disabled (unless TP4)
- Noise filter disabled
- Diagnostic tools disabled
- Multiple monitor touch modes disabled (except for multiple monitors)
- Cursor Vertical Offset (Off)
- Edge Adjustment (Off)
- TouchPen� controller Mode (Pen/Finger)
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NOTE: This option does not restore calibration settings, frequency settings, or other controller parameters. |
Tools Tab

Use the Tools tab to perform basic touch screen diagnostic tests to optimize the performance of your touch screen. This tab is also the gateway to additional options and advanced touch screen settings.
Touch Screen Diagnostics
Draw � Lets you test the operation of the touch screen and pen by checking the accuracy and speed with which the system responds to your touch. To draw, simply touch the screen and drag your finger or pen. When using Desktop Mode, you must pause for the system to recognize touch before drawing.
The Draw program includes the following options:
- B (blank) � clears the screen and displays a blank drawing canvas.
- G (grid)� clears the screen and displays a grid that you can use as a drawing guide (default setting).
- L (line)� draws solid lines on the screen (default setting).
- D (dots) � draws dotted lines on the screen, where each dot represents a point reported by the touch screen.
- Space Bar � clears the screen instructions leaving the grid or a blank drawing area.
The Draw background reflects your desktop color scheme. You may experience problems if your desktop includes a light background, as the Draw grid lines are white and may be difficult to see. For best results, change your background color to a dark selection. Click Start � Settings � Control Panel � Display � Appearance.
Terminal � Allows you to send firmware commands directly to the touch screen controller and view touch position data sent from the controller.
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NOTE: Terminal mode is not available for USB controllers. |
Developers and support personnel can use firmware commands to initialize the controller, select operating or touch modes, specify data formats, and execute diagnostic functions. For a complete description of the available firmware commands, see your controller documentation.
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NOTICE: You do not need to use firmware commands in order to use your touch system. If you are not familiar with the use of firmware commands, do not use this option. Executing some commands may alter the performance of your touch screen or render it inoperable. |
Video Diagnostics � The Color Bars and Color Purity options let you test the monitor video output. These options do not test the touch screen. Typically, you do not need to use these options unless you are assembling or repairing touch screen monitors.
Advanced users may disable these video diagnostic tools using the Tools � Options � Advanced.
Color Bars � When you select the Color Bars option, TouchWare� software displays 15 bars that span the color spectrum from black to white.
When examining the colors, check the following items:
- Look at each color and ensure that it matches its description.
- Look at the edges of each color bar and ensure that it does not bleed at the edge or spread into other colors.
- If you notice problems, try adjusting the contrast and brightness controls on the monitor.
- If there are still problems with the video, you can continue to troubleshoot the problem by using the Color Purity option. Remember that bad video generally indicates a hardware problem with the monitor or video card, not the touch screen.
Color Purity � The Color Purity option lets you test each primary color individually. You can also test combinations of these colors to produce some of the same colors shown in the Color Bars option.
The advantage of the Color Purity option is that the color fills the screen. You can check a color for consistent appearance and saturation across the screen. See the following Color Table to learn how to produce each color by turning the color on or off. For example, turn on red and blue to view magenta, or turn on green and blue to view cyan. When viewing a color with the Color Purity option, look for the color to be uniform across all areas of the screen. Shading, shadows, and distortion in the color indicate there may be problems with the video.
Remember that video problems may indicate a problem with the monitor or video card, not the touch screen.
Color Table
| Color | Red | Green | Blue |
| Black | Off | Off | Off |
| Blue | Off | Off | On |
| Cyan | Off | On | On |
| Green | Off | On | Off |
| Magenta | On | Off | On |
| Red | On | Off | Off |
| Yellow | On | On | Off |
| White | On | On | On |
Touch Screen Linearization � Lets you test the linearization of the touch screen.
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NOTE: Touch Screen linearization is typically available for TouchPen� controller systems only. However, advanced users may enable linearization using the Tools � Options � Advanced. |
To perform a 25-point linearization of the touch screen surface:
- Make sure the video image is centered in the screen area using the horizontal and vertical controls.
- Open the TouchWare� software Control Panel and select the Tools tab.
- Click Linearize. This will bring up 25 linearization targets on the screen. A hand guides you through the linearization process pointing, in turn, to the next appropriate target.

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NOTE: If you press Escape or do not touch the touch screen within 20 seconds, the system automatically cancels the linearization process with no change to the current settings. |
- Touch the touch screen and position your fingertip to completely cover the yellow target. The area around the hand flashes. When the linearization completes, the message "Touch Enabled" appears.
When touching the target, make sure you
- Face the monitor directly.
- Perform the linearization in the position (sitting or standing) you expect to use the touch screen.
- Touch the target firmly and precisely with your fingertip. Be careful to keep your other fingers away from the touch screen as you touch the target.
- Repeat these instructions until all 25 targets have been touched.
- A dialog will ask if you wish to continue with this process. If so, the 25 targets are replaced with a set of 16 targets used to verify the linearization performed in steps 1 through 5.
- Repeat the previous process for each of these targets. This process automatically returns to the Control Panel once complete. If you are using a TouchPen� controller, repeat the linearization procedure with the pen. The accuracy numbers should be below 1.5%.
To test the accuracy of the linearization process, use the Draw program to draw some lines on the screen. Check that they are smooth and thin.
To exit this program at any time during the process, press Escape.
Touch Screen Options � The Touch Screen Options button enables functions added to the original TouchWare� software control panel. Using this dialog enables you to further customize TouchWare� software to suit your needs. Touch Screen Options include:
- Custom Touch Mode
- Site Defaults (for Windows NT users)
- Custom Touch Sound
- Advanced Touch Screen Settings

Custom Touch Mode � Custom Touch Mode provides three additional touch modes to the original Touch Modes found on the Touch Settings tab. Custom Touch Mode enables you to reconfigure how the third Touch Mode button works. If you choose a Custom Touch Mode (Click, Touchdown or Liftoff), the button name changes from "Button" to "Custom" on the Touch Settings tab. You must then select "Custom" to activate this choice.
- Button Mode (default)
- Click Mode
- Touchdown Mode
- Liftoff Mode
See the Touch Settings tab for the standard touch mode options.
Button Mode (default) � This option is exactly the same as Button Mode on the Touch Settings tab.
Click Mode � Click Mode provides button operation only. The touch screen sends a button-down, followed by a button-up to the operating system. Drawing or dragging is not supported in this mode.
Touchdown Mode � Touchdown Mode enables you to create an immediate button action as soon as you touch the screen. In Touchdown Mode, you cause a button down at the cursor location, with a short pause and then a button up. You can leave your finger on the screen but only a single touch is registered until you lift your finger off the screen and touch down again. Touching the screen is equivalent to pressing and releasing the mouse button. The action occurs as soon as you touch the screen. This mode is best for button based applications (like a calculator). Drawing or dragging is not supported in this mode.
Liftoff Mode � Liftoff Mode enables you to position the cursor where you want before creating a button action. In Liftoff Mode, the cursor follows your finger for more accurate touch. When you want to select an item, lifting your finger off the screen causes a button down, short pause, and then a button up to occur. Touching the screen is equivalent to moving the mouse position. The button down/button up action occurs when you remove your finger from the screen. This mode is useful for applications requiring greater accuracy because it lets you carefully position the cursor prior to acting on it. Drawing or dragging is not supported in this mode.
Site Defaults � The Site Defaults option (for Windows 2000 and Windows NT serial controller administrators only) enables you to restore system defaults to either your Current Settings (site-specific) or the original Factory Settings when you select Restore Defaults from the Hardware tab. This option does not restore calibration or frequency settings.
Custom Touch Sound � This option enables you to set the exact pitch and duration of the touch sound selected on the Touch Settings tab.
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NOTE: If you have selected No Beep on the Touch Settings tab, this option is disabled. |
Touch Orientation � This is an information-only icon. The Touch Orientation option is included for advanced users who alter the orientation of the touch screen in custom installations. This orientation (or direction of the sensor mounted in the monitor) is determined the first time calibration is run. Once TouchWare software is installed, the calibration program automatically determines the correct sensor positioning. The touch screen icon illustrates how your sensor is placed in your monitor. The white target indicates the location of the upper left corner of the touch screen. Standard installation of the touch screen sensor matches this upper left corner point to the monitor.
Advanced Touch Screen Settings � Allows you to set the following options.
- Disable Touch
- Touch Sensivity
- Calibration Style
- Software Settings
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NOTICE: Executing the Advanced Touch Screen options may alter the performance of your touch screen or render it inoperable. You should be aware of expected results before executing any option. If you are not familiar with the outcome of these settings, you should not be using these options. |
Disable Touch � This option allows you to disable touch functionality. The only way to restore touch is with a keyboard or mouse. This setting remains in effect until you reboot your computer.
Touch Sensitivity � The configuration process sets the default sensitivity that, in most cases, is appropriate for your touch screen. However, you can change this setting manually if you are not satisfied with the response of the touch screen.
- If the controller responds or the cursor moves before you actually touch the screen, you should decrease the sensitivity.
- If you need to press hard or use more than one finger in order to activate a touch, you should increase the sensitivity.
Calibration Style � The calibration process aligns the touch screen with the underlying video. Specifically, calibration defines the dimensions of the active area of the touch screen and locates the center of the touch screen. If the screen is improperly calibrated, the active area of the touch screen may not be aligned or may be unnecessarily small in size. Once you calibrate for each video resolution, the information is saved by the touch screen. Therefore, you do not need to calibrate the touch screen each time you start your system.
TouchWare� software provides two choices for calibration style:
- 2-point calibration is recommended for capacitive touch screens.
- 4-point calibration is recommended for resistive touch screens.
Software Settings � These options are intended for use by advanced users attempting to streamline the installation of TouchWare software on many systems at a time. These settings are not intended for use by individual users.
- Enable Noise Filter � Sse to correct grounding problems.
- Enable Linearization � Activates 25-point linearization for use when viewable/touchable area is smaller than full screen.
- Disable Splash Screen � Enabled on startup for advanced users.
- Disable Calibration Reminder � Allows users to turn off the automatic calibration reminder message (recomended for advanced users).
- Disable Calibration Verification � Allows users to turn off the automatic calibration and linearization verification messages (recomended for advanced users).
- Disable Calibration Update � Disables automatic updating of calibration data in the controller whenever there is a change to the monitor resolution.
- Enable Video Diagnostic Tools � Allows users to turn on color testing.
- Enable Touch Modes � Allows users to turn on additional touch modes in a multiple monitor setup.
TouchPen Options
The pen works in much the same way as a mouse regardless of the Touch Mode setting. Touching the screen with a pen is equivalent to pressing and holding down the left mouse button. Lifting the pen off the screen is equivalent to releasing the mouse button. Touch Sound is disabled when using the pen (no beep on touch).
Certain pens come with a button which can be used for right-clicks. To right-click, press and hold the button while you touch the screen. After touching the screen, quickly lift the pen and release the button.
From the Pen tab, select one of the TouchPen� mode buttons using the mouse, a pen, your finger, or the appropriate shortcut key.
Note the TouchPen� mode is immediately active. For example, if you select Pen Only, the system recognizes only the pen as a touch device. You cannot use your finger to make a selection. You can still use shortcut keys or the mouse to select an option.
The system saves the TouchPen� mode so that the next time you turn on
the computer,
the selected TouchPen� mode is active.
Pen/Finger Mode � The system recognizes both pen and finger touches on the screen. This mode is the default mode for TouchPen� controllers.
If the system detects both pen and finger touches at the same time, it gives the pen higher priority and acknowledges only the pen touches. This priority prevents accidental touches from your finger or hand being interpreted as input. If you are using the pen and you lift the pen from the screen, the system does not recognize finger (or hand) touch until after a system-defined time delay. If a finger or hand is on the screen when the pen lifts off, the system ignores the finger or hand until you lift off and touch the screen again. For example, if you rest your hand on the screen while you write with the pen, you can lift the pen and put it back again without your hand touch being acknowledged.
You must calibrate the touch screen twice (once with your finger and once with the pen) if you are using Pen/Finger mode.
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NOTE: Changing the TouchPen� controller mode setting can optimize the performance of the touch screen. In Pen/Finger mode, the TouchPen� controller checks for input from either a pen or a finger. The controller always gives priority to the pen. Therefore, if you are not currently using the pen for your touch application, use Finger Only mode for optimum performance. |
Pen Only Mode � The system recognizes only pen touches on the screen. The system ignores finger touches on the screen.
Finger Only Mode � The system recognizes only finger touches on the screen. The system ignores pen touches on the screen.
Stabilize Cursor for Finger and TouchPen� Controller � If you are using pen/finger mode when you select Stabilize Cursor from the Cursor tab, a dialog box appears asking if you want to adjust the frequency for pen or finger. The recommended frequency setting may be different for the pen and the finger; therefore you must adjust each input method independently. You could find that the performance of one touch method is acceptable, while another touch method may need stabilization.
Test TouchPen� Controller � Touch in the designated test area to sample draw mode and to determine if the selected TouchPen� controller mode is working.





