In modern classrooms, training centers, and collaborative workspaces, an interactive whiteboard is no longer just a display—it is the core interaction platform. Writing, annotating, dragging, and multi-user collaboration must feel instant and natural.

Yet in the market, performance is often reduced to a single number:

“20 points, 40 points, 50 points… the higher, the better.”

On paper, higher touch-point counts look impressive. In real-world usage, however, touch quality is defined by stability, precision, latency control, and algorithm optimization, not theoretical maximum inputs.

At Qtenboard, where interactive whiteboards are engineered and tested daily, we see a clear pattern: systems optimized for real usage consistently outperform those designed for headline specifications.

This article explains the engineering behind infrared (IR) touch technology, clarifies common misconceptions about multi-touch counts, and explores how thoughtful system design leads to better user experience.

Infrared (IR) touch is the dominant solution for large-format interactive whiteboards, typically from 65" to 110" and beyond.

Instead of sensing electrical properties like capacitive systems, IR touch creates an invisible grid of infrared beams across the display. A touch interrupts these beams, and the controller calculates the touch position.

• Works with fingers, gloves, styluses, or pointers

• No pressure required for detection

• Independent of glass or panel thickness

• Scales efficiently to large sizes

• Reliable for multi-user environments

For large interactive whiteboards, IR provides stable group interaction without the cost and scalability limits of large PCAP panels.

An infrared frame is a precision opto-electronic system—not just a sensor border.

• Industrial-grade LEDs (850–940 nm) for stable output

• Controlled spacing for accurate resolution

• Strict alignment for uniform detection

The controller defines real performance. High-quality systems enable:

• Noise filtering

• Palm and pen rejection

• Conflict resolution for multi-touch inputs

• Ghost-point suppression

Mechanical precision matters:

• High flatness prevents dead zones

• Tight tolerances ensure edge responsiveness

• Stable assembly prevents drift over time

True performance comes from system integration, not component count.

Touch points represent the maximum simultaneous inputs a system can detect.

However, higher counts introduce trade-offs:

• Denser beam grids increase signal overlap

• Processing demand rises

• Risk of false touches grows

• Real scenarios rarely exceed 10–15 touches

Key insight: A stable 20–40 point system often delivers a better experience than an unstable 80-point configuration.

PCAP excels on smaller, precision-focused panels. IR is optimized for large collaborative screens.

Infrared touch enables:

• Stable multi-user interaction

• Tool flexibility (gloves, styluses)

• Lower maintenance cost

• Consistent long-term performance

These advantages are critical in high-traffic environments like schools and training centers.

As a manufacturer, Qtenboard optimizes systems based on real use cases:

• Adjustable touch points (20–80)

• Custom LED spacing & scan rates

• Algorithm tuning for handwriting and rejection

• Integration with various panel structures

Each system is tuned for its environment, not just standardized for marketing.

Writing quality depends on:

• Algorithm optimization

• Sampling rate

• Controller latency

• Panel alignment

Not touch-point count.

IR offers stable multi-user collaboration across large surfaces, while PCAP offers ultra-smooth single-user precision.

IR touch performs well under varied conditions:

• Gloves and stylus support

• High interaction frequency

• Simple maintenance

PCAP may be affected by moisture, costlier repairs, and stylus limits.

For public and educational spaces, IR remains more robust.

Q1: Can IR exceed 50 points?
Yes, for OEM projects.

Q2: Why recommend 20–50 points?
Because stability outweighs theoretical maximums.

Q3: Do more points improve writing?
No—algorithms and latency matter more.

Q4: Size recommendations?
≤55" PCAP | ≥55" IR

Q5: Glove support?
Yes—one of IR’s strengths.

Great interactive whiteboards are engineered systems, not spec-sheet contests.

By focusing on:

• Size-appropriate technology

• Balanced touch-point design

• Algorithm optimization

• Mechanical precision

Qtenboard delivers interactive whiteboards built for real users and real environments.

For classrooms and collaboration spaces, stability, responsiveness, and reliability always matter more than headline numbers.

That is the Qtenboard engineering philosophy.

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