This article describes how Infrared touch technology works

Infrared technology (IR) uses a small frame around the display with LEDs and photoreceptors on opposite sides, hidden behind an IR-transparent bezel

• The controller suquentially pulses the LEDs to create a grid of IR light beams.
• A touch obstructs one or more of the beams which identifies the X and Y coordinates

Benefits

• HID-Compliant (no drivers needed) 
• Low profile, high resolution 
• No parallax 
• Highest clarity
• High durability, vandal resistance, and safety 
• Sealable from contaminants 
• Operates in extreme environments  

Applications 

• Food processing
• Industrial automation
• Medical equipment
• In-vehicle and transportation
• Point-of-sale (POS) terminals
• Digital Signage