Abstract: A system for recognizing touch positions along a coordinate axis on a surface associated with a touch control apparatus comprises a substrate having a surface capable of propagating surface acoustic waves and is so characterized that a touch on that surface causes a partial absorption of energy of a surface wave passing through the region of touch. An input surface wave transducer coupled to the surface launches a burst of surface waves on the surface in a first direction parallel to the axis. An output surface wave transducer coupled to the surface receives the burst of surface waves. A first surface wave reflecting arrangement derives wave components from the launched wave and reflects them across the surface to a second wave reflecting arrangement that redirects the reflected components in a direction opposited the first direction.