meet.able

TECHNICAL

A Set of functional Requirements

1. Multipoint: Detects multiple, simultaneous touches.

2. User identification: Detects which user is touching the table.

3. Debris Tolerant: Objects left on the surface do not interfere with normal operation.

4. Durable: Able to withstand normal use without frequent repair or re-calibration. Should be a minimal maintainance unit.  Since the table is an everyday object, low maintainance will be critical to its acceptance. {Jonas Trümper, 2007, “Human-Computer Interaction” im SS 2007 an der TU Berlin}

5. Unencumbered: No additional devices should be required for use – e.g. no special stylus, body transmitters, etc.

6. Inexpensive to manufacture.

7. No power button or booting process.

Hardware

This is not a detailed set of instructions for building the table.  We can, however, make some suggestions where you can start.

Basic Multitouch Table

The Do-It-Yourself Way:

A good place to start is here:

THE NATURAL USER INTERFACE GROUP

The two basic hardware technologies used are a) Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) and b) Diffused Illumination (DI).

You can find lots! of information in the NUIgroup Wiki

Prebuilt Solutions:

Manufacturers of ready-to-use tables include:

MT Cell

Perceptive Pixel

User Recognition

Hardware supporting user recognition is available from:

Diamond Touch

via the pens (Anoto)

Software

The Resting Hand Gesture

Hand Recognition