Build Your Own Multitouch Surface Computer. It all started while we were researching an article on future user interfaces. Touch interfaces are hardly futuristic at this point, but multi-touch hardware like the Microsoft Surface or the iPhone is just starting to become a big deal, and we decided to see what big things are going on in that field. What we found that surprised us the most wasn’t anything about the future of multitouch; it was about something that people are doing right now. There is, it turns out, a whole community of very smart folks out there on the internet perfecting the art of building DIY multi-touch surfaces. The process isn’t exactly simple, but the results we saw were stunning: multitouch surfaces with responsiveness rivaling Microsoft’s $12,000 offering, built in a garage on a shoestring budget. And so we did. First, some acknowledgments are in order. The Theory Before we can get into the actual, physical construction of the table, it’s important to understand just how it works.
The Screen The Acrylic 1. 2. RandallJones_MSc_FINAL2.pdf (Objet application/pdf) Mini-Multitouch Interface. This Instructable shows you how to create a mini-multitouch interface out of simple parts you can order online or purchase at a typical construction/hardware store. Multitouch interfaces are surfaces that can register multiple 'touch points' at the same time, meaning users can use natural hand movements to manipulate digital objects.
Most multitouch systems also project the screen image onto the touch surface, making interaction more intuitive. Since big multitouch systems are expensive to build, this instructable teaches you how to build a simpler and smaller multitouch system for $50-150 using easy to find parts. A Mini-Multitouch. Mini-Multitouch works by the same principles as larger systems, and is handy for all sorts of hack-ish or art-ish uses (think fingerpainting, music-by-touch, or other gesture-based interactions). Enjoy! Difficulty: Intermediate (or intrepid beginner). How to Make a Cheap Multitouch Pad. ALL HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE UPDATES WILL BE MADE ON MY BLOG: What's a MTmini? A Multitouch Mini, MTmini for short, is a cheap, small, portable multitouch pad. It can be used for all different purposes including: drawing, OS navigation, multitouch operation, games, entertainment, experimentation, and more.
I created the Multitouch Mini to show people how something that seems complicated or 'magical' can be made simply and at low cost. The MTmini uses the "Front Diffused Illumination" multitouch technique, with normal ambient light (infrared not required or needed) and a normal off-the-shelf webcam (IR filter can still be in place). -Parts List- Box (ie. -How's it Work and What Conditions are Necessary? When you place your fingers on the surface, shadows are created where your fingers are placed. All you need is a room with (at least) some light; a dark room will not work. -More Informatio including Software, Applications and More At- NOR_/D TouchKit. Nortd Labs' TouchKit is a modular multitouch development solution with the aim to make multitouch readily available in an open source approach. The system is comprised of software and hardware components. For both we provide the source files and welcome you to use, study, and appropriate the code and schematics for your work or projects (of course, giving us credit won't hurt your nerdcred either).
We are interested in TouchKit being a plug-and-play solution for simple projects and an easily extendable base for experimental and cutting-edge endeavors. Created by NOR_/D Labs.