Comments on: Touchkit – IR multitouch screen

By: RT (Panzer Time!)

RT (Panzer Time!) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:34:57 +0000

Well if I had one it would seem really useful as a control panel for a home-automation system. Like I could use it to display and control the status of all the lights and vents and door locks in my house. I guess I could do that with a regular touchscreen too, but I’d think a 60 inch multitouch that could be used for that and as a television (hey, it’s just a regular projector, right?) would be more worth the cost than a 60 inch capacitive touchscreen, assuming they make such things. It also seems like a multitouch would come in handy for presentations, like showing guests my photography. Or schematics. Or I could just use it to fulfill my fantasy of giving a bunch of elite assault storm troopers a pre-mission briefing.

By: blackice

blackice — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:15:15 +0000

@brian: What song is that? Sounds almost old school prodigy-ish

By: Mowcius

Mowcius — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:14:00 +0000

I think that the multitouch display does have some uses:

For multiple users interacting with one large display
Spoiling the fun of painting for future kids
.....
and that's about it

Multi touch displays are mostly about the shiny new tech aspect. I have to admit that they are cool but I think if I had one then the cool, fun part would soon wear off and I'd be wondering why I'd spent all my cash on something I'm hardly going to use.

By: digital.wraith

digital.wraith — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:47:46 +0000

i agree with [twistedsymphony]. This is a great proof-of-concept, like the ones before it, but at this point enough with the shiny. I’d like to see someone find and apply practical uses for this. Seriously, fingerpainting was much more fun because you’d actually get paint everywhere. =P

By: RT (Panzer Time!)

RT (Panzer Time!) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:41:48 +0000

cos it’s crazy awesome.

By: twistedsymphony

twistedsymphony — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:57:06 +0000

Much like the Wii remote, I don't see multi-touch very interesting beyond a tech demo... I move most efficiently with my fingers across the keyboard, I can be more productive using the keyboard as opposed to a mouse because the movements are smaller and more direct.

why would I want to replace minute direct finger movements with using both my arms to do the same work?

I can see some use for it in particular applications, if you're doing photo work or maybe 3D work (though a SpaceBall for 3D is even better than this IMO) but for web browsing, sending documents and emails, even for video games... 90% of the things people use computers for I don't see any benefit to multi-touch over a keyboard and mouse.

I guess I don't understand why people are swooning for this stuff.

By: Bryan Riabs

Bryan Riabs — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:43:30 +0000

I love this song. One of my all time Favs.

By: MRE

MRE — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:43:16 +0000

response is a has a lot to do with the camera setup and software involved as well.

To say "this screen method is way more responsive than that screen method" is a bit overhyping.

Certainly, the screen is a very important component, but it is only one of three main components. not to mention the fact that, in reality, the screen provides absolutely *no* response. it doesn't *respond* to anything. ie-it is the *passive* component in the system. thus, there is no measurement known to man that can quantify its 'response'

the quality of ir illumination within the screen will certainly affect performance, but to evaluate the responsiveness of the *screen itself* is a a gross misrepresentation of the technology.

a lot like saying that the fat wing on the back makes my car go faster.

say 'the power of ir illumination, combined with the evenness throughout, provides a superior surface for the camera and software to respond to, improving performance.'

By: Vlado

Vlado — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:27:25 +0000

http://www.nuigroup.com/forums , it’s a community for multitouch displays , you cand find guides on how to make one of these for less than 200$ and it’s way more responsive.

They are using FTIR with no composite surface , DI and Laser Light Plane tehnique are way more responsive.

By: abs

abs — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:58:14 +0000

this thing is mad reactive, I saw it in person and its totally responsive.

By: Leif902

Leif902 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:40:10 +0000

Or, for 40 bucks you could imitate Johnny Lee and build one out of a Wii Remote. Take your pick.