With the planned introduction early 2008 Microsoft fosters the final breakthrough of a special variant of human-machine interaction - the so-called multi-touch interface. An intuitive digital data handling seems to be possible.
History of the multi-touch interfaces
Research in multi-touch systems is done since the early 1980s. In various research layouts at universities and major corporations the technology was developed. According to Microsoft, the first Surface prototypes were put in an Ikea table in 2001. Since then, about 80 more prototypes of the Surface were built. A very good overview of the historical development stages shows the site of Bill Buxton.
Structure of the Microsoft Surface
It uses a standard PC with Microsoft Vista, five infrared sensors and a DLP-projector, which projects the picture from the bottom of the table. With the infrared sensors the touching is registered. Further details about the technical design at popularmechanics.
technical structure of the Microsoft Surface
Unlike a conventional touch-screen, Surface recognizes the movements of several fingers. Therefore several people can work at the same time on the Microsoft Surface. Microsoft calls this feature "Multi-User Experience". Using "Object Recognition" the Surface recognizes items placed on it.
The system is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, to exchange data with mobile phones or digital cameras. In future, RFID or NFC should also be in use.
the Surface as an interface for data exchange of mobile devices (youtube video)
Initial applications
Microsoft delivers the Surface early 2008 only to business customers like casinos or hotels. At T-Mobile USA the Surface should be used as a tool to support sales of mobile phones. The price will be in a range from 5,000 to 10,000 US dollars.
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