History
Multi-touch technology was conceptualised in Toronto University in 1972. Until today, through numerous trials and projects to develop a sound product with multi-touch technology by various institutions and universities, only a non-functional prototype was produced.
1960:Development of touch screens began over the late 60s.
1971:By the end of 1971, though susceptible to neither multiple foci nor pressure, some techniques were developed. These first trials
were on a 16x16 matrix format.
1981: A rather more intelligent surface on a 8x8 matrix format, that can determine both shape and position was able to perceive the
shape of the object on it, as well as demonstrating the shape with a simple column graphic.
1982:For the first time, opaline glass was monitored by a camera and processed by software.
1983:The first system to perceive hand movement was developed. Certain pre-defined movement from the database were observed and
processed.
1984:First virtual touch screens were developed (not a tablet or surface). A surface covered by capacitive matrixes was able to perceive
the pixel touched and processed this action. Today, kiosks still operate with this principle without complications.
1985:The first multi touch tablet perceived both the position and intensity of the pixel touched. Capacitive matrixes were used here once
again, making this alternative a finer product as optical monitoring was no longer a necessity.
Sensor-Frame: this technique enabled tracing and processing of overhead finger movements, however, shadows and other physical
defects prevented this technique from being functional.
1986:Trials on control began with two tablettes, one marking the desired location and the other either dragging or designating the desired
location. This technique did not prove to be functional.
1991:The innovative idea of rendering lcd pixels susceptible to incoming stimuli besides projecting display was propagated.
Digital table: For the first time, activities on images (marking, touching etc) were optically and acoustically processed with frontal
projection.
1992:The first mobile phone that operated with single point sensitive touch screens and was launched, together with a device that could
be used alongside with the regular mouse, specialised at scaling and positioning in graphics applications.
1995/1997:Reverse projection technique was developed in Toronto University with the help of certain applications.
1999:The product named Portfolio Wall was launched, which, though was not entirely a multi touch product, could operate simple fingertip
processes.
2002:Smart Skin technology made perception of human hand movement, as well as calculation of their distance apart possible; the
underlying technique once again being capacitive matrixes.
2004:Hand movement based interaction was introduced together with image processing with reverse projection. This technique is the first
one to be both sensitive to multi user/touch and function on the same point as the image itself.
Since 2004, further improvements have been made on techniques in hand, bearing technological advancement. Nevertheless,
software and hardware constitute the major constraint on continuing studies.
There are four reasons behind the delay in the debut of multi-touch screens:
- Non-existing flow system for necessary hardware
- Lack of specific software
- Technologic deficiencies
- Shortfall of R&D institutions engaged in developing a functioning multi-touch screen, resulting in low rate efficiency.