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).
This Instructable is being submitted as part of the "Win a Laser Cutter" contest on behalf of Make:Philly, in the hope that we might be able to kick off the creation of our new community workspace with the introduction of a shiny new laser cutter :)
Enjoy!
Difficulty: Intermediate (or intrepid beginner). Requires basic knowledge of soldering, use of hacksaw and utility knife, software installation, and following software tutorials. Passing familiarity with these topics and a willingness to learn will get you through this Instructable!
Build Time: 8-10 hours for an expert in above topics; 16-20 hours for beginner/intermediate.
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).
This Instructable is being submitted as part of the "Win a Laser Cutter" contest on behalf of Make:Philly, in the hope that we might be able to kick off the creation of our new community workspace with the introduction of a shiny new laser cutter :)
Enjoy!
Difficulty: Intermediate (or intrepid beginner). Requires basic knowledge of soldering, use of hacksaw and utility knife, software installation, and following software tutorials. Passing familiarity with these topics and a willingness to learn will get you through this Instructable!
Build Time: 8-10 hours for an expert in above topics; 16-20 hours for beginner/intermediate.
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Signing UpStep 1: Parts and preparation
Step one: get your parts! Below, you will find recommendations on where to purchase items from the materials list.
Tools:
hacksaw
knife
cordless drill and drill bits
soldering iron
T-Square
Materials:
Webcam (Phillips SP900 Recommended) - Available for purchase on the web
Windows PC (sorry Atari, the vvvv toolkit is Windows-only.)
4.3 x 4.3 mm Infrared (aka nightvision) lens - Available for purchase on the web
Infrared LED's (SFH485 recommended) - available from digikey.
A power supply (output 3.3v DC at 220mA recommended) - Available at most hobby/craft shops
Fast setting crazy glew (any brand, and get it in a brush on bottle) - Available at most hobby/craft shops
Sandpaper, 400 grit and 800 grit - Available at hardware store
Brass Polish - Available at hardware store
8 x 10 sheet of Lexan standard thickness (0.85) - Available at hardware store
8ft strip of "Tile Divider" - Available at hardware store
A cardboard box, at least 1.5 feet tall on one side (we used 1.5' x 1' x 1') - Available at hardware store (or just laying around!)
Small bits of wire. If you don't have wire laying around, get a small spool of 20 or 22 gauge wire, in both red and black.- Available at most electronics/hobby shops
Tools:
hacksaw
knife
cordless drill and drill bits
soldering iron
T-Square
Materials:
Webcam (Phillips SP900 Recommended) - Available for purchase on the web
Windows PC (sorry Atari, the vvvv toolkit is Windows-only.)
4.3 x 4.3 mm Infrared (aka nightvision) lens - Available for purchase on the web
Infrared LED's (SFH485 recommended) - available from digikey.
A power supply (output 3.3v DC at 220mA recommended) - Available at most hobby/craft shops
Fast setting crazy glew (any brand, and get it in a brush on bottle) - Available at most hobby/craft shops
Sandpaper, 400 grit and 800 grit - Available at hardware store
Brass Polish - Available at hardware store
8 x 10 sheet of Lexan standard thickness (0.85) - Available at hardware store
8ft strip of "Tile Divider" - Available at hardware store
A cardboard box, at least 1.5 feet tall on one side (we used 1.5' x 1' x 1') - Available at hardware store (or just laying around!)
Small bits of wire. If you don't have wire laying around, get a small spool of 20 or 22 gauge wire, in both red and black.- Available at most electronics/hobby shops
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short answer - yes.
one problem - working out how your going to hold multiple IR-emitting pens in one hand. this of course opens up the possiblility for a multi-touch display without an actual box. you could simply wave the pens around in the air in front of an IR camera, and have the pointers show on a monitor.
http://youshare.co.uk/iphoneworld/form1211626325.php
it will then give the file name as 'FH1S374F3KMNVOY.tmp' just go ahead and save to the desktop, or note where you saved it to.
when its downloaded just rename it to Touch_demo_3.v4p and you should be good to go :-)
Also many thanks for the instructible it's fascinating how many ways people are going about this, I had contacted a london based company that specialises in bar's to try and buy their system but their customer service has been so poor, I decided to research further and found this and many other far more exciting ideas. It's not so difficult and I'll get exactly what i want, so now instead of buying I'm going to build!!!
I'm off to the shed, and I won't be back till breakfast :-D
http://ledcalculator.net/
For my 8in x10in demo, I used 5 LED's and it worked great. An LED every 2 inches or so works for small boards, I can't recommend something for board over 15in or so, since I've not built one yet.