Blog of Wishes

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL) DiamondTouch table is the world’s first multi-user touch technology, allowing multiple people to work simultaneously, and the system knows who is who. DiamondTouch also supports rich gesture inputs, and it is debris tolerant (meaning that you can put your coffee cup on the table – no problem). This makes DiamondTouch a useful tool for supporting small group collaborative activities.

Currently the DiamondTouch table is available commercially only as a developer’s kit and includes: a selection of demonstration applications; a mouse emulator with onscreen keyboard to support common Windows applications; and a Software Developer’s Kit allowing the development of new software applications that support gesture inputs and multiple simultaneous users.

What is the objective

Computers are good at facilitating collaboration between people in remote locations. However, when people are in the same place at the same time, computers tend to get in the way. DiamondTouch supports small group collaboration by providing a display interface that allows users to maintain eye contact while interacting with the display simultaneously (i.e., without having to take turns). DiamondTouch was first created in 2001 as an experimental multi-user interface device. Over the past few years, MERL has manufactured about 100 DiamondTouch tables, lending them to universities and research organizations around the world.

Technical Discussion

DiamondTouch is front-projected and uses an array of antennas embedded in the touch surface. Each antenna transmits a unique signal. Each user has a separate receiver, connected to the user capacitively, typically through the user’s chair. When a user touches the surface, antennas near the touch point couple an extremely small amount of signal through the user’s body and to the receiver. This unique touch technology supports multiple touches by a single user (e.g., two handed touch gestures) and distinguishes between simultaneous inputs from multiple users. DiamondTouch tables are available in two sizes (32″ diagonal and 42″ diagonal display), while custom sizes and shapes are available on spec.

DiamondTouch Features
– Multiple simultaneous users
– Ability to distinguish who is who
– Rich gesture inputs
– Operation with objects on table
– Choice of 32″ or 42″ diagonal surface
– Control of any Windows software using mouse emulator
– Tools for developers to write multi-user, gesture-activated applications
with SDK and open API

Developer???‚?„?s Kit includes
The developer’s kit includes the DiamondTouch hardware and drivers, plus a software developer’s kit (SDK) that supports application development in Java, C, C++, .NET and ActiveX. We will include a few demonstration applications, as well as a Windows mouse emulator or DTmouse. With DTmouse and access to a pop-up on-screen keyboard, you can drive Windows applications out of the box. If you want multi-user capabilities or gesture inputs, you can use the SDK to develop application software. The DiamondTouch developer’s kit does not include a projector – you can use your own or you can purchase one from us. You will need to have the projection image aimed down onto the DiamondTouch table. Here again, you can purchase a floor stand and mounting bracket, or you can use something of your own design.

Pricing of the DiamondTouch
– DT81 (32″) developer’s kit* – $9,500

– DT107 (42″) developer’s kit* – $12,500
– Mitsubishi XD60U DLP projector – $2,300
– Mitsubishi XD490U DLP projector – $3,400
* There is no DLP projector included in the kits!

See MERL DiamondTouch in action

General features demo of DiamondTouch

Demonstration video of DiamondTouch working with GoogleEarth

And DiamondTouch when used for gaming with Warcraft 3

– Get more information about MERL DiamondTouch
– Download DiamondTouch product spec sheet in PDF