Multi-object, multi-user, extremely expensive

Jan 28, 2008 14:39 GMT  ·  By

Touch-screen lovers, rejoice! The MultiTouch technology is here and seems to be the next form of interaction between us, the flesh and bone users and our machines. The new interaction type comprises an input and an output device, while other conventional input devices, such as mouse or keyboard, have been stripped down.

This entire new form of interaction has preserved the basics of touch-screen technology and operation, but at the same time, it is more versatile than a normal Touch Screen. For instance, the Lumin MultiTouch terminal allows the user to rotate, move and resize images using the hand alone. Moreover, since we have to deal with a MultiTouch, the device accepts multiple input from different users at the same time.

The Lumin MultiTouch system features a large screen size that allows the users to take advantage of all the possible hand movements, touches and strokes. The intuitive touch screen allows interaction, just like Apple's new iPhone does. The 42-inch display can work at a maximum resolution of 1024 x 768 and is powered by a Mini Mac.

Although the device might resemble Microsoft's Surface computer, since it can perform the same tasks the same way, its underlying technology is totally different. While Surface identifies hand movement through its 5 infrared cameras, the Lumin screen is based on the resistive touch. The display is somewhat similar to the LG. Philips technology that has been showcased during this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

If you want to get it home for your friends' entertainment, you may contact the company and settle for a price (the actual price per unit is "undisclosed", which reads "darn expensive"). Once you get it, remember that it is not the Surface computer, so avoid serving drinks directly on it hoping for a few bubbles to pop up under the glass. This may be the last thing your display will ever show.