build a multi-touch table

This fall I am beginning my research by, well, researching interface design and implementations across the entire spectrum of the area. My goal is to propose a conceptual link between progressive interface design and a sort of “absolute” or “optimal” degree of usability that becomes intuitive for anyone.

Once the research is done, I am tentatively planning the lofty goal of getting and RFID chip implanted in my right hand for a research project in the spring. Finally I hope to get a large grant for the summer and build a multi-touch table finally. Only catch is that when I leave the university, the damn thing stays at the university >_< But at least I’ll be able to say I did it.

I’ve convinced the campus computer club to take on this idea. A proposal is being drafted this weekend with a bill of materials I’ve created, and if approved we’ll be scouring the area for sponsors and finances…should be pretty much amazing.

I have set into motion this project. I am building a small prototype at home from a cardboard box and an acrylic sheet, then I’ll get a webcam and some IR lasers are get the thing working. Once this is done, I should be able to get funding from my university (or one in another city if it comes to it) which I can use to build a large scale professional looking one.

My real goal with this project is to create a tangible interface for which I can develop musical interfaces, the likes of which has never been done before (modular, reconfigurable, simple, abstracted, well…you’ll just have to see later!)