Surface Computing/

Seamless Interface

Elaine Bain
DMS 546
 Surface Computing
• 2001: Microsoft researchers Steve Bathiche and Andy Wilson
developed idea of an interactive table
• 2003: 1st prototype was presented to Bill Gates for approval
• 2007: Interactive tabletop device was built that seamlessly
brings both the physical and virtual worlds into one
• The table is built with wireless devices using Bluetooth and
WI-FI technology (RIFD-Radio Frequency Identification will
come later)
• Designed to match up with wireless objects placed on the table
• Multitouch screen is used like the technology behind the iPhone
(no keyboard or mouse needed)

Note: There were 85 prototypes built before the final coffee table
look was established
 Surface Computing

• Touch based graphical user interface

• Dynamic interface that can recognize multiple objects that are
placed on the surface and distinguish the difference between
them- two cell phones to compare features or prices
• Allows manipulation and direct control of digital content like
photos- which can be resized bigger or smaller instantly with the
touch of a finger(s)
• Uses multipoint sensors on the surface to recognize many
points of contact so many people can use it at one time
 Surface Computing

• Surface technology attributes

– Direct Interaction: interacting with touch instead
of a keyboard or mouse
– Multitouch: several points of contact at once
– Multiuser: many users collaborating at one time
– Object Recognition: physical objects have tags
to recognize and trigger different responses
 Software/Hardware

• Microsoft operating system of Vista

• Intel dual core processor backed by 2GB of RAM
• 256MB video card
• 5 video infared cameras
• 30 inch screen 1024 x 768 resolution (sits 21 inches off ground)
• DLP projector

• Each unit will cost between $5,000 - $10,000 currently

 Diagram by Intoaroute

• Multitouch Screen
• Infared LED light source- multipule cameras net resolution
1280 x 960
• CPU- Central Processing Unit
• Projector- DLP light engine (like the ones in HDTV’s)
resolution 1024 x 768 pixels
Technology

• Demonstration of the
multitouch screen with the
use of an object- paintbrush
to simulate painting a picture

• Surface technology using an

object with a tag- wineglass
placed on surface to bring
up other information about
this particular wine
 Technology
• This new technology will be used first as an entertainment commodity in
hotels, restaurants and retail venues
• It will be initially launched at Harrah’s hotel in Las Vegas, Starwood
Hotels and T-mobile.
• Restaurant uses- see a virtual menu on screen and order right from the
table your beverages and food selections then split the bill and pay
electronically at the same time by putting your card on the surface.
• Hotel uses- conceirge services for guests to look up a theater in the area
and order tickets, pull up a map on how to get there and download the
directions and the tickets into your cell phone or mobile device
• T-mobile stores- can place two cell phones on the surface and compare
the different price points and features, experiment with ring tones and
look at plans then program the phone to your liking and have it all set to
use before you walk out of the store
• Video puzzle- use clear tiles on the surface and each tile has a moving
piece of the puzzle that you have to match up with other pieces while the
picture(video) is in perpetual motion on the tiles
 Positive vs Negative
Positive
• Multi users- collaborative effort of
users interacting
• Seamless- no wires or USB ports
• Instant download/upload of photos
• Users have more control of
technology- ordering food or
manipulating photos fast
• Educational- learn more info
about the products you are
using
Negative
• Not portable- table has to stay put
• Must own devices such as a cell
phone to upload photos into or
share with others
• Have to be careful of table surface
to not damage it
• Very expensive to own
• Tailored to high end clients
 Videos

“The Possibilities”
http://www.microsoft.com/surface/videos.html#gid=demos&vid=d3

“Access Points”
http://www.microsoft.com/surface/videos.html#gid=team&vid=t1
 Works Cited

Derene, Glenn, “Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look” July 2007 Popular Mechanics.
< http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4217348.htm>, diagram drawing by
Intoaroute.

Larsen, Larry, “First Look: Microsoft Surface Computer!” May 30 2007, onTen.net.
<http://on10.net/blogs/larry/first-look-microsoft-surfacing-computing/>

Microsoft.com/surface, 2008 Microsoft Corporation.

<http://www.microsoft.com/surface/about.html>

Microsoft.com/surface, 2008 Microsoft Corporation.

<http://www.microsoft.com/surface/videos.html#gid=demos&vid=d3>

Microsoft.com/surface, 2008 Microsoft Corporation.

<http://www.microsoft.com/surface/videos.html#gid=team&vid=t1>

Blogs.Msdn.com/surface, 2008 Microsoft Corporation.

<http://blogs.msdn.com/surface/archive/2008/02/21/thank-you-sheraton-san-diego.aspx>

Pogue, David, “Much Ado About Microsooft’s Surface Computer” May 31 2007,
The New York Times.
<http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/05/31/much-ado-about-microsofts-surface-computer/>

Riley, Duncan, “Microsoft Announces Surface Computer” May 29 2007, Tech Crunch.
<http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/05/29/microsoft-announces-surface-computer/>