In a recent issue of Technology Review, there is an article regarding Open Source Multi Touch Displays.
The technology is based upon taking an acrylic sheet, and projecting video onto
the back surface. Around the edges are some infrared light
emitting diodes focussed to emit the light into the sheet. The light bounces around on the
inside from suface to surface.
When someone touches the panel, the light path is interrupted. An infrared sensitive
camera on the back side can then be used to distinguish the touch locations. Simple and
effective touch technology.
If someone could marry Lightfactory's new virtual layout generator on a multitouch board,
suddenly lighting design and control would take on a whole new dimension.
Perhaps even using the the multitouch capability on the dance floor would introduce a
whole new level of dance lighting interaction.