Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
The Microsoft Windows 3.0 Graphical User Interface, 1990.
The multi-touch screen revolution
A touch screen is an electronic display that is sensitive to the touch of a stylus or
finger within the display area. E.A. Johnson of the Royal Radar Establishment in the
UK is credited with the invention of the first touch screen in 1965. The touch screen
enables the user to interact with the display directly without the need for a mouse or
touchpad. Today, touch screens are widely used with digital appliances such as mo-
bile phones, satellite navigation devices and video games.
Multi-touch technology allows the device to recognize two or more points of contact
with the screen. When an object or finger touches the surface, sensors detect the dis-
ruption of an electrical field. This information is relayed to the software, which re-
sponds to the gesture accordingly. This technology has allowed designers to develop
more intuitive and gesturedriven interfaces for handheld electronic devices such as
the mobile phone. Interactive designer Mike Matas from the USA has commented, 'If
you want to do something (on a computer) you should just be able to reach out your
hand and do it, no buttons and no computer interface required.'
Many companies utilize multi-touch screen technology for their smartphones and tab-
lets. Devices such as the Apple iPhone and iPad were designed to be used with a fin-
ger, so you control everything with a tap, drag, swipe, pinch, flick or twist of the fin-
gers. Even seemingly complicated tasks can be completed with these simple gestures.
These interfaces are now becoming commonplace, with many PCs using the system
too.
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