INSPIRED by Jeff Han, who heralded a new era by creating a simple, multi-touch, multi-user screen interface, a Bruneian teacher come up with his own version multi-touch table.
Hj Mazleadifirdaus, a teacher at Sekolah Rendah Benutan Tutong II, said that while searching for how information technology can be used for learning, he stumbled upon a multi-touch table and Microsoft Vision 2019 “where we interact with technology in new way”.
Hj Mazleadifirdaus said that he did extensive research on multi-touch interface and came across a NUI (Natural User Interface) group forum where members guided him on how to make a multi-touch table.
The forum really got Hj Mazleadifirdaus going as he was very excited at the prospect of using the ideas for his very own multi-touch table. From the NUI group forum, not only did he got a lot of ideas but his interaction with the group members also helped him on how to go about it.
(Top) Hj Mazleadifirdaus (L) teaching his students how to use the multi-touch table. (Above) Students trying their hand at the multi-touch table. Pictures: Courtesy of Hj Mazleadifirdaus
What is unique about Hj Mazleadifirdaus’ creation is that he has used simple things to create the multi-touch table, which allows a user or multiple users to manipulate digital content such as pictures, information and more.
“Instead of using a mouse and keyboard, we use our fingers to move an object or objects around. Just like in latest James Bond’s Quantum of Solace, he told The Brunei Times yesterday. In a demonstration of Jeff Hans multi-touch, it was made clear how a user could expand and shrink photos, as well as zoom in on maps and alter views of the topography.
In many countries, multi-touch tables are already in use in media, hospital, military, shops and others to name a few, he said, adding the purpose is not very different from computers; the only difference is the way “we interact with technology”.
When asked about the cost, Hj Mazleadifirdaus said it was not much as the entire project cost him around $1,000. In addition to the monitor, he pointed out that the most important part of his invention is the special webcam that detects only infrared sources for the screen. However, some of the software upgrades he is looking for are not available in Brunei.
“I am currently looking for people who are experts in flash and action script to diversify the use of the multi-touch table.”
His main aim behind creating the multi-touch table is to help students. He wants his students to just try the table, play and do the things they want to do so that it opens their minds and they no longer feel afraid of trying new things.
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