The SplitType multitouch screen was built based on the FTIR (Frustrated Total Internal Reflection) technology. FTIR describes the internal reflection of light, inside a certain material. In this case, it is infrared light that internally reflects inside a piece of acrylic panel. When a user’s finger comes in contact with the acrylic, the contact point scatters infrared light out the back where it is visible via infrared camera. Image processing detects tips of fingers and relays their location to application software.

The SplitType multitouch screen enables users to build custom typographic compositions with their fingers. Through the use of multitouch interface and pre-composed letter form fragments (Roman alphabet in serif and sans serif font faces) displayed on the screen, users are able to manipulate the letter forms – moving them around the screen and making them larger or smaller, just with their fingers. With no buttons to push or cursors to control, the SplitType multitouch screen takes advantage of surface computing to engage users and makes the creation process a more natural one as compared to keyboard- or mouse-controlled traditional user interfaces.

2011 Purdue University Electronic and Time-Based Arts