A Brief Description About Surface Computers by Me

4. Objectives
• Introduction
• What is Surface Computing?
• What can we do with surface computing?
• How does it works
• Hardware/software
• Advantages
• Limitations
• Conclusion

5. What are the computers we know?
• Desktop Computers
• Personal computer
• Laptops
• Notebooks
• Mac books
• Tablet PC’s
• Touch smart PC’s

6. Let me Introduce you a new type of computer
which is the sensation in electronics world of
computation
“SURFACE COMPUTER”

7. Let me to take you to the world of FUTURE COMPUTING
WELCOME TO FUTURE

9. 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
• Multi-touch 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

10. What is Microsoft Surface?
• Project began in 2001
• Introduced in 2007
• A surface computing platform from
Microsoft.
“Microsoft Surface represents a
fundamental change in the way we
interact with digital content. With
Surface, we can actually grab data
with our hands, and move
information between objects with
natural gestures and touch. Surface
features a 30-inch tabletop display
whose unique abilities allow for
several people to work
independently or simultaneously. All
without using a mouse or a
keyboard.”

11. What is surface computing?
A form of computing that offers “a natural way of
interacting with information,” rather than the
“traditional user interface.”
Direct Interaction: The ability to "grab" digital
information with hands - interacting with
touch/gesture, not with a mouse or keyboard.
Multi–Touch: The ability to recognize multiple points
of contact at the same time, not just one (Ex. one
finger, like with most touch screens), but dozens.
Multi–User: The Surface’s screen is horizontal,
allowing many people to come together around it
and experience a “collaborative, face–to–face
computing experience”.
Object Recognition: Physical objects can be placed
on the Surface’s screen to “trigger different types of
digital responses” (Ex. cell phones, cameras, & glasses
of wine).

12. Who’s using the Surface today?
• Currently only commercially available and being used in the
retail, hospitality, automotive, banking and healthcare industries.
• Current customers are AT&T, T-Mobile, the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino in
Las Vegas, Sheraton Hotels, Disney Innovations House in California, Hotel
1000 in Seattle, Harrah’s Entertainment, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts
Worldwide.

13. How does it work?
• The Surface is not a touch-sensitive screen device… The screen itself is not electronic.
• The Surface uses multiple infrared cameras beneath the screen/table top to sense objects, physical
touch, etc.
• The Surface “recognizes objects based on shape or by using domino-style identification (domino
tags) on the bottom of the objects.”
• This information is processed and displayed using “rear projection”.
(1) Screen: Diffuser -> ”multitouch" screen. Can
process multiple inputs and recognize objects by their
shapes or coded "domino" tags.
(2) Infrared: The ”machine vision" is aimed at the
screen. Once an object touches the tabletop -> the
light reflects back and is picked up by infrared
cameras.
(3) CPU: Uses similar components as current desktop
computers -> Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and a
256MB graphics card. Wireless communication -> WiFi
and Bluetooth antennas (future -> RFID). Operating
system -> modified version of Microsoft Vista.
(4) Projector: Uses a DLP light engine ( rear-projection
HDTVs).

14. 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

16. Advantages
• 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

17. Limitations
• 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

18. Conclusion
SURFACE COMPUTER is a perfect computing device
which is user-friendly to all kind of user by having basic
information and very smart and unique features which
none other computer has and ethically it can be called
as FUTURE COMPUTER

19. References
• Microsoft Surface
• 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>