A Survey of Input Sensing and Processing Techniques for Multi-Touch Systems

Since the commercial releases of Apple's iPhone and the Microsoft surface a large amount of new interest has turned toward the field of multi-touch interactions. In this paper the authors present an overview of several multi-touch sensing and processing techniques. They explore both hardware and software advances in this field of study; as well as advances made by industry, open-source, and academic communities. Specific distinctions between multi-touch systems and other forms of input are made. Advantages of multi-touch systems, as well as some inherent problems are discussed. This paper will conclude with a short summary of the current efforts in this field and recommendations for future areas of research.