February 4, 2002—In recent months, FingerWorks Inc., a Delaware-based hardware and software company, has released a line of computer keyboard and mouse interface devices that utilize keyless MultiTouch technology invented and developed at the University of Delaware by the company founders, Dr. Wayne C. Westerman and Dr. John G. Elias.
The devices, marketed as Touchstream and iGesture, look like conventional keyboards and number pads, except that they are completely flat. The “keys” are mapped out on the pads’ surfaces, which are sensitive to touch. By lightly pressing the mapped buttons, users can type commands into their computers. Because the mouse function is integrated into the pad and utilized by sliding a fingertip or stylus over its surface, there’s no need for an external mouse. The technology is similar to the touch-screen technology used in personal digital assistant devices such as Palm Pilots.
The pads also accept “gesture” inputs. For instance, users can twist their hands to open files, or expand and contract their hands to zoom.
“They are definitely both mouse killers,” says John Elias. “MultiTouch just blows away single-point devices like mice and touchpads since it is capable of recognizing hundreds of single-hand gestures.”
The products cost between $189 and $329 and are available through FingerWorks.
