Microsoft demos prototype multitouch sensor

If Microsoft has its way, multitouch technology will be with us very soon, and it will be available more cheaply than you think. By leveraging low-cost infrared cameras and lasers, the prototype system--called LaserTouch--is able to track how a user touches the screen. The technique is simple, says vision specialist Andy Wilson. The magic really resides in the software that Andy has developed, which has the potential to radically change how a virtual chess game is played, for example.

Unfortunately, because of other problems related to the technology, there are no plans to turn LaserTouch into a product at the moment. The biggest problem? Unpredictable results if more than one user attempts to manipulate the display; their hands might block the "view" of the laser.

For more on Microsoft's multitouch sensor prototype:
- check out this CNET News.com article