Surface computing is the term for the use of a specialized computer GUI in which traditional GUI elements are replaced by intuitive, everyday objects. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, the user interacts directly with a touch-sensitive screen. It has been said that this more closely replicates the familiar hands-on experience of everyday object manipulation.[1][2]
Early work in this area was done at the University of Toronto, Alias Research, and MIT.[3] Surface work has included customized solutions from vendors such as GestureTek, Applied Minds for Northrop Grumman.[4] Major computer vendor platforms are in various stages of release: the iTable by PQLabs,[5] Linux MPX,[6] the Ideum MT-50, interactive bar by spinTOUCH, and Microsoft Surface.