Hitachi has developed a touch-panel display that can be used as a tabletop. Hitachi envisions its new display as a unique tool for collaboration, allowing multiple users to input data during meetings.
Hitachi's new offering uses the company's projector and image recognition technologies. A projector built into the device shows images on the transparent acrylic top plate while an infrared camera embedded within recognizes the shape and movement of the shadow created by a user's hand. For example, a simple gesture such as drawing a circle on the screen can be programmed to zoom into the section encircled by the hand movement.
Hitachi is working with Namco to develop a table based on this new technology that will be used to develop strategies for network gaming. That table should be ready in early 2005 and cost roughly $20,000 (yes I double checked this time, you can trust me).
From Nikkei Net.