What are the components needed for a DIY Capacitive Sensing Surface?

[matty0187]

Hello Physics Forums users,

I have a really good idea and I was curious on the level of difficulty creating the circuitry for a Capacitive sensing surface would be. I'm a computer programmer and i have the resources to creating the drivers and touch software. I've been asking my college buddies if they know any EE, but I don't know any and school is out for summer. I've seen plenty of DIY, yet, I don't understand the EE blueprints. Anyone help me on this.

I'm trying to create a surface that could go into a computer USB and control the mouse with Capacitive Sensing(simlar to a trackpad or Touch Screen smartphone.)

 

[es1]

Could your software idea sit on top of the drivers for that Apple touchpad thing?
http://www.apple.com/magictrackpad/

 

[matty0187]

Yes i plan to use the win7 and apple drivers to control mulitouch.

 

[MATLABdude]

Like a Wacom touch pad / tablet?
http://www.wacom.com/en/Products.aspx

I used to see stand-alone track pads, and had thought they'd gone the way of the dodo, but it looks like you can still find them:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/search.asp?keywords=usb+touchpad

You can get an overview of various touch technologies here (if you didn't already know):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touchscreen

Unfortunately, most will probably require some degree of custom engineering (i.e. no plug and play solutions, aside from the finished products mentioned above). And probably a little more than just simple black box assembly (I don't mean that pejoratively: a little bit of knowledge, and the right black boxes--ICs--and you can go a long ways!)

 

[matty0187]

Thanks you all so much for the quick responses,

Like a Wacom touch pad / tablet?

Unfortunately, most will probably require some degree of custom engineering (i.e. no plug and play solutions, aside from the finished products mentioned above). And probably a little more than just simple black box assembly (I don't mean that pejoratively: a little bit of knowledge, and the right black boxes--ICs--and you can go a long ways!)

No not like a wacom tablet, but this technology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitive_sensing" .

My idea is actually in the manufacturing of this technology. I know it will require some custom engineering. And I'll hire someone for it. I just have a few questions, so i can go in with confidence (or not go in at all).

A capacitive touchscreen panel is one which consists of an insulator such as glass, coated with a transparent conductor such as indium tin oxide (ITO)

Do you know of any Insulators that are flexible & transparent?

http://www.parallax.com/dl/docs/prod/compshop/qt113.pdf"

I guess these are very inexpensive and very reliable; however, i don't know if this is what i need.

In my head i see: insulator, conductor, sensor, USB to computer... I know I'm missing something, any ideas?

Lastly, Thank you guys so much for helping a nerb (nerd & noob) like me. Any support on this topic is greatly appreciated.