Alpha software release
An early version of a software release, often containing bugs and prone to change as it enters the next phase of development. (Might miss some key functionality)
Beta software release
The soon to be released final version, mainly bug-testing and enhancement left until the full release sees daylight. Often very similar to the final product (Most of the main features should be implemented)
API
An application programming interface (API) is an interface implemented by a software program to enable interaction with other software, much in the same way that a user interface facilitates interaction between humans and computers. APIs are implemented by applications, libraries and operating systems to determine the vocabulary and calling conventions the programmer should employ to use their services. It may include specifications for routines, data structures, object classes and protocols used to communicate between the consumer and implementer of the API.
CPU
Central Processing Unit, the main processing unit in a computer or other computing device. Also commonly called "Processor" or "The Processor".
DI
DI stands for Diffused Illumination. It refers to the process of shining infrared (IR) light at a surface that functions as a diffuser.
A camera with an IR filter behind the surface detects where users or objects approach/touch the surface, based on the light reflection of the hand, fingers or other objects. NUITEQ's Snowflake Suite is compatible with this method.
Dual touch
Dual touch refers to the amount of touches (two) a device or a software can support.
FAQ
"FAQ" means Frequently Asked Questions.
Fiducials
Objects that are placed on a surface, can have a specific pattern or shape (fiducial) in order for it to be recognized as such by a device and software, in order to perform specific interactions. For example a circular pattern, can be used to indicate an increase or decrease of volume, when it is rotated.
FTIR
An early version of a software release, often containing bugs and prone to change as it enters the next phase of development. (Might miss some key functionality)
Beta software release
The soon to be released final version, mainly bug-testing and enhancement left until the full release sees daylight. Often very similar to the final product (Most of the main features should be implemented)
API
An application programming interface (API) is an interface implemented by a software program to enable interaction with other software, much in the same way that a user interface facilitates interaction between humans and computers. APIs are implemented by applications, libraries and operating systems to determine the vocabulary and calling conventions the programmer should employ to use their services. It may include specifications for routines, data structures, object classes and protocols used to communicate between the consumer and implementer of the API.
CPU
Central Processing Unit, the main processing unit in a computer or other computing device. Also commonly called "Processor" or "The Processor".
DI
DI stands for Diffused Illumination. It refers to the process of shining infrared (IR) light at a surface that functions as a diffuser.
A camera with an IR filter behind the surface detects where users or objects approach/touch the surface, based on the light reflection of the hand, fingers or other objects. NUITEQ's Snowflake Suite is compatible with this method.
Dual touch
Dual touch refers to the amount of touches (two) a device or a software can support.
FAQ
"FAQ" means Frequently Asked Questions.
Fiducials
Objects that are placed on a surface, can have a specific pattern or shape (fiducial) in order for it to be recognized as such by a device and software, in order to perform specific interactions. For example a circular pattern, can be used to indicate an increase or decrease of volume, when it is rotated.
FTIR
Frustrated Total Internal Reflection is phenomena that is referred to when Infrared (IR) light bounces (reflects) inside a material, for example plexiglass. When an user touches the material, the IR is interrupted and a touch point can be recognized. This method is especially used with rear camera based systems. Snowflake is compatible with this method.
Gesture
A gesture is a movement recorded into the software bound to a certain event. Ex. If the user draws a butterfly with this fingers on the screen a butterfly appears on the screen.
Ghosting
Ghosting is the effect of interacting with digital content in such a way, that it does not respond in accordance to the expectation of the user. This phenomena is known to exist on some touch hardware technology platforms.
GPU
Graphics Processing Unit, refers to the processing unit in a computer that is responsible for accelerating the rendering of graphics. Since this is the main component of the graphics card the term is also commonly applied to mean graphics card in general.
Landscape mode
The screen is turned so that the width is greater than the height. Snowflake Suite supports landscape mode screen resolution.
Multitouch
Multitouch refers to the amount of touches (three or more) a device or a software can support. NUITEQ's Snowflake Suite supports single, dual and true multi-touch. Multitouch is often used in a multi-user environment.
OpenAL
A free platform independent sound library, which is used in Snowflake Suite.
Portrait mode
The screen is turned so the height is greater than the width.
Resolution
The resolution indicates the amount of pixels both horizontal as well as vertical. The higher the resolution, the higher the quality screen.
SDK
Software Development Kit (SDK) is a set of software development tools that allow software engineers to create applications.
The Snowflake SDK (beta) (C++) is freely available and can be downloaded from the NUITEQ website, located at www.nuiteq.com
Single touch
Single touch refers to the amount of touches (one) a device or a software can support. A familiar example is an ATM.
Stylus
A pointer instrument used as an input device on a touch/pressure-recognizing screen. Usually in the form of a pen-like object.
Touch overlay
A touch overlay is often used on top of a LCD screen to provide a cost effective and easy to maintain touch solution. This solution takes up less space than a camera / IR based solution. Touch overlays are available at NUITEQ.
Tracker
The part of the software responsible for detecting and keeping track of inputs.
Touch foil
A (mostly) transparent plastic foil that can be attached to a surface and that will then recognize touch inputs. Usually used to add touch recognition to existing projected or LCD screens. NUITEQ's partner visualplanet is a global leading manufacturer of such touch foils. NUITEQ's Snowflake Suite applications are compatible with such foils.
TUIO
Tangible User Interface Object (TUIO) is a protocol which is used to send and receive touch events See www.tuio.org
for more information.WM_TOUCH
System messages sent from Windows 7, which allows a Windows 7 compatible application to handle touch events in a similar way as mouse and keyboard events.