My bargain from ebay. HP monitor GNR MR17-H1A, 17" TFT. The only thing wrong with it was there was no stand. £15

Here is a picture of the back showing the missing stand.

After opening the monitor up, we now can see the mother board.

The unit now showing the backlight unit still in place.

Top side view of the LCD, now with the back light removed.

Today (22/07/09) created a simple set up of the multi touch. Using a cardboard box and coverted web cam. For more information on creating this take a look at this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQpr3W-YmcQ

Camera

The camera i chose was a 'Creative Labs Webcam Live Cam Vista IM'. In order for the IR to be detected by the camera you need to change the filter. Replace the ir filter with a visible light filter such as a film negative. In my case it was very easy to do. A good link how to do this can be found here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/SCR2H4QF3ER7VQK/

Table construction

Today (08/08/09) i started to construct the table that will hold the lcd and acrylic sheet. You will notice a metal frame that is inside the wooden frame. This was taken from the original monitor. With this fitted i will know a nice fit with the lcd.

Here i have drilled the holes that will house the ir led's. I have chosen at this point only to light 2 sides of the arcylic. If thats not enough i can always add some more at a later date.

Now the acrylic sheet is in place with the led strip holders loosely placed down each side.

This pic shows how it will look with the ir led's in place. Nice flush fit.

Now the top part of the table is built my thoughts return to the lcd i had stripped down. What happens if it wont work again, all this will be a waste of time. Time to try and see if this thing still works.....

All lit up. Phew, that is a relief.

Here the led has been stripped of its filters. I might have to replace 1 or 2 as the project continues, depending on how it looks. I am using the original back light here. I hope to reuse this in the final design.

Now lets make sure it all works together. Excelent, so far so good.

So whats next... Well i now need to locate the camera underneath the lcd and make sure i can see the ir coming through. Fit the ir leds around the arcylic and build the bottom part of the table.

Today (15/08/09) I have built the table that will hold the LCD. At the moment its only basic and eventually will be painted, but for now i will be able to crack on with the devlopment.

LCD screen in place.

Fits like a glove.

Today (23/08/09) All fired up. Here im using the LCD back light located at the bottom of the table. It gives enough light but im not sure if this kind of light will interfere with the IR camera.

I thought things were going to well. Looks like the LCD i bought may have an intermittent fault. After about 10 mins being on the screen starts flashing.

May have to source another monitor, but for now i will carry on.

:(