#chi 2011

Researchers have created an empty frame which can turn any surface into a touch sensitive object. The prototype called ZeroTouch is a 28 inch frame that can detect whatever that moves around inside of the frame. Fingertips, hands, arms, and even inanimate objects pass through an invisible two-dimensional optical web that tracks them. You could for example place this on a wall, a TV or a computer screen and turn it into an interactive surface that for for example could be manipulated with a stylus. The frame was presented at CHI 2011 and was said to cost around $450 to construct. Moeller, one of the researchers, said that the technology creates more possibilities for interaction than capacitive interfaces like the glass touch screens on smart phones and laptops. You can use it with your gloves on, unlike touch screens.

Imagine the possibilities it could offer to improve and adjust current touch technology to enhance the experience!

By chef Lorenzo

Microsoft Research's Desney S. Tan says it is an ongoing challenge to make computing more accessible by integrating technology seamlessly into our everyday tasks, to enhance the human condition. At the Conference on Human Factors in Computing System (CHI 2011) Microsoft Research presented a research about using the human body as an antena. The research, called Your Noise is My Command: Sensing Gestures Using the Body as an Antenna, turns the human body in an antenna where he or she can control the environment by touching spots on walls and appliances.

Microsoft Research says they are quite happy with the results and they are considering how they can turn this into a real-time, interactive system and what innovative scenarios can be enabled when your entire home is transformed into a touch-sensitive surface.

By chef Lorenzo