Surface computing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Surface computing is the term for the use of a specialized computer GUI in which traditional GUI elements are replaced by intuitive, everyday objects. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, the user interacts directly with a touch-sensitive screen. It has been said that this more closely replicates the familiar hands-on experience of everyday object manipulation.[1][2]
Early work in this area was done at the University of Toronto, Alias Research, and MIT.[3] Surface work has included customized solutions from vendors such as GestureTek, 22MILES multi-user multi-touch coffee table[4], Applied Minds for Northrop Grumman,[5] and more information on building your own can be found at the NUI Group's website.[6] Major computer vendor platforms are in various stages of release: the iTable by PQLabs,[7] Linux MPX,[8] and Microsoft Surface.
[edit] Applications
Surface computing is slowly starting to catch on and is starting to be used in real world applications. Here is just a sample of what surface computing technologies have been used.
The Microsoft Surface is starting to pick up popularity and has been used in various places and venues. AT&T became the first retailer to use Surface to help their customers purchase phones. Customers could place the phones on the Surface and receive full phone specs, as well as pricing.[9] It has also been used in a wide variety of locations which include hotel lobbies, such as Sheraton Hotels,[10] as well as venues which included Super Bowl XLIII to help police organize and monitor the event in great detail.[11] It is also starting to gain use in the broadcasting industry and has been used by MSNBC during the 2008 US Presidential Elections. However, USD $15,500 (device only) is still considered expensive for most business.
Surface computing is also being used to help educate the young minds of tomorrow with the use of the SMART Table. The SMART Table allows children to work together on different ready-made activities that teach them the basics of reading writing, and counting.[12] This innovative new way of learning provides an exciting new way for children to pick up the necessary reading and writing skills they need.
UK based Mindstorm that was founded by two Danish entrepreneurs in 2006, has also developed its own proprietary technology that brings both surfaces and spaces to life with a range of innovative, interactive solutions. The company has transformed the customer experience at bars such as Club 24, restaurants, events, exhibitions and retailers.
Surface computing is also picking up around the world with a handful of companies producing their own brand of the surface. Leading companies in Europe are Britain Arcstream (a Mindstorm partner) with a variety of multitouch walls and surfaces, in USA Multi-Touch Solution Vendor in Silicon Valley and in Sweden NUI with their Horizon table and Snowflake application. In Asia and the Middle East, Malaysian based Smart Surface Sdn Bhd is pioneering the way with their SmartSurface tables and walls.
There are other new and innovative surface computing applications that are still being developed, one of which is from the MIT Media Lab where students are developing wearable computing systems that can be used on almost any surface. The name of this device is SixthSense_(device) and is the brainchild of Pranav Mistry.[13]
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ What is the Microsoft Surface? - What the Microsoft Surface computer is, and how it works
- ^ Teenager Creates First OS X Multi-touch Table
- ^ http://www.billbuxton.com/multitouchOverview.html
- ^ Multi-Touch Coffee Table
- ^ Applied Minds & Northrop Grumman
- ^ NUI Group
- ^ PQLabs
- ^ Linux MPX Multitouch
- ^ AT&T Stores to use Microsoft Surface
- ^ 5 Sheraton Hotels to use Surface
- ^ Tampa Authorities deploy latest technology for Super Bowl Security
- ^ SMART Table: You know, for kids
- ^ sixthsense. Pranav Mistry.
