Researchers at the Carnegie Mellon Human Computer Interaction Institute, together with Microsoft, have developed an innovative system called the OmniTouch, which has been designed to transform any surface into a touchscreen device.
The system consists of a pico projector and a motion detector that is mounted onto the user’s shoulder. It then projects a user interface onto any surface that is in front of the user, be it a user’s hand, notepad, or anything else, enabling the users to interact with the interface via touch. Watch the video after the jump to see the OmniTouch system in action.
How OmniTouch Works
The OmniTouch system leverages advanced projection and motion-sensing technologies to create a dynamic and interactive experience. The pico projector is responsible for displaying the interface, while the motion detector tracks the user’s finger movements and gestures. This combination allows for a seamless interaction with the projected interface, making it feel as though the surface itself is touch-sensitive.
One of the key advantages of OmniTouch is its versatility. Unlike traditional touchscreen devices that are limited to specific hardware, OmniTouch can turn virtually any surface into an interactive display. For example, you could project a keyboard onto your hand and type a message, or project a drawing pad onto a wall and sketch out ideas. This flexibility opens up a wide range of possibilities for both personal and professional use.
Challenges and Future Development
Currently, the OmniTouch system is still under development, and the shoulder-mounted gear is still far too cumbersome to make the project commercially viable in its current state. The current prototype is bulky and not suitable for everyday use, but it serves as a great proof-of-concept design. This allows researchers to test out their OmniTouch system in a number of different environments and situations, gathering valuable data to refine and improve the technology.
One of the main challenges facing the development of OmniTouch is miniaturization. The goal is to reduce the size of the projector and motion detector to create a more convenient and portable package. Advances in miniaturization and wearable technology could make this a reality in the near future. Additionally, improving the accuracy and responsiveness of the motion detection system will be crucial for creating a seamless user experience.
Let’s hope they can reduce the projector and OmniTouch technology into a convenient size package over the next few years so that we can all benefit from this touch surface technology very soon. Imagine the possibilities: interactive presentations, on-the-go note-taking, and even gaming could be revolutionized by this technology. What are your thoughts? Is it something you would use?
The project is being unveiled during UIST 2012, on October 16-19 in Santa Barbara, Calif. This event is a significant platform for showcasing cutting-edge research in user interface technology, and OmniTouch is expected to generate considerable interest.
Source: CNET
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