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INTRODUCTION
Surface computing does not use the traditional key board and mouse
It allows people to interact with digital content the same way they interact with everyday items
Designed to match up with wireless objects placed on the table
It’s a technology that adapts to the user
History
2001: Microsoft researchers Steve Bathiche and Andy Wilson developed idea of an interactive table
2003: 1st prototype was presented to Bill Gates for approval
2007: Interactive tabletop device was built that seamlessly brings both the physical and virtual worlds into one
Surface Computing
Touch based graphical user interface
Dynamic interface that can recognize multiple objects that are placed on the surface and distinguish the difference between them
Allows manipulation and direct control of digital content like photos
Uses multipoint sensors on the surface to recognize many points of contact so many people can use it at one time
Key Attributes
Surface technology attributes
Direct Interaction: interacting with touch instead of a keyboard or mouse
Multitouch: several points of contact at once
Multiuser: many users collaborating at one time
Object Recognition: physical objects have tags to recognize and trigger different responses
System Requirements
Microsoft operating system of Vista
Intel dual core processor backed by 2GB of RAM
256MB video card
Applications
Demonstration of the multitouch screen with the use of an object- paintbrush to simulate painting a picture
Surface technology using an object with a tag- wineglass placed on surface to bring up other information about this particular wine
Applications
This new technology is used as an entertainment commodity in hotels, restaurants and retail venues
It was initially launched at Harrah’s hotel in Las Vegas, Starwood Hotels and T-mobile.
Restaurant uses- see a virtual menu on screen and order right from the table your beverages and food selections then split the bill and pay electronically at the same time by putting your card on the surface.
Hotel uses- conceirge services for guests to look up a theater in the area and order tickets, pull up a map on how to get there and download the directions and the tickets into your cell phone or mobile device
T-mobile stores- can place two cell phones on the surface and compare the different price points and features, experiment with ring tones and look at plans then program the phone to your liking and have it all set to use before you walk out of the store
Video puzzle- use clear tiles on the surface and each tile has a moving piece of the puzzle that you have to match up with other pieces while the picture(video) is in perpetual motion on the tiles
Disadvantages
• Not portable- table has to stay put
• Must own devices such as a cell phone to upload photos into or share with others
• Have to be careful of table surface to not damage it
• Very expensive to own
• Tailored to high end clients
Technology
Surface computers use cameras to sense objects,touch and hand gestures
An image processing system processes the camera to detect fingers,custom tags and paint brushes etc while touching
The objects recognized are reported to applications
Advantages&Disadvantages
Advantage
• Multi users- collaborative effort of users interacting
• Seamless- no wires or USB ports
• Instant download/upload of photos
• Users have more control of technology- ordering food or manipulating photos fast
• Educational- learn more info about the products you are using
Surface computing in future
Surface computing is expected to carry on to more fields like schools,homes,buisnesses etc