22-06-2011, 11:44 AM
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Surface Computing
What is Surface Computing?
Origins
Origins
Four Key Attributes
Direct interaction means that, we can interact with the Surface by using our fingers.
No other input device is needed to give input.
This provides a natural interface effect.
Ordinary touch screens provide only single touch sensing
In surface more than one touch can be recognized at the same time.
Object recognition is done in the surface by using special bar codes called Domino tags.
These are infrared sensitive patterns which are read by the infrared sensing cameras inside the surface.
Hardware Specification
Technology Behind Surface Computing
Uses IR cameras to sense objects, hand gestures and finger touch.
Uses a Rare projection system which displays on to the underside of a thin diffuser.
Technology Behind Surface Computing (contd..)
Objects such as fingers are visible through the diffuser by series of IR cameras, positioned underneath the display.
An image processing system processes the camera images to detect the fringes.
Objects recognized are reported to the applications running in the computer so that they can react to objects shape, movement and touch of the finger.
At Microsoft's MSDN Conference, Bill Gates told developers of "Maximum" setup the Microsoft Surface was going to have:
Intel Core Quad Xeon "WoodCrest" @ 2.66GHz
4GB DDR2-1066 RAM
1TB 7200RPM Hard Drive
It has a custom motherboard form factor about the size of two ATX motherboards.
Advantages..
Quick and easy to use
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.
Disadvantages..
Not portable
Incredibly expensive.
Privacy - Open for many to view.
Screen Visibility - Glare, finger prints/dirt and human interaction obscuring interface.
Objects needs to be tagged (domino tags or RFIDs).
Need for dim lighting to avoid washing out the screen.