From the category archives:

Cool

There are some crazy ideas here. I really like the fiber optic pass through for object detection. I still think RFID would be a better solution since you have to uniquely identify each element and teach your program to know that object. Although the gradient tags give you orientation.

Madgets are transparent tangible controls for multi-touch tables. Our system combines electromagnetic actuation with fiber optical tracking.

For more information: Visit hci.rwth-aachen.de/madgets

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iPad vs. Kindle lighting test

by Ryan Lane on April 14, 2010

I wanted to see how well the iPad worked in comparison to the Kindle in different lighting situations. To be somewhat fair I tested the Kindle app on the iPad to the Kindle 2 device. You can see the results of my very unscientific test below.

The first test is a side by side in a well lit room

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Both devices fair well.  I still really like the Kindle screen for long term reading since it has a non-glare screen which can result in less eye strain.

The next test was in a dark room.

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Without a light the Kindle doesn’t work at all, but then again neither does a regular book.

The next test was in direct sunlight

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The Kindle is the big winner here, but even though the photo doesn’t show it well, the transflective screen on the iPad is very useable in direct sunlight.  What is interesting is that it worked better with the sun shining right at it, over being just in the shade.

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David Kelley Demos the Touch Tag

by Ryan Lane on April 1, 2010

See David Kelley of Wirestone demonstrate his prototype for building immersive retail experiences. As a customer approaches a product, the price tag, display and even the placement wall can all come alive with this integrated application. This was built using the Arduino Ping prototype mentioned in my previous post WPF Sonar application using Arduino and PING))) sensor
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David J Kelley on Windows 7 Touch and Wirestone

by Ryan Lane on March 22, 2010

David J Kelley on Windows 7 Touch and Wirestone from Interact on Vimeo.

Our own David Kelley talking on camera at the MVP summit about Windows 7 touch technologies, touch tags and their projects in the retail space

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Goldfish Music Box for iPhone

January 2, 2010

This application converts color into music. It can turn your goldfish or any moving objects into an interactive music box. iPhone App: Goldfish Music Box from Francis Lam on Vimeo. db-db-db.com/goldfish

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The Useless Machine

January 2, 2010

Oh how I love this little guy. I’m going to have to build my own: Instructions for building the device

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Zimoun Electric Art

December 29, 2009

Zimoun : Sound Sculptures & Installations | Compilation Video V1.5 from ZIMOUN VIDEO ARCHIVE on Vimeo. To learn more about the artist visit zimoun.ch

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GelSight

December 28, 2009
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Dynamic Ground

December 22, 2009

Dynamic Ground from Gizmodo on Vimeo.

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Exploring Electronics at the MIT Media Lab

November 8, 2009

I really like the idea of the wall painted as a circuit. I’d also like to see more done with the Arduino LilyPad with sensors on clothing. Could be an interesting way to build monitoring clothes for scientific research cheaply.

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