Surface Computing/ Seamless Interface

Elaine Bain DMS 546

Surface Computing
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 The table is built with wireless devices using Bluetooth and WI-FI technology (RIFD-Radio Frequency Identification will come later) Designed to match up with wireless objects placed on the table Multitouch screen is used like the technology behind the iPhone (no keyboard or mouse needed)

Note: There were 85 prototypes built before the final coffee table look was established

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- two cell phones to compare features or prices Allows manipulation and direct control of digital content like photos- which can be resized bigger or smaller instantly with the touch of a finger(s) Uses multipoint sensors on the surface to recognize many points of contact so many people can use it at one time

Surface Computing

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

Software/Hardware
Microsoft operating system of Vista Intel dual core processor backed by 2GB of RAM 256MB video card 5 video infared cameras 30 inch screen 1024 x 768 resolution (sits 21 inches off ground) DLP projector

Each unit will cost between $5,000 - $10,000 currently

Diagram by Intoaroute

1) Multitouch Screen 2) Infared LED light source- multipule cameras net resolution 1280 x 960 3) CPU- Central Processing Unit 4) Projector- DLP light engine (like the ones in HDTVs) resolution 1024 x 768 pixels

Technology
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

Technology
This new technology will be used first as an entertainment commodity in hotels, restaurants and retail venues It will be initially launched at Harrahs 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

Positive vs Negative
Positive
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

Negative
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

Videos

The Possibilities
http://www.microsoft.com/surface/videos.html#gid=demos&vid=d3

Access Points
http://www.microsoft.com/surface/videos.html#gid=team&vid=t1

Works Cited
Derene, Glenn, Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look July 2007 Popular Mechanics. < http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4217348.htm>, diagram drawing by Intoaroute. Larsen, Larry, First Look: Microsoft Surface Computer! May 30 2007, onTen.net. <http://on10.net/blogs/larry/first-look-microsoft-surfacing-computing/> Microsoft.com/surface, 2008 Microsoft Corporation. <http://www.microsoft.com/surface/about.html> Microsoft.com/surface, 2008 Microsoft Corporation. <http://www.microsoft.com/surface/videos.html#gid=demos&vid=d3> Microsoft.com/surface, 2008 Microsoft Corporation. <http://www.microsoft.com/surface/videos.html#gid=team&vid=t1> Blogs.Msdn.com/surface, 2008 Microsoft Corporation. <http://blogs.msdn.com/surface/archive/2008/02/21/thank-you-sheraton-san-diego.aspx>

Pogue, David, Much Ado About Microsoofts Surface Computer May 31 2007, The New York Times. <http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/05/31/much-ado-about-microsofts-surface-computer/>
Riley, Duncan, Microsoft Announces Surface Computer May 29 2007, Tech Crunch. <http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/05/29/microsoft-announces-surface-computer/>