Interaction design

Microsoft has presented a new device, called the ‘Microsoft Surface’ and guess what it is? A coffee table, that should amaze the world, right?

But wait. Microsoft has given the project code name Milan. The website popularmechanics.com was the first to report what the new device precisely can do.

The device is a coffee table with a multi input touchscreen. It should solve one of the major pain points; cables everywhere and different drivers that make communication between devices difficult. Operation of the device is completely done by use of the touch screen, bye bye mouse!

How it works

Diagram by Intoaroute

1. Screen: A diffuser turns the Surface’s acrylic tabletop into a large horizontal “multitouch” screen, capable of processing multiple inputs from multiple users. The Surface can also recognize objects by their shapes or by reading coded “domino” tags.

2. Infrared: Surface’s “machine vision” operates in the near-infrared spectrum, using an 850-nanometer-wavelength LED light source aimed at the screen. When objects touch the tabletop, the light reflects back and is picked up by multiple infrared cameras with a net resolution of 1280 x 960.

3. CPU: Surface uses many of the same components found in everyday desktop computers. A Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and a 256MB graphics card. Wireless communication with devices on the surface is handled using WiFi and Bluetooth antennas (future versions may incorporate RFID or Near Field Communications). The underlying operating system is a modified version of Microsoft Vista.

4. Projector: Microsoft’s Surface uses the same DLP light engine found in many rear-projection HDTVs. The footprint of the visible light screen, at 1024 x 768 pixels, is actually smaller than the invisible overlapping infrared projection to allow for better recognition at the edges of the screen.

In the video is demonstrated that the device can wirelessly connect to camera’s and cell phones and show the taken pictures on the fly on the touch screen. The most interesting part is how the interface is operated. With the multi input of the touchscreen images can be scaled by bringing two points together (e.g. your hands or your finger and thumb) or rotated. This makes the interface a lot more intuitive since it is a physical interaction instead op pointing to an object with a mouse.

Such technology can help break down technology barriers. For example elderly people who have never worked with a computer might have a lower threshold for this technology. It is less abstract, like using a mouse and computer that is made of two parts.

Although the technology is too expensive for day to day consumer products several industries are interested in the technology. Especially the American army is interested because you can work with multiple people on a large screen. T-Mobile, as well as hotel conglomerate Starwood Hotels and Resorts (which owns Sheraton, Westin and W Hotels) and casino giant Harrah’s Entertainment. I wonder when this will be available for more ordinary products.

See Popular mechanics and Microsoft surface for more information