Touch projector

A researcher from the National Taiwan University has created a new pico-projector and camera setup. They have combined the two into a gadget that can be powered by a standard lamp socket. As we've seen before in such combinations, the camera can track objects and hand gestures. They have also added pressure sensors to the desk, so they know how hard the user is pressing.

LG has filed a patent called “Mobile terminal with image projection”. It's a system that allows a gesture/touch user interface on a projected image. The idea is a system that identifies a pointer (finger), the shadow of the finger on the projected image and the distance between those two. When you touch something on the image, the distance is shorter - and thus you have a 'touch event'. Gesture interface is done similarly.

Remember the LuminAR project? It just won $15,000 from Audi, as part of their Tony Stark Innovation Challenge. The money will be used to further development of this interesting project. Hopefully it'll help these guys get someone interested in actually commercializing this. Here's the video showing what's LumiAR is all about:

LuminAR is a project from MIT that "reinvents the traditional incandescent bulb and desk lamp, evolving them into a new category of robotic, digital information devices". The LuminAR Bulb combines a Pico-projector, camera, and wireless computer in a compact form factor. It has a gestural user interface, and just-in-time projected information.

Intel researchers have developed a new, smart touch-projected display using a pico-projector and a camera. The camera recognizes 3D objects in real-life, and use them to create virtual touch-based menus. So if you use it in your kitchen, and put a few vegetables on the counter, the camera will recognize them and offer relevant recipes right on the counter. Intel's system can work on almost any surface - including glass, granite and wood.

Intel research pico-projector touch photo

Intel is not the only company working on such devices. Light-Blue-Optics is close to commercial their Light-Touch, which is a 10" laser based projector that includes an infra-red sensor for the touch. Microsoft is also working on a similar solution.

The LuminAR is a project from MIT that "reinvents the traditional incandescent bulb and desk lamp, evolving them into a new category of robotic, digital information devices". The LuminAR Bulb combines a Pico-projector, camera, and wireless computer in a compact form factor. It has a gestural user interface, and just-in-time projected information. LuminAR transforms surfaces and objects into interactive spaces that blend digital media and information with the physical space. Interested? Check out the video below:

The team is using Microvision's Show-WX laser projector, one of the few that has a focus-free image. It retails for $549.

Check out this beautiful demo of Light Blue Optics' 10" Light-Touch projector:

Here's how their Holographic Laser Projection (HLP) technology works.

Microsoft Research is showing their new 'Mobile Surface', which is a projected touch display. This is very similar to LBO's light-touch product announced at CES: