3D Sensors to Allow Interact with Computers Without Touch

 
If you ever watched "Minority Report" you most likely noticed Tom Cruise's character controlling a computer by simply moving his hands in front of the monitor. Recently scientists announced they managed to create an image sensor that would allow consumers to interact with various devices a similar way.
It is worth mentioning that image sensors represent computers chips incorporated in digital cameras, the chips being sensitive to the light. Common sensors see and record 2D images, unlike the new generation sensors, which are able to see in 3D. Besides recording the picture, these sensors can also record the distance from the camera. Engineers believe that their latest invention could be used in various ways. For example, they could track movements throughout 3D space and see pictures as 3D objects.
Video Games
It is most likely that this latest invention could be widely used in video games. The software giant, Microsoft, already made a step towards the no-touch interface with its Project Natal. Canestra is a company that in May presented a somewhat similar technology, allowing users to change channels and adjust the volume on their TV by simply waving their hands. According to Jim Spare, Canesta's CEO, if a standard Webcam is replaced with a three-dimensional sensor, users will have the ability to control their computers by moving their hands in front of it. In addition, the latest invention could be used in smartphones, transforming the touch-screen technology into a no-touch one.
It is worth mentioning that Canesta is a company that develops 3D image sensors and it boasts partnerships with such giants as Honda and Hitachi. Mr. Spare believes that the company's invention could become available for anyone. It managed to create a sensor built on only one CMOS microchip. Thus the company will be able to start mass production of its latest invention and at a relatively low cost. Consumer gadgets that will include Canesta'a sensors will be available in 2010.
Outside and Inside Cars
The 3D sensors could replace ultrasonic sensors that some carmakers place in the rear bumpers to signal drivers when they are close to hitting an object or a person. Canesta also believes that the sensors could be place inside a vehicle, replacing weight detectors when identifying whether a child is in a seat and if an air bag should deploy. Besides, the sensors could detect when there's someone in the vehicle when they aren't supposed to be.

Volume Goes Up And Down! What Fun!

Humor me for a second here, but I swear to you, the concept of the Vol Portable Speakers is too similar to the Diwali Lanterns available here in India! Have a look at this or this! However I don’t mean to take away the novelty in design of what Carson Leong has done here. In fact, I think it’s a great approach of using the natural up-down sliding motion to increase and decrease the volume of the speaker. So much better than just hitting some buttons or turning a dial!

Designer: Carson Leong

Cool Concept Computers

It seems unreal how technology have brought us so far, from the wardrobe size computers of the past to the personal computers, laptops and palmtops of today. As time goes by concept computers are more becoming advance and highly efficient tools, it arguably symbolizes advance technology. In the present era mavericks are coming up with cool, sleek and ergonomic designs, although we might not see some of this concept designs in the present market yet, but it's the thought of having it that makes us feel excited about the future.


- B-MEMBRANE, designed by: Won-Seok Lee
Amixture of sleek design, functionality and style. This concept replaces the need for a monitor, substituting it with an adjustable projector. It sports a touch screen virtual keyboard which only appears when you are in need of it.





- HP Lim Concept Computer, designed by: HP
LiM (Less is More) This cool design features a slide down 19 inch OLED touch screen, wireless keyboard, virtual track pad. Users will certainly experience easy navigation and a more ergonomic experience.







- Disposable Paper Laptops, designed by: Je Sung Park
Made out of recyled paper instead of metal or plastic. The concept design is sleek, light weight, environment friendly and cheaper than its conventional counterpart.






more concept computers at: yanko

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OLPC's World's Cheapest Computer

Behold a computer concept that could someday become the world’s cheapest computer. OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) founder and chairman Nicholas Negroponte showed us a glimpse of the future of this concept design known as XO-3 which is scheduled to be released in 2012.

It is a third installment to the series of XO’s released by the non profit organization. The price for this paper thin computer? An ultra cheap price of $75! well, I just do hope they reach their price goal this time.

The first version of XO called XO 1.0 which currently sells for $172 ($72 short of its original price goal) has already been distributed to more than 1.4 million children in 35 countries.
XO-3 features:
1. Highly durable waterproof plastic components.
2. Its thickness is 50% lesser than Apple’s iPhone.
3. 8 gigahertz process that consumes less power.
4. Uses induction to wirelessly charge its battery through its rubber frame.
5. A finger holding ring “Loop” on the corner of the device for a steady hold.
6. An ultra low-power screens from start-up Pixel Qi with both reflective and LCD capabilities, created by former Negroponte disciple Mary Lou Jepsen.
7. A camera on the back.

If OLPC will live up to their promise, this computer concept will make every children’s dream to have a computer of their own come true. So what do you think is the future of this design?

source: businesswire

Emerging technology to design compact computers: Nano

The latest trend in electronic device industry points towards the compact and fast devices and to attain the same requirement, scientist from US are working on a novel technology-Nano technology.

The future processors are suppose to be more powerful and use less energy and a team at California University is working on a silicon wafers between five and 20 nanometres thick, which may be used in the designing of IC(Integrated Circuit) chips. The novel technology is based upon BCP(block co-polymer lithography).

According to the reports, microprocessor companies like Intel and IBM have invested billions of dollars in developing the new technology.
 Shalini Ale/ITvoir Network