Post date: Nov 03, 2013 2:34:54 PM
South Korean researchers have developed a double-sided touch screen for use as an entertainment platform or for public information displays. Called "Transwall", the screen responds to touch on both sides from multiple users at once.
DAEJEON, SOUTH KOREA (OCTOBER 28, 2013) (REUTERS) - Developed by scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), "TransWall" utilises both sides of a large, transparent screen to produce an interactive touch pad.
Professor Lee Woo-hoon from KAIST, says his team built the display by sandwiching a thin holographic screen film between two sheets of plexiglass. They then added touch sensor frames on both sides and a surface transducer with two microphones to transmit sound and vibration feedback through the wall.
Images are projected onto the glass from overhead projectors on both sides of the screen allowing users to touch the same spot simultaneously without any physical interference. The surface transducer enhances the experience by producing vibrations and sounds that move from one side of the wall to the other. People can draw pictures and play touch-based games while facing one another. By simply moving their fingers on the wall they can transmit and receive visual, auditory and tactile information.
"When it comes to conventional displays, people are looking at the same direction. But people can do something while facing each other through 'TranWall'. Through the transparent wall, people could share visual contents that would be more sociable, more fun with lots of communications among people. We could use it as an enjoyable medium," said Professor Lee.
Lee says "Transwall" could also be used as an interactive workplace medium for the communication of ideas and concepts between offices, or for use as an information or entertainment tool in public spaces.
"It can be installed in a subway station, museum, or shopping mall. Public displays would be located at the center of the space instead of hanging on the wall. People could watch and touch the visual contents, and enjoy gaming," he said.
Lee says he hopes "Transwall" can soon be commercialised to make transparent display technology a new interactive part of everyday life.