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Technical Help & Discussion => General Tech Discussion, News & Q&A => Topic started by: Simon on March 27, 2010, 20:36

Title: Sensors turn skin into gadget control pad
Post by: Simon on March 27, 2010, 20:36

Tapping your forearm or hand with a finger could soon be the way you interact with gadgets.

US researchers have found a way to work out where the tap touches and use that to control phones and music players.  Coupled with a tiny projector the system can use the skin as a surface on which to display menu choices, a number pad or a screen.  Early work suggests the system, called Skinput, can be learned with about 20 minutes of training.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8587486.stm

Title: Re: Sensors turn skin into gadget control pad
Post by: Clive on March 28, 2010, 08:40

I can see that being of great use to invalids or geriatrics who have limited mobility but it's my guess that it will be most popular with kids who really should be far more active and get up to look for their remote! 

Title: Re: Sensors turn skin into gadget control pad
Post by: Rik on March 28, 2010, 11:38

I can see it replacing TV remotes as you rarely lose your hand. :)

Title: Re: Sensors turn skin into gadget control pad
Post by: Simon on March 28, 2010, 21:22

Unless you're sitting on it.  :)

Title: Re: Sensors turn skin into gadget control pad
Post by: Rik on March 29, 2010, 09:24

Ah, but you can waggle your fingers to find it. ;)

Title: Re: Sensors turn skin into gadget control pad
Post by: Simon on March 29, 2010, 09:48

 ;D

Title: Re: Sensors turn skin into gadget control pad
Post by: sam on March 30, 2010, 10:27

Quote from: Simon on March 27, 2010, 20:36

Tapping your forearm or hand with a finger could soon be the way you interact with gadgets.

I'm always surprised that devices like a wristwatch haven't been converted into basic mobile phones. Especially with bluetooth headsets to work for the sound.

Title: Re: Sensors turn skin into gadget control pad
Post by: Simon on March 30, 2010, 10:38

An idea for Dragon's Den, Sam?  You could make millions!  :D

Title: Re: Sensors turn skin into gadget control pad
Post by: sam on March 30, 2010, 23:57

its all about implementation... and laziness wins.

Title: Re: Sensors turn skin into gadget control pad
Post by: Simon on March 31, 2010, 00:23

;D