Turn any surface into a touchscreen with new Ubi software

[David Tom]

Touchscreens have altered the way we view and interact with technology. Current systems confine the touch interface to the device it is shipped with, most often smartphones, tablets, and the latest wave of laptops. But a newly launched product by startup Ubi, however, converts any surface into a touchscreen.

If you’re already armed with a Microsoft Kinect for Windows sensor and a projector, then all you have to do is purchase the accompanying Ubi software. According to the company website, the software retails between $149 and $1,499, which varies by the display size and the level of customer support offered.

Ideally, the system should be setup by shining images onto one side of a transparent surface (so the projection isn't hindered by your hands or body), and placing the Kinect sensor on the other side. The Kinect sensor accurately tracks all user movements, providing the same basic functionality as what we have come to expect with smartphones and tablets.  This means that opening and closing programs with a single touch, scrolling through items with a flick, or expanding areas with pinch-to-zoom, are all gestures understood by the program.

It’s easy to see the untapped potential of such a technology. The Ubi system could revolutionize the way teachers conduct their classrooms, transforming a boring whiteboard into an interactive learning experience. Retail stores could also use the touchscreen software to display product information and promotions wherever they see fit. Furthermore, giant touchscreens could be used for business presentations in conference rooms. And perhaps the biggest advantage of this technology is that it eliminates the expensive screen hardware, dramatically reducing costs.

Anup Chathoth, Ubi co-founder and CEO, explained, “We want human collaboration and information to be just one finger touch away, no matter where you are. By making it possible to turn any surface into a touch screen, we eliminate the need for screen hardware and thereby reduce the cost and extend the possibilities of enabling interactive displays in places where they were not previously feasible -- such as on walls in public spaces.”

For many, seeing is believing. So check out the demonstration video by Ubi below.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/53640-turn-any-surface-into-a-touchscreen-with-new-ubi-software.html

 

[VitalyT]

That's all B.S. It will never look nice on a random surface. Not to mention that many surfaces are not pleasant or suitable for dragging your fingers across.

If you really want to use it on a regular basis, you will need a dedicated surface, designed for something like this, which will then defeat original purpose of the product.

 

[9Nails]

I wonder if it will work with rear projection TV's, so you're not standing in the light blocking part of a projected image?

 

[TomSEA]

Sure, that's what I want to do. Smudge up my 55" HDTV.

 

[Jad Chaar]

This is cool, but has its limits like Vitaly said.

 

[Tekkaraiden]

Wasn't there a way to do this with a Wii?

 

[Chazz]

That's all B.S. It will never look nice on a random surface. Not to mention that many surfaces are not pleasant or suitable for dragging your fingers across.

If you really want to use it on a regular basis, you will need a dedicated surface, designed for something like this, which will then defeat original purpose of the product.

So you don't see the use for this in a classroom? Places that already have projectors in place, but looking to foot a huge bill to upgrade to the smarter boards?

 

[Guest]

Cue UbiSoft's legal department in 5, 4, 3, 2, ...

 

[gamoniac]

That's all B.S. It will never look nice on a random surface. Not to mention that many surfaces are not pleasant or suitable for dragging your fingers across.

If you really want to use it on a regular basis, you will need a dedicated surface, designed for something like this, which will then defeat original purpose of the product.

I am sure you speak for the rest of the world..

 

[tipstir]

Boy they like to throw in Angry birds don't they like it's the only game to play. Okay this tech coming along I see and they're having fun showing off the prototype to use to give us a tease.

 

[theruck]

Why do companies develop such useless technologies... if we continue like this then working 12 hours on a pc would be as hard as working 12 hours in the mines. why would I want to stand in front of a projector and do these exercises if I can click and move the picture on a tablet or phone while not covering the half of the projected image?

 

[tipstir]

Why do companies develop such useless technologies... if we continue like this then working 12 hours on a pc would be as hard as working 12 hours in the mines. why would I want to stand in front of a projector and do these exercises if I can click and move the picture on a tablet or phone while not covering the half of the projected image?

More of a Fad, I don't think much usage will come from this tech although you see a lot of it on TV, Movies an etc.. Makes you look cool using this tech. New tech will come out being even better than this tech.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

"Transforming a boring whiteboard".
My my how things have changed. In my day I used to have to listen to the chalk squealing across a blackboard while trying to read an 'Archie & Jughead comic' folded into one of my text books.

 

[tehbanz]

Wasn't there a way to do this with a Wii?

Exactly, we did a presentation in college with the wii method, you use a wiimote and a FREE piece of software and it worked very well.

http://johnnylee.net/projects/wii/

 

[tehbanz]

This software is SUCH BS. According to the website "Each version comes with ONE year of free updates.."

Not to mention the price point is just ridiculous.. and it scales on touch points? Booo!