Coffee table as a remote control (video at link)
source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/08/coffee-table-remote/
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Having mutiple remote controls can be frustrating, especially when everyone in the household wants to argue over who gets control of them. Well, a new technology project is expanding on the remote control theme, bringing a whole new way in which the item can be used.
The CRISTAL (Control of Remotely Interfaced Systems using Touch-based Actions in Living spaces) research project on user interface technology is combining a coffee table with remote control functions to create a universal remote, designed to allow household members to control the functions of devices all in one room (the living room).
A birdseye view of the living room is visible on the tabletop, via video streaming. The user can turn lights on and off and even play DVDs by using the touchscreen technology, that the table functions with (see video).
Stacey Scott, assistant professor at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, and a member of the project explained: .“We wanted a social aspect to activities such as choosing what to watch on TV and we wanted to make the process easy and intuitive.”
Although universal remotes have been worked on before (Microsoft introduced "Surface", as a multi-touch display capable of following orders from user's hand gestures), they have been challenging to use.
The CRISTAL tabletop remote could cost between $10,000 - $15,000 (approx. £6,000 - £9,120) and could take up to 10 years before consumers see it on the market for purchase.
The CRISTAL (Control of Remotely Interfaced Systems using Touch-based Actions in Living spaces) research project on user interface technology is combining a coffee table with remote control functions to create a universal remote, designed to allow household members to control the functions of devices all in one room (the living room).
A birdseye view of the living room is visible on the tabletop, via video streaming. The user can turn lights on and off and even play DVDs by using the touchscreen technology, that the table functions with (see video).
Stacey Scott, assistant professor at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, and a member of the project explained: .“We wanted a social aspect to activities such as choosing what to watch on TV and we wanted to make the process easy and intuitive.”
Although universal remotes have been worked on before (Microsoft introduced "Surface", as a multi-touch display capable of following orders from user's hand gestures), they have been challenging to use.
The CRISTAL tabletop remote could cost between $10,000 - $15,000 (approx. £6,000 - £9,120) and could take up to 10 years before consumers see it on the market for purchase.
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