Are traditional multitouch displays starting to seem way too square for you both literally and figuratively? Fear not, because Queens University’s human media lab is offering up plans for a DIY spherical multitouch display you can use for all your interactive globe needs.
While the design does require a high-quality projector the software doesn’t seem very processor intensive so if you have an extra computer lying around then the rest of the materials are actually quite cheap. Setup is a bit physically complex, but it seems like a fun weekend project with some helpful and specific tips on placement.
Once you’ve gotten your projector, mirror, and sphere situated just how you like them the group has some great open source software to get the whole thing up and running. The project uses an infrared sensing webcam to detect whenever anybody’s touching the globe using a process called Diffused Illumination.
You can marvel at the finished project in action over on YouTube. The Human Media Lab website looks to be ramping up to do more open source projects like the spherical display in the future so you can look forward to more DIY weekend projects to come.
[via BoingBoing]
Like this? You may also enjoy…
- All Hail the Open-Source Time Machine!
- Control a Game of Tetris With Your Body and a Buddy
- New Display Tech Draws Almost No Power
Follow GeekTech on Twitter or Facebook, or subscribe to our RSS feed.