I recently had the opportunity to take a field trip down to Christie to see MicroTiles in action. MicroTiles are 12″ (height) by 16″ (width) by 10″ (depth) units that include a projector using rear projection. Their native resolution is 720 x 540 pixels per tile. They can easily be stacked together in different configurations to create customized display dimensions. Float4 Interactive created a system using laser rangefinders to add multitouch capabilities to MicroTiles. Alex from Float4 is demonstrating gesture as an input with a four MicroTile configuration in the image above.
Alex also showed me how easy it is to pop open a MicroTile in the case that you need to make any adjustments. The front glass is held on with rare earth magnets, which keep the glass securely in place, but also allow for easy access to the projector. Each unit automatically detects if there is a unit next to it and adjusts automatically when a unit is removed.
One thing that I really appreciate about Christie’s MicroTiles is the way that they approach the problem of creating large scale, high resolution displays. One method is to work on creating more and more sophisticated projectors that can achieve high resolution at a large size. Christie’s approach is to use a projector that can achieve good resolution for a 12″ by 16″ area and then use sophisticated software to display seamlessly across many units. It reminds me of the creative problem solving approach that led to the Mars rovers being able to transmit gigapixel images of the Martian surface to earth (and to IMAX movie theaters).
RSS Feed
Email