Sunday, May 13, 2012

New 'array projector' modeled on insect eyes


Array
Fraunhofer
Fraunhofer has created a new type of projector that uses hundreds of tiny lenses instead of one big one, not unlike an insect's compound eye. Each of these hundreds of microprojectors can adjust their output so angled, irregular, or curved surfaces can be projected onto as easily as flat ones. Who needs a screen when you can project onto a tabletop or your own shirt?
Not only could this "array projection" technique allow for better projection on non-flat surfaces, but the projectors send out an invisible (to us, at any rate) infrared grid that can be used as a rudimentary gesture interface. A connected camera would detect the IR grid and track movements along it, allowing users to interact with screen elements or at the very least do things like advance to the next slide or turn off the device — just by touching the projected surface.
Array
Fraunhofer
The researchers don't expect the technology to hit the market for at least three or four years, but as Fraunhofer's Marcel Sieler explains in their research summary: "The manufacturing process is suitable for mass production, and that makes the devices economical to make." So hopefully these won't become vaporware, though it'll be some time before you'll have one attached to your smartphone.

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