Magic Finger Can Turns any surface Into Touch Interface

Autodesk Research develops a device known as “Magic Finger” that can turn any surface to detect touch input by shifting the touch technology from the surface to the wearer’s finger.

This device is developed by, the University of Alberta and the University of Toronto is a small micro camera and optical flow sensor that attaches to your finger.

The device can distinguish between surfaces like a desk, a piece of paper or even skin can recognize 2D data matrix codes, and also features a pinch function that can be programmed to trigger computer commands.

In addition to input and control functions, the device can also be used for data transfers between Magic Finger units.
magic finger

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How Magic Finger Can Turns any Surface into Touch Interface:

On the ring, there are a pair of optical sensors. One is a low resolution, a high-speed sensor for tracking movement, which wouldn’t be very impressive because it makes the device just a mouse you strap to your finger.

However, Magic Finger adds a new dimension with a high-resolution camera, which is able to detect 32 different surface textures with 98 percent accuracy. This allows the device to recognize what it touches, such as a leather bag or a table or a magazine page, and with this information turn various surfaces into interfaces for devices or a way of passing information.

Practical Applications Of Magic Finger:

One can use this device in a number of ways depending upon your requirement.

  • To remotely access or control mobile devices especially smartphones.
  • Tap on the bag to mute a Skype call
  • Tap on the smartphone to send a frequent SMS message.
  • Using the logo of a t-shirt as a mode delimiter.
  • Tap the wrist to check an upcoming appointment.
  • Pinch gesture.
  • Data Matrix Buttons
  • Occlusion Free Input
  • Sticker as disposable remote controls.
  • Passing texture to another Magic Finger.
  • Use Magic Finger as a periscope to check out the traffic.

The Autodesk team hopes one day to make the Magic Finger into a self-contained device with appropriate miniaturization.

When you reduce the size, you can attach the device to a ring or embedded under a fingernail or at the fingertip itself so that it is invisible and dormant.

So next time use this gadget to control your favorite devices remotely.

Source: gizmag & dvice

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