The future looks even more intriguing than it did before. Researchers at Intel are currently developing an application that will make it possible to use any surface as a touch screen. Imagine being able to pull up any type of information required at any time, from anywhere in the home, at the touch of your fingertips; or being able to store items virtually. This may seem impossible to some but how it works is really pretty basic and makes ease of use by even a young and unskilled computer user possible.
The Components Involved In The Countertop Touchscreen
Generally, touch screens are made with a specially designed and calibrated material that is similar in width to a piece of celliphane and later covered with a layer of glass. Intel hopes though to redesign and update the way touch screens are made. They will no longer have any material added to the surface. Instead, it will be completely integrated into the countertop in which it is being applied. It will consist of several cameras and a projector that will be placed together in an object smaller than a television remote control.
The Way The Countertop Virtual Screens Will Work
A simple computer application will be the brain of the system. The use of a 3-D holographic image producer will allow a life like screen to be projected in thin air. These images will respond to the users touch and actions. The user can create notes and jot down spur of the moment thoughts by simply waving a hand or finger across the surface. When objects are placed on the surface, they will be recognized by a process of determining the size and shape of the object. These objects can be scanned into the system or used as a base of getting information about them.
Where Touchscreen Tops Can Be Installed
Intel tells that the touch screens can be put into merely any countertop, the surface material is not of concern. Whether it is glass or stone, laminate or wood, it can be made into a hand controlled system. You can have one in your bathroom by the sink or in the living room on the table next to the couch. They will come in especially handy in the kitchen or home office. In the kitchen they can be used to keep track of items needed from the store and in the office they can be used to schedule appointments and other business related tasks. Because the need of a desktop PC will be null with one of these installed, there will be more space to use on the desk for other important items. This also means no more bulky cables or wiring.
The ideas and possibilities of use with a touch screen integrated into your countertop are nearly limitless. Though it is still under speculation and at a research stage by Intel, it may be possible in the near future to have one of these great evolutions of technology installed in your home or place of business.
