Patent reveal the idea behind Microsoft Surface Table still alive

Surface Table — Yes that was a thing back in –and looks like Microsoft is again toying with the idea as revealed in its recent patent filing for an “INTERACTIVE INTEGRATED DISPLAY AND PROCESSING DEVICE”.  The difference this time is instead of using large and expensive touchscreen, this one uses projectors and sensors which then creates touch-enabled display of the size of a computer table.

If PixelSense clicks you, then yes its name of the renamed Surface Table. The biggest advantage of this setup is that it could expand to any flat surface size, and using gestures things could be done.

surface-table-patent

Microsoft describes it as :

An integrated processing and projection device adapted to rest on a supporting surface provides interactivity between users in a projected display area projected by the device on the supporting surface.

The integrated processing and projection device includes a processor and a projector designed to provide a display in the display area. Various sensors enable object and gesture detection in the display area.

An interactive service, provided using the device or a network connected host, enables users of companion processing devices to interact in the display area of the integrated processing and projection device using the companion devices, via an interface in the display provide by the projector. Users without companion devices can interact with users of companion devices using an interface provided in the display area.

Looking at the image above, and last paragraph of the patent description, it seems in future some service of Microsoft Software ( could be Windows as a Service) will have features to support this kind of arrangement.

Microsoft is going to bring 3D to Windows 10, and this seems to be the next step ahead. Windows 10 runs on most of the Microsoft devices, and the image showcases a small phone like product on table which is being projected.

Possible that you will be able to put any device, and then use gestures, and sensors to do things, and interact with other devices? Time will tell.

Source : MSPoweruser

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