Researchers alter paper to act as interactive computer display
Innovative technology takes big step towards paper-based Google Docs
Anyone who has ever collaborated on a web-based project knows the frustrations associated with trying to share edits and ideas with their remotely located partners. Hopefully, this won’t be a problem we have to deal with much longer thanks to the folks at the University of Tokyo’s Naeumura Group. They came up with an innovative solution to this problem by updating modern-day paper-computer technology to create a paper and pen system that allows users to erase, copy, and print hand-drawn sketches on a piece of paper and share it with their friends and co-workers anywhere in the world.
The Naeumura Group has introduced a new paper-computer technology that allows groups to work together from around the world.
Granted, the project as it is stands right now is probably best targeted for artists looking to work together, but the potential is there for this to eventually be used in all industries.
How it works
The foundation for the Group’s system is the paper: it’s coated in a photochromic smart material that changes colors when it absorbs light. To draw on the paper, a ball-point pen that contains thermo-sensitive ink is used. A DMD-driven UV projector — with a resolution of 1,024 x 768 pixels — hangs above the paper and is used to print remotely contributed images onto the paper.
To erase any sketches or writings, a laser placed behind the paper is used. The ink can be erased to a very high level of accuracy at intervals of 0.024 mm.
“This is one technology for truly turning ordinary paper into a display,” says Naemura’s Tomoko Hashida.
“Until now, it’s been possible to project things onto paper and use it as a screen, or import things drawn on paper to PC by using a digital pen. But the first method uses light, so the results can only be seen in the dark, and with the second method, even if you can import things, you can’t access them on paper from the computer.”
Video
The Naeumura Group’s breakthrough technology in action:
“The idea is to do computing on paper,” Hashida concludes. “But in the future, we’d like to enable several people to create one document, like with Google Docs, actually using real-world paper while far apart. We’d also like to enhance the rendering that’s possible through collaboration between people and computers. For example, by giving more detailed access than you get by hand, and enabling you to draw large areas at once.” ■
Story via: diginfo.tv
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