SenseSurface: Stick real knobs to on-screen virtual controls

Posted by Joel Johnson, July 15, 2008 6:59 AM | permalink

Lyndsay Williams of Girton Labs has built this prototype "SenseSurface" system which allows you to attach real, physical knobs to a flat-panel display. The magnetic knobs are measured by a sensor plate in the rear, letting you turn the knob itself to control the software dials. It's all a test project now, but I could see some people really getting into this. (Although not on laptops so much as dedicated displays.)

Below, a short clip of a prototype SenseSurface knob in action.

Project Page [GirtonLabs.GooglePages.com via Blogs.Guardian.co.uk via Music Thing]

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Discussion

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#1 posted by pork musket , July 15, 2008 7:01 AM

That's pretty cool tech, but I don't see how it's any better than just mapping controls to a midi device and using the knobs there. Gives you more flexibility to move the screen layout around but keep the knobs in the same position. I hate having to adjust my knob.

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#2 posted by Piet Stoaling , July 15, 2008 7:11 AM

That is cool. It better than a control surface, beace for one, it saves weight and space! I could think of more... But disadvantages...? How many buttons could you fit on your laptop or even desktop screen? Think of how big a standard sound desk is...

BBUT - Couple this idea with one of those funky flexible organic displays that are being developed, and I'm pretty sure you have a winner!

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#3 posted by mdhatter

, July 15, 2008 9:11 AM

PONG!

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#4 posted by markfrei , July 15, 2008 9:27 AM

I love it. Now give me sliders too!

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#5 posted by gigarizel , July 15, 2008 10:08 AM

ah, I have seen this demoed on a Microsoft Surface. http://qik.com/video/125619 look around 20:30

I think it is great because you can save screen real estate, you don't need all those menus cluttering up your screen and can have a large set of coded knobs for different tasks. It felt very intuitive. How are the knobs held in place in this demo? The MS surface is a flat table so it did not have to hold the knobs in place.

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#6 posted by Downpressor , July 15, 2008 8:05 PM

file under neat idea by someone who doesnt spend much time producing or only has minimal needs

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#7 posted by Chevan , July 15, 2008 9:16 PM

It reminds me of the Powermate from Griffin, although I found infinitely more use from that piece of gadgetry as a page scroller than a volume knob.

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#8 posted by Anonymous , July 15, 2008 10:10 PM

combine with http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/07/15/optimus-tactus-touch.html

... I think there is potential

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#9 posted by Anonymous , July 21, 2008 1:39 AM