I saw this the other day from the top floor of our office.
Across the way, some bloke was demonstrating what looked like a huge touch screen white board, almost Minority Report style. He moved his hand across the board and the screen reacted, like a touch screen interface.
Anyone know anything about that?
Yep, looks like a next generation Smartboard to me. Work so well, soooo expensive...
Posted by: vos b | Apr 12, 2007 at 10:35
I know that you are now jealous.
Posted by: claire Gates | Apr 12, 2007 at 10:50
Are you telling me you're not familiar with the work of Jeff Han? :)
Amazing video at: http://portal.vpod.tv/loiclemeur/135867
and
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid271543545/bctid422563006
Now that is the real Minority Report stuff!
Posted by: Alby | Apr 12, 2007 at 11:11
I've seen these before, interactive whiteboards. I used to work with an education centre that had one and it was awesome (expensive but worth it they said). Anything we did on the Macs could be controlled on there just like using a touch screen.
Posted by: minxlj | Apr 12, 2007 at 11:23
Note: If you are that bloke, please don't worry. I don't think Ben stalks people out of habit.
As for the technology; no idea - but those links alby posted look amazing.
Posted by: Will | Apr 12, 2007 at 11:25
Probably similar technology to that used in the face movement device thing at the FMS
Posted by: Rob Mortimer | Apr 12, 2007 at 12:12
they're in most secondary schools these days. they're pretty low res and the contrast isn't great unless you black out the room, but they are fun to play around with...
Posted by: george | Apr 12, 2007 at 13:47
Yeah, my old school had loads of them, though I never really got to use one. We messed around with them a bit in I.T. and once or twice in science, but they need to come up with ways to intergrate them into the classroom more effectively.
I can see that they'd be useful fro giving presentations though.
Posted by: aecm | Apr 12, 2007 at 15:48
My primary school had one in each class, and nearly all of the classrooms in my school now have them.
Londoners are sooooooo behind.
Posted by: Ben H | Apr 13, 2007 at 09:18
Great.
I want a BLACKBOARD. And I'm going to get one. I'm going to put in in my shed - with the other items I've been saving to put in my shed - currently comprising a Newbery cricket bat (beautiful), a red crowbar and a yellow spirit level.
Posted by: TomLR | Apr 13, 2007 at 14:14
Like this?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/benterrett/382720300/in/set-72157594353802810/
Posted by: Ben | Apr 13, 2007 at 14:22
That's a nice, nice touch Ben. But no. A more traditional form of one.
More like this:
http://www.hearsay.demon.co.uk/filmMusic/blackboardOrig.png
Looks like you are using the wrong sort of chalk on yours.
By the way - I am looking for a recommendation - and you seem to be the kind of man who may be able to help me.
What kind of pencil lead is the best for drawing (ie. sketching) ? I have a sketch pad with matt, quite rough paper in.
Posted by: TomLR | Apr 13, 2007 at 14:38
If you liked that, you should check out www.mediazest.com. There's several things in each product category, my personal favourite being the video 'gobo' (i.e. a holographic panther in a clothes store)...
Enjoy :)
(PS I am in no way affiliated with the company, i just admire their stuff!)
Posted by: jojo | Apr 13, 2007 at 15:34
You can't go wrong with a 2B.
A green blackboard? Surely not.
Posted by: Ben | Apr 13, 2007 at 15:41
It's just the light. It will be black.
Thanks for the recommendation too.
Posted by: TomLR | Apr 13, 2007 at 16:20
Jeff Han's first time at TED - he was back this year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKh1Rv0PlOQ
Posted by: John Dodds | Apr 14, 2007 at 10:40