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Transforming your windowpane into touch screen

SINGAPORE — That tabletop, windowpane or wall could soon become a touch screen to play computer games, thanks to an invention by a team of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) researchers.

Asst Prof Andy Khong and Research Fellow V G Reju using their prototype mounted on glass. Photo: Nanyang Technological University

Asst Prof Andy Khong and Research Fellow V G Reju using their prototype mounted on glass. Photo: Nanyang Technological University

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SINGAPORE — That tabletop, windowpane or wall could soon become a touch screen to play computer games, thanks to an invention by a team of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) researchers.

Their invention turns flat surfaces into display screens that are touch-sensitive using low-cost acoustic sensors and webcams, said NTU Assistant Professor Andy Khong, who led the research team.

The invention works by having the sensors pick up the signals, which are then crunched through an algorithm to pinpoint the taps. It has already been tested on wood, aluminium, steel, glass and plastics, he said.

“It means in future, you could play computer games or draw sketches on walls or windows since almost all surfaces can be made touch-sensitive with our system,” said Asst Prof Khong.

They are now working to commercialise the invention by developing a more compact system, as well as expanding its capabilities to track movements using optical cameras.

Their Speech Touch and Acoustic Tangible Interfaces for Next-generation Applications project was awarded the Prestigious Engineering Achievement Award 2012 by The Institution of Engineers Singapore.

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