MIT’s media
group presented it’s new digital medium called inFORM, recently. This technology allows individuals to interact
with digital media tangibly through the stimulation from the individual and
reception and reaction of the board. Conversely, interaction of the digital
media with the physical world also takes place with the ability to move objects
on the board through. The keys also change color and take on a chameleon
facility.
Linkage:
are the
devices providing power and movement to automated
systems,
machines and processes. A pneumatic cylinder is a
simple,
low cost, easy to install device that is ideal for
producing
powerful linear movement over a wide range of
velocities,
and can be stalled without causing internal damage.
Actuator:
An actuator
is a type of motor for moving or controlling a mechanism or system. It is
operated by a source of energy, typically electric current, hydraulic fluid pressure, or pneumatic pressure, and converts that energy into motion. An
actuator is the mechanism by which a control system acts upon an environment.
-Wiki
“Convert” and “output” are associated words with actuators.
I think the
potential for this technology has to do with Skype, the ability to
telecommunicate. The board will erect 3D images, using “pixels,” as it already
does but less, chunky, if you will. Maybe the clarity and vibrancy of the
pixels could become more enhanced to the point that semi-holographic representations
of people are made.
My outlandish
idea is, what if what they call “pixels” or “pins” (like the child’s toy that
has many pins and conforms to the shape of your fingers when pressed,) could
rise and conform into a human-like representation with all of the colors
enhanced to the point of near-realism.
Here is what the article “InForm: MIT technology makes it possible to 'be' two places at once” has said concerning inForm’s potential.
“As
an interface and display, InForm has potential applications ranging from education,
3D prototyping, and surgical simulations to urban planning, architecture, and
map making.”
“The
group sees InForm as progress toward its Radical Atoms goal, which is to
develop interactive materials that can dynamically change shape like pixels on
a screen.” -Tim Hornyak
I don’t think inForm
is in it’s final form.
Citations
http://resources.norgren.com/document_resources/PDF_links/product_literature/brochures/actuators/actuators_guide/actuator_guide.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actuator
Click link to see
video: http://vimeo.com/79179138