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Disney Researchers Turn Plants Into Multitouch Controllers
Designed in Disney's research lab, the Botanicus Interactus system brings out the possibilities in complex multitouch interactive controllers. By incorporating a single electrode placed in the soil of real or artificial house plants, the system is able to detect where and how the plant is being touched, effectively turning a plant unto a multitouch controller.
The system utilizes Swept Frequency Capacitive Sensing (SFCS), a process similar to what is involved in capacitive touch sensing. The only difference is that SFCS is capable of detecting a wide range of frequencies compared to capacitive's ability to detect a single frequency. This allows the Botanicus Interactus to determine things such as location of the touch, and exact nature of the touch whether it be a stroke tap or squeeze.
In addition, the technology even allows the device to detect when a person's finger is close to the plant, without even touching it. Although the technology might not be appealing for everyday computing purposes, it opens the door to a broad range of possibilities, one of which can be seen at the SIGGRAPH Emerging Technology conference in Los Angeles where an entire garden of interactive plants utilizing the technology is on display.
Tuan Mai is a Los Angeles based writer and marketing manager working within the PC Hardware industry. He has written for Tom's Guide since 2010, with a special interest in the weird and quirky.
