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DigiDesk Touch-Desk Microsoft's Sci-Fi Desk of the Future
DigiDesk is yet another technology company's version of the future; in this case, Microsoft's. As a rule, I like my future in text format (i.e., stories), but I'll take this one. Take a few minutes to look at a prototype, from Microsoft's Center for Information at Convergence 2007 conference.
In this view, you see a factory floor schematic; the display shows relevant information about work flow throughout the factory. The controller can pull up specific information about each area on the display.
(DigiDesk shows factory floor)
Overall, the device looks like a combination of the famous multi-touch display plus some data-tile computer display technology from Minority Report.
However, there is a much older example from the classic 1927 silent film Metropolis, by Fritz Lang. In the film, vast factories and production facilities are controlled from a single "desk."
(Metropolis control "desk")
Using this device, the controller could bring up any factory floor or area, and place a call to the foreman. Various parameters about that area were also presented.
(Metropolis control center detail)
I can't believe that Microsoft passed up the chance to have the DigiDesk overseer call up flunkies and give them peremptory orders.
Take a look at the Microsoft DigiDesk prototype in action in the YouTube video below.
(Microsoft DigiDesk)
Don't miss the previously mentioned views of the Minority Report multi-touch display plus some data-tile computer display technology.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 5/6/2007)
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