Sanitary Interface
Elevator buttons and other public interfaces provide a path for the spread of communicable diseases. MERL has developed a technology which allows for the creation of inherently sanitary interfaces which are intuitive and fun to use. The system creates the 3-D illusion of a button floating in space using a pair of parabolic mirrors. Sensors detect an attempted touch, and the virtual button image is moved to give the illusion that a button is being pressed. In addition, a compressed air supply provides a brief pulse to give tactile feedback.
Background & Objective: MERL has been exploring numerous ways to improve elevators ranging from new scheduling algorithms to advanced sensors that anticipate elevator trips. This project focuses on the user experience of the elevator. Public interfaces that must be touched by large numbers of people provide a path for the spread of communicable diseases such as influenza and SARS. We wish to provide an interface that is as familiar as a standard call button, yet inherently sanitary. By creating the illusion of a button, users intuitively know how to use it. In addition, the illusion itself is fascinating - most people find it magical - and it is likely that the first commercial elevators to sport this feature will attract significant attention from the public.
Technical Discussion: The combination of a floating image which moves with haptic feedback provides a compelling experience. However, to save cost, it may be desirable to remove features, such as haptic feedback. Similarly, the parabolic mirrors provide a very high quality illusion, but they are somewhat large and costly. Holographic and lenticular displays could also be used, albeit with somewhat lower quality.
Contacts:
John Barnwell
Technology Area: Sensor and Data Systems
Modification Date: December 10, 2007
