GestureTek delivers a Custom Round Multitouch Table for ZedBuffer in Australia

GestureTek is one of the inventors and pioneers of MultiTouch technology and has been delivering Multitouch table and walls of all sizes since 2002. Besides having robust standard multitouch turnkey multitouch solutions, one of the things that has allowed GestureTek to stand out is its flexible multitouch technology that allows it to customize solution of all sizes and shapes for clients around the world. GestureTek still holds the world records for sizes of multitouch walls and tables, with multiple 20’+ MT tables and 70’+ long MT walls.

ZedBuffer is a Melbourne new media company specialising in the development of large-scale custom made 3D immersive environments, screen-based interactive installations, real-time computer graphic design and digital media production for public exhibitions, events, and museums. They have come to GestureTek on multiple occasions to deliver solutions for their clients (Click here for an example ).

This time they came to GestureTek for the “Drops of Wisdom” project in the ‘Water for Life’ exhibition, Warragamba Dam Visitor Centre, Warragamba Dam, Sydney Catchment Authority, New South Wales, Australia.

They wanted to create an interactive display that would engage a large number of visitors interested in the dam, and the water catchment. They also wanted to provide an interactive database of stories and information that can be updated and expanded in the future. By developing Drops of Wisdom they were able to enrich the themes, sub-themes and stories of the exhibition by providing additional information at a more detailed level than possible in other exhibition formats.

The ‘Drops of Wisdom’ installation is a three meter diameter circular interactive table commissioned for the Warragamba Dam visitor exhibition titled ‘Water for Life’. The Drops of Wisdom table is the central interactive feature in the exhibition. The table displays 40 individual stories in four thematic groups – Water, Catchments, Dam, and People. These stories provide insights into the history of Warragamba Dam as well as contemporary aspects of water usage, conservation, and sustainability.

‘Drops of Wisdom’ utilises a custom developed multi-touch tracking system based on the Illuminate Touch product that makes the entire tabletop touch-sensitive. 3D graphics are projected onto the table using two edge-blended 1080p high definition projectors, providing a large, seamless and continuous image. Sound is produced in real-time through a 5.1 multi-channel soundscape that envelopes the installation.

The graphics display software designed and developed by ZedBuffer is a custom built real-time 3D environment integrated with the GestureTek Illuminate Touch product. The graphics software enables the simultaneous playback of multiple streams of video content, and animated 2D and 3D content.

The interior architecture of the exhibition is designed as three concentric bands of information that represent the ripples on a body of water created by a drop at its centre. The design concept for the table was conceived to represent the central drop of water. To compliment the exhibition design concept we developed a circular interactive table that lends itself both as a central feature for visitors to congregate around, and to integrate seamlessly with the ‘water ripple’ concept of the surrounding interior architecture.

The interactive surface enables visitors to ‘catch’ moving icons that drop and splash onto its watery surface. When a visitor touches an icon it moves to a position in front of them and unfolds to present an interactive story tablet that includes scrollable text, video footage, computer generated graphics, and sound. Up to 12 visitors can interact with the circular display at any one time.

As an added attraction and challenge to younger students and children, a group of elusive platypuses constantly dart across the table. The platypuses are attracted to the visitor touching the table and will playfully swim in front of them.

The people at Gesturetek were able to understand our vision and customise their Illuminate Touch solution to suit the specific requirements of this installation. The unique camera tracking solution provides a transparent and easy to use interface for the visitor that is robust and reliable.

“The audience has reacted with excitement to the table and we have received many positive comments regarding the novelty, versatility and uniqueness of the installation. Many visitors have commented that they have not seen this technology before. It provides a wonderful stimulus for families to interact and discuss our messages while having fun with interactivity. People are tending to spend a lot of time at the installation due to the variety and content on display. The Drops of Wisdom table is proving to be the central highlight of our new exhibition.” - Stephen Waite, Senior Manager, Sydney Catchment Authority

The ‘Drops of Wisdom’ content was designed and developed by ZedBuffer in association with Bannyan Wood (Exhibition Design and Interpretation), TVU (Film and Video Production), and Sound Environment (Sound Design and AV Integration).

Photos provided courtesy of ZedBuffer

Click here for more information on ZedBuffer's 'Drops of Wisdom'.

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