Contactless Audio Visual Trigger

Contactless trigger solutions.

Covid-19 safety is on 'almost' everyones mind, even if not everyone practices it. Unfortunately we do not have provisions, which put masks and shields on to people automatically, but, we have technology, which can control various systems in our museums, venues and visitor centres automatically.

A recent talk with one of the AV specialists revealed the problem around touch screen technology in public display areas. Touch screens can easily be a depository of the corona and other viruses and bacteria. Some of these may even last longer on the glossy surfaces.
The only safe solution is to wipe them almost after every usage, which is something impractical in many environments.
Due to the different sizes and arrangement of these touch surfaces, it is also very difficult and costly to develop an attachment, which would wipe the surface automatically.

One solution would be to couple the touch screen with the personal phone of the user, so that they could use their own device to control the screen, but again, that is easier said than done.

So interactivity in our systems provide some challenges. But interactivity and electability is something modern, younger users demand.

It does not matter if you have a single TV screen presentation or a multi-display, immersive environment, different content, different shows may need to be shown. In our fast moving world, even if it had to be slowed down in the moment, people may not want to sit down through a lengthy presentation, as desirable as that may seem. One to 5 minutes, Youtube like clips, is what is required.

Modern media player, such as the IDAL Player 230/ 320/ 330/ 380 range make it easy to have selective content, which can be triggered individually. These players are small and compact and can easily be installed, even at the back of the display unit.

The content can be manually triggered.

But how? And how to comply with universal access regulation?

- IR-Buttons
- IR Sensors
- Sensor plates.

These are low cost devices which can easily be installed. If you need several access points, for example to cater for wheelchair access, they can be put in series, like buttons in an elevator.

Each of these devises will trigger a separate show. Non requires to be touched and the sensitivity range can be adjusted on some.

So if you have different content, you just install several of these systems and as the user waves their hand in front of the information panel, or passes through a 'gate', individual programs are started.

These devices are can be used with a multitude of players and devices, including security systems.

Immersive projection and displays and social distancing.

In the foreseeable future we have to expect social distancing rules.
Immersive display technology has by default a social distancing aspect, since the projection or display material surrounding the view, creates a type of shield. But that of course is only valid in non-contact applications.

Immersive displays can be used for a very wide range of applications.

Here are some examples:
- Relaxation during massage
- Relaxation during lengthy medical treatments
- Information immersion with products and services, such as
    Car sales, training, travel
- As medical treatment to reduce anciety and stress
- Stress relieve
- Water treatments

As said, some of these may not involve personal contact and the surrounding of images allows the participant feel connected or transported.

What is immersive display technology and how does it works?

Essentially this is not new and has been used for many years. Any classical dome and curved screen projection is immersive. The viewer or participant is surrounded by images, at least to the edge of his/her visual periphery.

Content may also be displayed above or below.

The visual content may be of either relaxing or informative nature and may even create the desire to explore.

How does it work?

We need or create an environment which allows visual content to be displayed on at least two sides. Other sides may actually be mirrored images. This depends on the subject. The environment can be an existing space, a room or a set-up of projection screens or digital displays.

Projection is ideal, because the image control is better and the visual content may not appear to be so intrusive. But there is nor reason why not LCD monitors can be used. Ultimately it is a question of budget, facility and desired outcome.

Usually the content is displayed in a wrap around panorama arrangement. But again, it is possible to have different content on different display areas. This can get as complex as one likes.

Very typical immersive environments are the Mori Digital Art Museum in Japan or the Ocean by Naked display in Yokohama, just to mention a few. While these set-up’s use up to hundres of projectors, an immersive environment may even use just one projector.   

Content can also be interactive with each other.

How expensive?

A combination of projector, screen and mirror surfaces can be relative inexpensive. In particular if relaxation is desired, whereby the room is darkened and the image not very bright. Larger spaces of course require brighter projectors as will spaces with lots of ambient light.

What about content?

Content for Immersive applications must be carefully selected. Since imagery appears 'all-around' the viewer, the content should be slow paced. Dramatic movements in video content could cause a type of motion sickness. Large scale panoramas must be of high resolution, in particular if the viewing distances are very short.

Video content should be at least 4K shot, so that it can be split across several screens.

Audio?

Normal Mono or stereo sound could be sufficient. Spatial audio can create interesting effects and may lead to viewers attention. Depending of the screen surface material audio bounce needs to be considered. For soothing audio the installation of ceiling speakers may be effective so that the audio appears non-directional.

Technical concerns?

Any immersive installation must be carefully planned. Please note that white projection surfaces may create cross reflection which can be very strong in corners, but also from wall to wall, reducing brillance. Use of black surfaces or projection paint may be a good option.

More information and consulting:

itiav.info@iti-imagegroup.com.au

Beware of infection

With the world in VOVID19 crisis much has been written about social distancing and the risk of spreading infection. 

We also know now, that not only elderly or people with pre existing conditions can die, but also younger people. We feel invinciple when we are younger, but we are not really. 

Also are you sure that you are not having a pre-existing condition which may weaken your immune systems? 

A normal cold, a small infection, anything, inclusing poor eating habits, lack of sleep, timezone spanning travel (even within your own country), all can weaken your immune system. 
You may not really know it or brush a little bit of being unwell aside, but you may actually at risk.

And even if you are not, your hand, which touches an infected surface, may inadvertently spread the virus to another surface, which is then touched by someone elses grandmother or father, who may fall sick and may even die.

Above some examples, where the virus may lurk. 
We know that it can survive up to 72 hours on metal. So what about the handles at busses, railings at stations? ATM machines or traffic light call buttons.

There are literally thousands of contact points we get in touch with every day.

So think about it.

Don't touch your face when you are out and about.
Wash your hands, ideally with soap, since soap destroys the virus and just be careful.
Stay safe and healthy.