BLUI: Blowable user interface

This is a way to support blowing at a laptop or computer screen to directly control certain interactive applications. Localization estimates are produced in real-time to determine where on the screen the person is blowing. You can do this by using a single microphone, such as those that are already embedded in a standard laptop or one placed near a computer monitor by using audio fingerprinting.

Research paper: http://www.shwetak.com/papers/uist07_blui.pdf

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• user
• interfacs
• computer
• gadget
• windows

[shwetakpatel]

Read the pdf if you are interested in the detail on how it works.

[joeizkool21]

Yeah, this definetly blows.

[AndrewPPC007]

This is absolutely brilliant. And it only requires one microphone too. Think of the possibilities for quad and paraplegics being able to use a computer! Well done.

[SmagnoDOTcom]

You could possibly set this up with multiple microphones. I kinda want to write a program where you can blow stuff off of your desktop. Like when you maximize/minimize a window it accumulates dust on the bottom of your desktop (on start bar/dock/etc) and you can blow it away every once in a while XD

[coolboy2650]

I also want to know that.

[redelman431]

What if your using this laptop outdoors in the wind?

[fazzzy89]

is this useful? or is it just for fun? :/

[Intosia]

no its not, its a 40 series, gues u dont have t60 then?

[Intosia]

wooot Thinkpad T4x :)

[freerollinsk8er]

yeah that would suck outside if a gust of wind came.... sounds a bit too easy to fake, though. a microphone knowing where you're blowing? come on.

[ClearMan1]

any one got a link to the software

[IAMNOTHUMAN]

Good for some very specific uses (like for people with disabilities). It shouldn't be very precise and requires the head position to remain static from session to session though.