Ideum is raising the bar on the types of multitouch experiences that can be designed and built on their our 55" and 65" Ultra High Definition (UHD) 4K Pro, Platform and Duet PCAP touch tables. Their newest software development kit (SDK), Tangible Engine, is an intuitive and highly optimized authoring package that simplifies the process of building applications with object recognition on multitouch tables. Tangible Engine 1.0 is the first SDK available that works with projected-capacitive touch screens. It does not require cameras or optical devices.
The tangibles, also referred to as fiducials, are made with a rubberized polymer material infused with specifically patterned nodes of conductive materials. Tangible Engine recognizes the pattern when the tangible is placed on the touch screen, thereby activating content and creating an innovative way to engage with applications.
Configuring your Tangibles
Tangible Engine consists of a Configurator / Visualizer utility and an SDK which allows developers to quickly and easily train the tangible objects to connect to the touch table surface. The Configurator / Visualizer enables tangible object customization, and developers can introduce new tangibles and edit important attributes, e.g. the name, id, or object radius. Ideum provides the source-code of the Configurator / Visualizer, allowing developers to better understand how the system works. Tangible Engine comes bundled with the tangible object tracker and documentation.
Instructions for 3D printing, including STL files for two tangibles and a list of conductive printing materials, are provided with Tangible Engine. Ideum will be adding new features to Tangible Engine in the near future and updates will be readily available.
Tangible Engine in Action
In 2015, Ideum developed a robust version of the software and built an interactive wine tasting experience with JCB Wines. Just prior to the 1.0 release of Tangible Engine, Ideum developed an interactive coffee experience with Starbucks that seamlessly integrates tangibles with gorgeous design. Interactive coasters have been developed for these two clients, allowing visitors using the touch table to learn about the wine or coffee they were drinking.
Source and top image: Ideum