WorldKit combines cameras,
projectors and computers to allow everyday surfaces like walls, tables, doors
and worktops to host interactive controllers for gadgets including TVs, digital
video recorders, hi-fis or room lighting. The system uses a Microsoft Kinect
depth camera to pinpoint which surface your swishing hand is requesting to
become a controller. As you move your hand back and forth, you say out loud
what you want the surface to turn into.
WorldKit's software uses voice recognition to work out what type of remote you want and a digital projector on the ceiling beams an image of that controller onto the chosen surface. The Kinect camera then works out which buttons you are pressing. The system will be useful when small projectors have become cheap and power-efficient enough to be dotted around our homes. The system could also beam interactive cookery instructions onto a kitchen worktop.
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