New multitouch table recognises objects and people

The Berlin-based company Garamantis has developed the first multitouch table that can recognise people: The device detects the exact location of visitors in the immediate vicinity and displays targeted messages and information to them. In addition, the device can identify objects such as products, flyers and business cards. The table is designed for professional 24/7 use and can be easily transported and mounted. This makes the multi-touch table particularly suitable for use at trade fairs and events.

Person and object detection

Via sensor, the table recognises people in its vicinity at a distance of up to six metres. This has two advantages: The device can draw the attention of these visitors to itself and invite them to use it. And: The table can adapt the software to the position of the user. If there are several people, the table can align the individual contents in the line of sight of the surrounding people in each case. “Person recognition enables companies to address their customers at trade fairs and events in a more targeted and personal way”, says Marcus Dittebrand, founder and CTO of Garamantis.

In addition to people, the multi-touch table can also recognise objects. This works both on the screen surface and optionally with a camera-based technology: In this variant, the table has two scanner niches on the underside of the screen, in which flyers, badges and business cards are recognised and processed. “By linking analogue and digital elements, lead generation is automated and significantly simplified”, says Dittebrand.

Modern technology, high-quality design

The most important component of the new unit is a German-made 55-inch Ultra-HD screen (3840 x 2160 pixels, 1388 mm screen diagonal), which is optimised for horizontal continuous operation (24/7) and offers high optical clarity (450 cd/m2, contrast 4000:1) and a particularly robust design. “Our new multi-touch table uses the highest quality individual components available on the market”, says Garamantis CTO Dittebrand. The integrated PC is designed for demanding 3D multitouch software with an Intel i7 processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM and an NVIDIA Quadro P3000 6GB GDDR5 graphics card. This allows multiple users to operate the table simultaneously – the screen can process up to 80 parallel touch points with the Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT) sensor. All cables are invisibly routed, all external connections are concealed. “It was important to us that the table is not only technically state-of-the-art, but also has an attractive and modern design”, says Dittebrand. The table can be completely assembled and disassembled with just a few screws. For transport, Garamantis supplies a matching flight case on wheels. The frame is powder-coated in the customer’s desired colour.

Concept, hardware and software from a single source

The mobile multi-touch table can be ordered immediately from Garamantis and is available for delivery within 4 to 8 weeks. In addition to the hardware, the Berlin-based company offers a full-service package and helps to develop a concept for the respective target group and to integrate the content into individual multitouch software. The content comes from a web-based content management system (CMS).

About Garamantis

Garamantis GmbH was founded in Berlin in early 2014 and develops unique interactive installations such as the multi-touch scanner table and the interactive multi-touch showcase. Individual software development is the focus of the worldwide projects that give the user an impressive interaction experience, for example at trade fairs, events and exhibitions. Garamantis is a partner of Ars Electronica, one of the world’s most renowned media art institutions with around 200 employees.