Project: Vanderbilt University Library
Client: Anode
Submitted by: vislogix

Brief overview of the project/technology:
When Anode hired vislogix to design a dynamic interactive centerpiece for Vanderbilt’s six-million-dollar renovation of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library, we collectively came up with a very challenging but unique and engaging concept utilizing our Respondr interactive system. The end result was an interactive floor projection display comprised of a series of morphing shapes that are filled with real time student search queries from within the Vanderbilt Library. These searches are first filtered and parsed for inappropriate content and are then dynamically displayed into three different transitioning word shapes as described. Each search term when displayed goes it’s own life cycle which is evidenced by color shifts before being replaced by a new term. All word positioning within each shape is based on a variety of algorithms including character count. Additionally a custom interface was created to allow a variety of customizations such as color schemes and time delays of the various interactive objects. Initially deployed word shapes include a Star, the Vanderbilt “V”, and the Vanderbilt Oakleaf, while new shapes are currently being considered to constantly keep the display fresh and original.

Objectives of the deployment or the technology:
Objectives included creating a custom version of Respondr that was tied into the library’s computer network with a custom designed program that would pull real-time student searches, parse and filter for profanities and inappropriate terms (along with a black list), and finally pull the cleared terms into the system at which point a variety of custom algorithms determined where in each morphing shape a particular word would be positioned. The floor projected display then would react to motion in the center of the library lobby as students, faculty and visitors engage with the word shapes.

Results achieved:
Results in a unique deployment such as this are not measured in terms of ROI as much as they are about the overall student, faculty and visitor experience. Everyone was extremely satisfied with the results and the system has been running error free since October 2010. Currently additional shapes are being considered to further enhance the library’s desire to accentuate holidays, seasons, etc.

Size and geographic location(s) of the deployment:
Single custom installation in Nashville, TN. The application receives several hundred interactions daily.

Selected judges comments:

• Overall a very unique and interactive device. It’s clear that this is a design feature. Very well done.

The challenges of such high end user engagement coupled with approaches to assure that standards of content practice and policies are maintained appear to be thoughtfully met with this advanced application. Vanderbilt is to be applauded!

Nice implementation. Good overall design with neat functionality.

Wow. Nice out of the box thinking. Clever use of Google words. Developers understood that library card catalog and reference system formed the basis of the Google search magic and its billion dollar market cap.

Touch Screen Technology Dazzles at New York’s Annual Signage Fair

• November 12th, 2010 3:42 pm ET

It was all touchy-feely at New York’s annual digital signage convention, held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan this week, where the latest in touch screen technology was on display.  The Customer Engagement Technology World trade show treated visitors to demonstrations of cutting-edge, interactive, touch screen kiosks and countertop displays.

A walk of the floor revealed that 3D, the latest rage in movie theaters, is also taking the digital signage world by storm, with a number of booths demonstrating the latest products using 3D to capture the consumers’ attention.   Among these, Provision Interactive Technologies demonstrated its HoloVision 3D screen, which projects 3D images that seem to float above the customer’s head at the kiosk.

According to Bob Ostrander, vice president of Sales and Business Development for ProVision, a consumer in a store can “grab” for the holographic image to generate things like coupons or soda from a dispenser.  The display can also be set up in store windows, so that the image “floats” in the street, just outside the glass, as a unique form of advertising.

“Infotainment is the latest trend in customer engagement,” says Ostrander.  “Through our holographic kiosks, customers are entertained while also being educated or provided a service.”

He adds: “Provision is the first national company to offer this kind of 3D product.  We’re coming out of the starting gate in 2011 with a major implementation of more than 5,000 in locations throughout the U.S., so our interactive, holographic technology is set to break out in a major way very soon.”

Florida-based Vislogix was demonstrating its transparent holographic system, which projects images on a special film that is attached to a standard store window to create a fully interactive display.  When the image is turned off, the film surface becomes fully see-through again. Calling it “thru-glass touch technology,” the company also offered a portable, stand-alone version that is self-contained.

Vilogix’s Oliver Ferrier, who calls himself Vislogix’s “Chief  Xperience Officer,” explains that the technology allows customers to touch the image on the transparent surface and manipulate it just like he would with a mouse on a computer screen.

“Merchants can put whatever content they want on the screen, and customers can then interact with that content, giving you a 24/7 advertising platform,” says Ferrier.  A demonstration of the technology is available on YouTube.

Digital Dialogue: Q&A with Oliver Ferrier – Interactive Technology and the Power to Engage
Interactive Technology and  the Power to Engage

It doesn’t matter what line of business you’re in, being able to engage with your audience is crucial. Today more than ever, companies are looking for more ways to interact with their customers. We know that, and you know that, so we found a product that’s designed to interact with an audience.

SSM had an opportunity to connect with Oliver Ferrier, chief experience officer of Vislogix, to talk with us about one of their interactive technologies, the Holo-iTouch.

Q: With customer engagement being a top priority in the digital signage industry, how does the interactive Holo-iTouch achieve this?

A: Holo-iTouch is a very unique product in that it is the world’s first all-in-one mobile transparent interactive touchscreen. What that means is it comes complete with everything you need for plug-and-play operation, and it can easily be used for mobile presentations, tradeshow booths, event enhancement and more. One of the really neat features of the system is that users can dynamically manipulate and interact with any mouse-driven content such as websites, PowerPoint and flash merely by using their finger on a holographic screen.

Q: Can you explain how the interactive technology works?

A: Holo-iTouch uses an embedded transparent touch foil that senses a person’s touch through up to 1-inch thick glass. Our transparent holographic rear projection screen displays the projected content running from the PC. Picture a 50-inch holographic mousepad where the image is displayed and ready to be interacted with.

Q: Do users need a specific projector? If not, what types of projectors work with the technology, and what are the minimum specs?

A: Holo-iTouch ships with a 3000 Lumen DLP projector standard but, depending on the type of environment, it can be upgraded to a 4500 lumen projector as well. Additionally, the Holo-iTouch comes with an additional opaque inlay projection screen that easily can be added to the holographic screen to combat ambient light. This ensures that your presentation will be a success regardless of what lighting challenges you may be facing.

Q: Is the interactive foil proprietary for the Vislogix technology, or can you use any foil?

A: The interactive foil is not proprietary to Vislogix, but it is manufactured to spec for the Holo-iTouch. IR or optical tracking camera multi-touch bezel options are available for custom orders as well.

Q: How has the technology been deployed in the market, and for what types of use?

A: Holo-iTouch has been used in a variety of applications, ranging from event enhancements, such as the NFL Experience, to countless tradeshow booths around the country, since we offer rental services as well. Most notably, however, it has been used by a variety of companies as a demo/presentation tool due to its dynamic delivery of content, coupled with its ease of transport and setup.

Q: What results or ROI are companies that utilize the technology experiencing?

A: It varies based on usage, but our average tradeshow rental testimonials report an increase in booth traffic upward of 200 percent. When you factor that increase into active participation with the ability to cleverly promote your brand, products or service features, it definitely helps to set yourself apart and leave a lasting, memorable impression on your audience.  In our own experience at events and with specialty projects, the system has always drawn a crowd and generated a significant buzz. People are simply amazed at being able to intuitively touch a piece of glass while commanding and accessing content they are interested in with the use of one or two fingers.

Q: What other areas of use do you see the technology being used for in the future?

A: I believe that we are only in the beginning stages of transforming that old, mundane era of static and tiresome digital signage in the marketplace, which was primarily push/pull oriented with poorly quantifiable metrics. The future lies in captivating and engaging your audience while offering them the ability to forage for the content and information they want, when they want it.   By integrating additional solutions such as our SMS-based content conveyance technology and audience measurement, we can now truly track and communicate directly with your audience from walls, floors, windows and a variety of other custom surfaces. I ultimately envision a world where all of these surfaces will become viable portals for interactive media and communication.

Q: Will the “average” client be able to create content without the help a thirdy party? What formats are compatible?

A: Yes, depending on the product. Our Holo-iTouch and EZ Touch Window, for example, will allow clients to run any website, flash, PowerPoint or other mouse-driven application with effortless ease. Respondr will allow a variety of customizations and imported files as well, but it really depends on how dynamic and specific the end project needs to be.   We further offer full interactive content creation services ranging from holographic content, way finders, interactive games and branded showpieces, to full scale building projection and 3-D mapping.

Oliver Ferrier is the chief experience officer at Vislogix Inc. and MobileLink Media LLC. He can be reached at oliver.ferrier@vislogix.com

Come check us out at Infocomm 2010 in Vegas!

vislogix will be exhibiting again at Infocomm June 9-11 in fabulous Las Vegas. Voted the busiest booth at Infocomm 09 by DailyDooh, we are planning an even more impressive experience at our booth (N2568) this year.

Our featured exhibits will include:

EZ Touch Window
We will have a sunlight capable transparent holographic “thru-window” touchscreen on display powered by SAX3D‘s industry leading HOPS® Foil Touch. This all in one holographic foil & touch screen can easily be mounted behind any storefront window or glass partition to create an unmatched experience that performs even in direct sunlight. Check out a video here.

Holo-iTouch

Our all-in-one mobile holographic touchscreen system will be featured as well. Holo-iTouch is the world’s first truly plug-and-play transparent touch system that comes complete with everything you need right out of the box. Here’s a quick video.

Respondr

Respondr is an ultra-versatile turnkey solution that can easily transform floors, walls, windows and tables into a highly memorable interactive platform while safely keeping all hardware components out of reach. Respondr is an ideal enhancement solution for large venues, malls, lounges, restaurants etc. Bring your world to life with Respondr. Video here.

VIStique Projection Screens

We will be displaying a variety of our industry leading VIStique projection screens including our new sunlight capable rear projection film that is much more economical than comparable products and, in our estimation, outperforms the competition as well.

Audience Measurement

Come experience the power of Quividi‘s industry leading audience measurement solution. Know who’s watching, for how long, who didn’t look, and a variety of other real time metrics to help you quantify your next project.

SMS Based Content Conveyance

Our subsidiary MobileLink Media specializes in mobile marketing technology and bundles this invaluable technology in an easy-to-use online portal that will allow you to generate lead data from your subscribers while offering push notifications at the touch of a button. To demonstrate we will be offering a “text-to-win” giveaway at our booth. We’ve already given away an iPad and iPhone 3G. What might this one be? Come find out!

We will also be tweeting from the floor so make sure you follow us @vislogix and if you haven’t done so already, follow our activities on facebook.

We hope to see you at the show!