Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 |
Scrollbars and Selections Make User Interface Art Scene
Dutch Artist Jan Robert Leegte has an unusual take on the graphical user interface (GUI) conventions that we are all accustomed to seeing on our computer screens: he wants to impose them physically upon the real world.
(Scrollbars as art)
His Scrollbars work first appeared in 2002; he has been exploring the sculptural uses of browser GUIs since 1997. According to the artist, most of us consider the scrollbar to be a virtual object - but in use it triggers reactions such as frustration, which suggests a subconscious acceptance of the inherent 'reality' of these objects.
In looking at this piece, I'm immediately struck at how the virtual world is increasingly imposing itself on our real world. The practice of virtual tagging is a good example.
In late 2003, a product called "Tagandscan" allowed cellphone users to scribble "virtual graffiti" in a street or neighbourhood. The service let users post a message to a mobile phone zone, or "cell". When a user logs onto the TagandScan site using their cellphone, they can opt to be automatically located according to network cell from which they are calling.
Another example is the sort of tagging system devised by semapedia.org. The basic idea of their system is to find a real-world object that corresponds to a Wikipedia article (for example, the Brooklyn Bridge). Then, fill out a form on the semapedia site and print out a special machine-readable tag, which you then affix to the real world object. Any person with a properly equipped phone can now scan the tag and instantly receive the Wikipedia article information.
In a previous article (Logitech QuickCam Orbit MP Has Maximum Headroom) I described the manner in which a user of this camera can impose his own view of himself on his own image.
Finally, take a look at Vernor Vinge's new book Rainbows End in which a set of technologies allows people with wearable computer clothing and smart contact lenses to see the world exactly as their computer makes it.
Maybe someday soon, you'll be able to select a portion of the real world for inclusion in a paper or presentation. Jan Robert Leegte thinks so.
('Selection' by Jan Robert Leegte, 2006)
Take a look at Leegte's website via Guerilla-Innovation.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 8/29/2006)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 0 )
Related News Stories - (" Culture ")
Indonesian Clans Battle
'The observation vehicle was of that peculiar variety used in conveying a large number of people across rough terrain.' - Jack Vance (1952)
Liuzhi Process Now In Use In China
'He was in a high-ceilinged windowless cell with walls of glittering white porcelain.' - George Orwell, 1984.
Animated Tumblebugs On Astounding Cover!
'Gaines and Harvey mounted tumblebugs, and kept abreast of the Cadet Captain...'
Has Elon Musk Given Up On Mars?
'There ain't no such thing as a free lunch.'
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
Proof Of Robothood - Not A Person
'Who are you people? - Show 'em.'
Dancing Robots Taught Dance Moves
'A clockwork figure would be the thing for you...'
Indonesian Clans Battle
'The observation vehicle was of that peculiar variety used in conveying a large number of people across rough terrain.'
The 'Last Mile' In China Crowded With Delivery Robots
Yes, it's a delivery robot. On wheels.
Tornyol Microdrone Kills Mosquitoes
'The real border was defended by... a swarm of quasi-independent aerostats.'
PLATO Spacecraft, Hunter Of Habitable Planets, Now Ready
'I ... set my automatic astronomical instruments to searching for a habitable planet.'
Factory Humanoid Robots Built By Humanoid Robots
'...haven't you a section of the factory where only robot labor is employed?'
iPhone Air Fulfils Jobs' Promise From 2007 - A Giant Screen!
'... oblongs were all over the floor and surfaces.'
ChatGPT Now Participates in Group Chats
'...the city was their laboratory in human psychology.'
iPhone Pocket All Sold Out!
'A long, strong, slender net...'
Did The Yautja Have These First?
What a marvel of ingenuity the little device was!
Jetson ONE Air Races Begin, Can Air Polo Be Far Behind?
'If you're one of those rarities who haven't attended a rocket-polo "carnage", let me tell you it's a colorful affair.'
Will Space Stations Have Large Interior Spaces Again?
'They filed clumsily into the battleroom, like children in a swimming pool for the first time, clinging to the handholds along the side.'
Mornine Sales Robot
'Robot-salesmen were everywhere, gesturing...'
Bipedal Robot Floats Gently While Walking
'a walking balloon proceeded with long strides of its aluminum legs...'
Musk Idea Of Cars Talking To Each Other Predicted 70 Years Ago
'My cars talk to one another.'
