Queen University engineers recently have come up with a rollable touch-screen tablet to capture the seamless flexible screen real estate of ancient scrolls in a modern-day device. The tablet dubbed as MagicScroll can proficiently push the boundaries of flexible device technology into the brand new territory.
The device is comprised of a high-resolution, 7.5” 2K resolution flexible display that can be rolled or unrolled around a central, 3D-printed cylindrical body containing the device’s computerized inner-workings. There are two rotary wheels at either end of the cylinder allow the user to scroll through information on the touchscreen.
At the point when a client limits in on a fascinating bit of content that they might want to look at more profoundly, the show can be unrolled and work as a tablet show.
Its lightweight and cylindrically shaped body make it significantly less demanding to hold with one hand than an iPad. At the point when rolled up, it accommodates your pocket and can be utilized as a phone, dictation device or pointing device.
In addition, the device also consists of a camera that allows users to employ the rolled-up MagicScroll as a gesture-based control device – similar to that of Nintendo’s ‘Wiimote’.
Dr. Vertegaal, Professor of Human-Computer Interaction and Director of the Queen’s University Human Media Lab said, “We were inspired by the design of ancient scrolls because their form allows for a more natural, uninterrupted experience of long visual timelines. Another source of inspiration was the old Rolodex filing systems that were used to store and browse contact cards. The MagicScroll’s scroll wheel allows for infinite scroll action for quick browsing through long lists. Unfolding the scroll is a tangible experience that gives a full-screen view of the selected item. Picture browsing through your Instagram timeline, messages or LinkedIn contacts this way.”
Dr. Vertegaal said, “More broadly, the MagicScroll project is also allowing us to further examine notions that ‘screens don’t have to be flat’ and ‘anything can become a screen’.
Whether it’s a reusable cup made of an interactive screen on which you can select your order before arriving at a coffee-filling kiosk or a display on your clothes, we’re exploring how objects can become the apps.”
