COMMAC launches tomorrow's touchy-feely technology

Citation

(2004), "COMMAC launches tomorrow's touchy-feely technology", Sensor Review, Vol. 24 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2004.08724baf.005

COMMAC launches tomorrow's touchy-feely technology

COMMAC launches tomorrow's touchy-feely technology

Keywords: Sensors

COMMAC touch-sensors can simultaneously control DVD videos, sound and light effects, computer data and even fragrance dispensers. The company creates 100 per cent intuitive tactile man/machine interfaces, capable of triggering consumption reflexes as well as exploratory or learning responses in order to attract consumers/users at promotional or sales locations and other venues (Plate 6).

COMMAC's multi-sensorial interfaces operate through touch-sensors that can be embedded in any surface (wood, shop-window or flooring, for instance). The lightest touch triggers a sound, sets off a video effect or releases a fragrance. The system works on a user-friendly and reliable DVD platform combined with advanced electronic systems, which provide excellent sound and images at a lower cost than a PC platform would.

Plate 6 COMMAC touch-sensors can simultaneously control DVD videos, sound and light effects, computes data and even fragrance dispensers

The sensors, which are hidden, operate through all types of medium, without any intrinsic surface-area limitations and through widths of up to 20 mm. COMMAC can literally breathe life into any type of medium – flooring, partitions, ground surface or individual objects, and the COMMAC sensors can simultaneously control DVD videos, lighting and perfume spraying. Indeed, the management of the associated electrical, electronic or computer data are possible through any type of material.

COMMAC's technology is designed to provide services to the general public – DVD images and sound, the conjuring-up of specific tastes and flavours, olfactory distribution, and the enhancing of given textile textures. COMMAC creates sensorial point-of-sale displays and its solutions are intuitive and reactive to voice, touch, movement, etc.

Working with the University of Savoie (in South-East France), COMMAC has also perfected a DVD player control system by means of digital touch-sensors. COMMAC is also working on “haptic” techniques. Haptic refers to the science of touch, by analogy with acoustic or optical techniques. COMMAC can provide the interface for any type of machines disseminating information by way of controls integrating haptic techniques. The aim is to develop a perception and a feeling linked to the texture touched. The memorised data enhances the image of the product or service.

Museography and scenography are two of COMMAC's favourite domains; the Lyons and the Paris Natural History Museums as well as the Paris City of Sciences and Industry, the Belgian Cese Museographs, the Swiss Mathys Museographs and many other venues have already drawn on the creative reactivity and technological innovation of COMMAC's “Interactive Workshop”.

For more information on COMMAC, visit the Web site: www.commac.com