Wiresherpa

Talking Paper Unfolded

Jun 18, 2007 Innovation

There was a time when I was really young and the Text-2-Speech programme on Windows amazed me. I felt so excited when my computer would spell the words that I typed; even when it mispronounced my name. Technology has come a far way, really far. Researchers from a Swedish University have developed a billboard which talks when touched. The speakers are built inside the paper which is sensitive to pressure.

This is printed with conductive inks, which, when applied with pressure, relay information to a micro-computer that contains recorded audio files. Sound then streams out from printed speakers, which are formed from more layers of conductive inks that sit over an empty cavity to form a diaphragm.

The use of these talking billboards is targeted at travel companies. Travel billboards could have several pictures of destinations around the world. Curious customers could find out more about a destination by touching the appropriate image. Sounds neat; isn’t it?

We haven’t received any information on the kind of pricing that is associated with the talking billboards. If the prices are in the higher range; it would be probably advisable to go against the idea of this technology as the same can be achieved by a touch sensitive switch connected to an external speaker. I am sure that the Swedish University researchers could find a better and fruitful application for talking paper other than billboards.

via BBC