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Upgrade: Microsoft's Surface table knows if a glass is full or empty
For it's latest trick, Microsoft's engineers have given the multi-touch Surface PC table a bartender's sixth sense. If you set your drink down on top of it, the Surface will be able to detect just how full it is. At least, if it's in a special glass.
The Surface needs a little help by way of a glass with a reflective prism inside of it. Surface can then use the light from its infrared sensors to bounce up into the prism and tell how far below the prism's tip the liquid is. After that, either a waiter or bartender watching a feedback screen will swoop by to offer you a refill, or one can be ordered directly from the Surface tabletop.
I don't see the world's glasses changing just to please Microsoft's drink detection system, but this is a pretty cool trick. Installing Surface in stores and offices already made a lot of sense and now, surprisingly, restaurants and bars look pretty good for it, too. Click Continue to see a video of SurfaceWare's drink detection system in action.
Via TechRadar
By CoolProducts at 5:29 PM ON 10/22/08
I've kept some tabs on the developing Surface, and absolutely love this idea! I think the surface, if made affordable, could revolutionize many industries, such as the restaurant industry.
By Tdub at 8:51 PM ON 10/22/08
I like surface too. I got to see it in action at a convention. I hope they use OLEDs in it to eliminate the ugly look of a backlight, which would greatly better the appearance.
By Taiya at 11:14 PM ON 10/22/08
instead of doing the whole complicated prism and light why don't thy just make it weight censored instead...
By Sammmy at 4:55 AM ON 10/23/08
your an idiot, what if theirs Ice in the cup? what if you put or arm on the table? that's why
By Micaman at 7:59 AM ON 10/23/08
Would the next step be to identify the drink? :) Like that, when my beer is 1/4 full it could automatically order another one! Constant satisfaction...
By likelifeis at 10:06 PM ON 01/04/09
why not use a sensor stick, something dual use that could be placed into the drink like a cold straw sensor. That way you don't have to use specially made glasses!
By barry campbell at 4:15 PM ON 09/10/09
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