Technological Milestone at Lehigh University 

ALLENTOWN, PA: Vistacom Inc, a leader in audio/visual integration and design along with Lehigh University and CICADA Architectural/Planning Inc. of Philadelphia has transformed the image of the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. An interactive media wall is now the focal point of the lobby, showcasing the school's progressive education and research.

The interactive display case, enclosed by liquid crystal glass, is comprised of a plasma screen, four touch screens, several web cameras, and state of the art, gesture recognition technology. The touch screens allow visitors to navigate through several menus including event calendars and student information pertaining to the engineering department. One touch screen connects to several webcams located in various Engineering laboratories so that lobby guests can view the students in action.

The gesture recognition technology is linked to a 50-inch plasma screen, showcasing profiles of 16 engineering faculty. Users can operate the screen with body movement, which the infrared (IR) light recognizes as if the user were controlling the screen with a mouse, or a keyboard.

"The recognition technology was one of the most challenging aspects of the project," stated Mark Ripley, Programming Engineer at Vistacom. "One issue we found was the polished tiles of the lobby floor would reflect the IR beam back up to the ceiling, which triggered the sensors and sent the screen controls into action, as if someone were operating it. The sensitivity of the beam had to be turned down dramatically."

Ripley stated that the teamwork for this project was key. "There was an enormous amount of collaboration for this project to be pulled off. It was an exciting undertaking for everyone involved."