ken perlin lab tour

Ken Perlin, tech genius whose work we continue to see and use on a daily basis, invited our class to his lab last week. With the help of two of his assistants, he showed us two projects he's been working on. The first project is kind of like a mouse pad, a cheaply-manufactured plastic pad that senses pressure. When touched, a digital representation of pressure is shown on screen. Running your fingertips across the pad generates small moving mounds, while a firm and unmoving press will create a mound that builds higher and higher. Ken pointed out that this technology could be used to create computer graphics, especially landscapes or terrain. It can also be used in architecture to detect how a building's weight is distributed. The same goes for a person who may need special shoes or orthodics. Because it's so cheap to use and manufacture, the applications are limitless.

The second invention he's working on is a gaming controller made of two handles attached to resistance cords which you pull down on from the ceiling. You put one in each hand and pull on them independently, controlling your character on the screen. It can be used for flying games, skiing, or anything that requires this type of pose. The example game was a bird you had to steer through floating circles. It looked fun, though I'm not sure how you can put the controller box on your ceiling at home. Ken pointed out that he could only show us work that is being done in collaboration with NYU, so I'm sure he has more tricks up his sleeve.

It was fun getting to see what his lab looked like, and to hear his thoughts about technology in the future. I was pleased to find someone more down to earth and well-spoken than what I imagined a famous computer innovator/inventor to be.