Bootstrapper Helps Tabletop Computers Recognize Users

Is it possible to distinguish users using single touch screen device? Won't it be interesting to have a system similar to face recognition, that can also save user preferences? The scientists at #-Link-Snipped-# have thought out a strategy to do just that! Patrick Baudisch, professor of computer science at the Hasso Plattner Institute has developed a prototype system which differentiates between users on the basis of their shoes.

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Image Credit: Hasso Plattner Institute

Hasso Plattner Institute working on a project called Bootstrapper engineered this wonderful idea. The concept is to allow multiple users interact with a Tabletop computer without any confusion. While the users are busy with their work, a #-Link-Snipped-# attached beneath the table helps system distinguish between them. The basic function which the camera does in differentiating users is recording a video.

The system designed by Baudisch and his team relies on the shape, size and color of shoes. While a user is operating a tabletop computer, it is assumed that his/ her feet remain in direct contact of ground. This is of course true in most of the cases; the primary condition of having one of the feet touching the ground should always be fulfilled. The software which is developed by the team helps camera in processing your shoes. So, if a user leaves the computer, his preferences are auto-stored in the computer and which can be restored when he returns. But what if both of you are wearing same type of shoes?

Well, let us accept that there are some inherent disadvantages. Most importantly, the bootstrapper technology so developed cannot replace security provided by face recognition. It is because anyone wearing same shoes can fool the computer. But this drawback can be overcome. If the bootstrapper is used in conjunction to some other user identification technology, it may well prove to be an advanced security feature.