It’s not like I haven’t seen matrix displays before, but this is definitely a unique spin on the concept. Developed by Rick Borovoy, Ph. D. and Brian Knep of the MIT Center for Future Civic Media, Junkyard Jumbotron lets you combine a number of internet-connected screens together to create one big matrixed image.
The way the system works, you place all of your devices into proximity with one another, then surf to a special website URL, which displays a visual marker on each screen. You then take a photo of the devices relationship, and upload it to the Junkyard Jumbotron web site. Once processed, the system slices up the image and properly aligns the pieces. Once loaded, you can even load up another part of the app to manipulate the image across all displays. It doesn’t matter if you mix smartphones with laptops with tablets with internet TVs. As long as the devices can surf the web, they can participate.
Borovoy and Knep developed the system while exploring ways to improve interaction and community between device users. I would have liked it just as much if they made it just because it was cool. You can make your own Junkyard Jumbotron now by heading over to the beta site. Feel free to post back any cool displays matrices you manage to create.
[via Colosssal]
