Among the computer design concepts we wrote about on Techpin recently are two specifically designed for visually impaired. If these 2 computers would exist on the market, people with eye disabilities would benefit from several next-generation technologies such as an intuitive tactile user interface, the magneclay material with morphing capability to take the shape of all Braille symbols, and 3D relief images brought by the Siafu concept, while ZEN would deliver something more complex but also in a single stylish portable computer.



ZEN’s design is inspired from Zen Buddhism and conceived as a combination of Sandbox PC hardware running on the ZEN operating system concept.
Its name comes from “Z-axis Enabled” suggesting the full interactive 3D computer functionality.
One of the Sandbox PC components is the electronic Active Surface, matrix of tiny fibers which make up each pixel, capable of taking various shapes for easy Braille reading, windows scrolling, icons and several textures. The surface activates when you scratch it with the fingers, based on touch-sensitivity technology.



ZEN measures 36 x 17 x 2.8 inches with 0.7 inch thickness and a 7 degrees work angle.
When the blind user touches its tactile surface that replaces the keyboard, ZEN turns On and the user feels what is on the surface including emails text, web pages text and others. For music and sound effects the computer comes with built-in speakers, saving significant space on the desk.
Also there is no cable used for connectivity as all happens wirelessly. For example to charge a cell phone the user has to place it on ZEN’s surface and the handset starts to recharge automatically. Same thing would happen with the other mobile devices.



The designer didn’t specify a name for the material that takes different shapes from ZEN’s surface, revealing 3D images like animated ripples and landscapes, but he suggested the digital mater-like material developed by Carnegie Mellon University. Anyway, it is very similar with Siafu’s magneclay.



The fibers from the Active Surface are shifting up and down creating a variation in depth across the matrix of fibers, and these accept pressure input to change their shape.
This technology permits the enabled computer to be a perfect device for online communication, document management, media playing, file sharing and so on, all done wirelessly and with eyes closed.



ZEN is the last PC concept from the NextGen PC Design Competition 2007-2008, in the alphabetical order, featured during the last two months. Now we'll have to wait until the judges decide which concept from the 31 finalists will occupy the first place.



Later this month you'll find out the Judges’ Awards, Chairman’s Award, and Public’s Choice Award winners so don't forget to subscribe to our news feeds via "Get email delivery" in the sidebar, and receive the next articles in your email.