With the majority of large exterior screens used for advertising and public information, there is a sense of disconnection - an almost Big Brother-esque omnipresence that the viewer has no influence over. These new installations are trying to redress that balance, making the viewer an integral part of the screen's output.
One such installation is Between You & Me, located outside Factorium, a new school of dance and music in Tilburg. Designed by visual artists Martin and Inge Riebeek, a 5 x 4 panel Lighthouse Pi16 screen was supplied and installed by Hengelo-based Hecla Professional Audio & Video Systems.
Using technology developed by KITT Engineering of Enschede, a movable camera is mounted above the screen. LED light fixtures are mounted in the pavement beneath and, when somebody enters the central 'light circle', the lighting changes colour, the camera films the person standing in the light circle and then moves up a fixed track. Face detection software keeps the focus on the person's face while, as it moves, the screen shows the visitor in the wider context of the surroundings. At the same time, the system generates appropriate slogans which are also displayed on the Lighthouse screen.
Founded by Andries Lohmeijer, is set to play a leading role in the next stage of the LED screen market, developing the technology to make screens more interactive and, therefore, more public-friendly.
"Artists with unusual ideas like Martin and Inge are always welcome in our office. There a sympathetic ear awaits them, as well as skilful staff to help them realise new, interactive ideas," says KITT Engineering's business development manager Jos den Hartog.
(Jim Evans)
