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Pileus, a prototype Internet-connected umbrella that uploads photos to and displays images from a Flickr gallery, is currently being demonstrated as part of the "Breakthrough" exhibit at the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery.
Combining an umbrella, a built-in camera, a motion sensor, a GPS unit, a digital compass, a mobile projector, and a high-speed wireless connection, Pileus can capture photos, tag them with location information, and upload them wirelessly to Flickr as you take a stroll. The interior of the umbrella dome serves as a projection screen for displaying photos that are received wirelessly from Flickr. Twirling the umbrella navigates through a gallery of images.
Advanced Pileus prototypes not currently being shown can also display YouTube videos, maps, or a continuously updated Google Earth image that provides a bird's-eye view of Pileus's (and your) location.
The Pileus umbrella was invented by Sho Hashimoto and Takashi Matsumoto at Keio University's Okude Lab. They are currently seeking to develop a commercial version of Pileus.
Pileus will be on view until June 16, 2007. The "Breakthrough" exhibit also includes a curated series of Flickr image sets, and will host a panel discussion on photography in the digital age called "Are we all photographers now?" on Thursday, May 31, 2007, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Further information is available on the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery's Web site.
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