Light as an invitation: How the multi-touch table interacts with visitors even from a distance

The Garamantis multi-touch table is not only interactive via its large Ultra HD touch surface. An additional layer of communication is created by a surrounding LED light strip featuring 660 individually controllable high-performance LEDs. This makes the table visible even from a distance and allows it to actively respond to its surroundings.

Particularly in showrooms, foyers or at trade fairs, it is often the initial visual impression that determines whether visitors will come closer. This is where the LED light strip plays a key role: it makes the multi-touch table visible even from several metres away and creates a dynamic visual impact from a distance within the room.

This is made possible by a people sensor integrated into the table, with a range of up to eight metres. When the table detects people in its vicinity, it begins to light up on the relevant sides. The closer a visitor gets to the table, the brighter the lighting becomes in that area. This creates the impression that the table is aware of the person and is actively responding to them.

Light as a means of orientation and a signal for interaction

The lighting is designed not only to attract attention, but also to provide intuitive user guidance. The table can guide visitors specifically to certain areas, such as the LED-lit scanning bays in the corners. Light thus becomes a clear signal: it shows where something is happening, where an action is possible, or which area is relevant next.

As soon as a user approaches the table, interaction on the multi-touch surface can continue. For example, the table greets them with a text message addressed specifically to them. This creates a seamless transition from physical proximity to direct touch interaction.

In keeping with the corporate identity: bespoke lighting effects

The LED light strip can be freely programmed and tailored to the specific design of the installation. Colours, animations and lighting effects can, for example, be matched to the table’s finish, the client’s corporate identity or the visual style of the multi-touch software.

In this way, the table becomes not only a functional element but also a design feature of the brand presentation. The lighting effects can be used to create a calm, sophisticated atmosphere, to attract attention and create a dynamic effect, or to convey specific information — depending on the desired effect in the room.

The technical basis for fluid light animations

The surrounding light strip consists of 660 individually controllable APA102 RGB LEDs. Each LED can display 16.8 million colours. They are controlled directly from a PC via an SPI interface, enabling fast and smooth animations.

As each LED requires up to 50 mA at 5 V when operating at maximum brightness, a stable power supply is essential. For this reason, the LED strip is powered at all four corners of the table by high-performance 5V/27A power supplies. This ensures uniform brightness all around the table — even with complex animations and high light output.