Kelly Tarlton's in touch with exhibit technology

Ben Harris, 6, tries out the touch-screen panel at Kelly Tarlton's new stingray exhibition. It's believed to be the largest such screen in the world. Picture / Richard Robinson

A group of Kiwi companies have created what's thought to be the world's largest touch-screen display as part of Kelly Tarlton's new stingray exhibition at Okahu Bay.

Apart from size - the 5m display houses two 2m-long interactive screens - the screens are also notable for the technology used.

Rather than work by pressure on the screen, computer-linked miniature cameras in two corners of each screen record the position of the user's hand, relating that to an electronic map and displaying the appropriate information about the exhibit.

Project manager Kevin Wright, director of media services firm The Complete Package, said the display's large size meant the usual touch-sensitive technology was not viable.

Touch screen maker Next Window built the display. Mounting the cameras proved the biggest technical hurdle. "To get those flush against the screen so that they work and we could calibrate them was quite a challenge," Wright said.

Manufacture and assembly were completed on site with some unforeseen problems.

The size of the display also meant regular computer cables were too short.

But trial and error solved all difficulties.

"I think it's great that a bit of Kiwi can-do can get around problems."

The "relatively low-cost" display is, unintentionally, entirely Kiwi-built. Rodier Menu and Display Systems of Albany was contracted to print signage and build the housing.

After seven months of planning and construction, the display went live just before Christmas.

Kelly Tarlton's education and exhibit manager, James Thomas, said the display had been designed for all ages.

"It's all part of ensuring that visitors come away feeling that they haven't just seen animals, they've learned about them.

" And they've had an experience they will keep with them for a long time," Thomas said.

The display is part of a $12 million redevelopment of the Auckland tourist attraction, which celebrates its 20th anniversary today.

The refurbishment is due for completion by the end of 2006.