Touch Screen without the screen
Researchers have created an empty frame which can turn any surface into a touch sensitive object. The prototype called ZeroTouch is a 28 inch frame that can detect whatever that moves around inside of the frame. Fingertips, hands, arms, and even inanimate objects pass through an invisible two-dimensional optical web that tracks them. You could for example place this on a wall, a TV or a computer screen and turn it into an interactive surface that for for example could be manipulated with a stylus. The frame was presented at CHI 2011 and was said to cost around $450 to construct. Moeller, one of the researchers, said that the technology creates more possibilities for interaction than capacitive interfaces like the glass touch screens on smart phones and laptops. You can use it with your gloves on, unlike touch screens.
Imagine the possibilities it could offer to improve and adjust current touch technology to enhance the experience!
By chef Lorenzo
(Source: Danigelis, Alyssa. (2011). Tech Turns Air into a Multi-Touch Screen. Consulted on 15 May 2011, from Discovery News)