According to Reuters scientists at Tokyo university have been developing a technology based around holographic imagery that responds to touch.
Through the use of ultrasonic waves, they can generate an area surrounding the holographic image that gives the sensation of touch. The technology relies on knowing both where the holographic image and where your hand is, and they do this through the use of the good ol' Wii controller.
Most of the proposed applications that have been discussed have been focused on hygiene, for example replacing physical switches in hospitals with tactile holographic switches. Think, however, of how the web would look (and feel!) it someone were to develop an interface or a protocol that allowed integration with such a tactile holographic device.
Traditionally, our interface to the web has been audio-visual. The sensation of touch has been limited the clicking of a mouse or the pressing of keys on your keyboard. Imagine being able to shake hands with a business associate in Tokyo, or pick up and handle an object before you purchased it. It would be truly amazing. Maybe this is where the web will go next?
Source - Reuters | Image Source - Flickr / Darrin Dishong
