At the User Interface Software and Technology (UIST) Symposium in St. Andrews, Scotland researchers from the University Bristol, UK demonstrated control of a surface without touch that incorporated tactile feedback. This was achieved by using ultra-sonic transducers to emit high frequency sound waves of “acoustic radiation force” focused at points mid-air that one can feel to the touch. When a hand or finger passes through a defined volume above the interface, the user feels the vibration at these focused points which can indicate particular functions of the interface such as buttons that can be controlled mid-air. These points can be interactive as well and don’t have to be stationary. Additionally, the acoustic radiation force can have varying intensity, so the focused points could represent data such as an array of temperatures and don’t necessarily have to be control-related. Check it out:
While touch-less displays have been created before (Minority Report Style), this is the first time tactile feedback has been incorporated. This technology isn’t exactly portable yet and is still in its infancy, but just think of the possibilities. Imagine turning the volume down in your car without even looking at your stereo or checking phone notifications with gloves on or greasy mechanic hands. Let us know what you think, is this a technology that you’d like to see in the future?