Physical buttons on touchscreens could soon be a reality

Damian Koh | Apr 29, 2009

(Credit: Chris Harrison and Scott Hudson)

If we were to rank concepts that we hope to see in reality soon, this one by Chris Harrison and Scott Hudson at the Carnegie Mellon University would top the list easily. The graduate student and computer science professor pair have developed a proof-of-concept display that makes haptic and audio feedback on current touchscreen panels look like child's play.

The prototype is made from several layers of specially cut acrylic. These form an air-tight chamber that reacts either positively or negatively when the air pressure between them changes. This, in turn, creates bumps (buttons) and depressions on the top translucent latex layer.

The concept also makes use of two current technologies to cast images onto the screens and give the panel multitouch capabilities via projectors, infrared sensors and cameras. The display will also be able to detect the pressure intensity when a user presses on the screen. The information collected can then be used to register different tactile states for various applications.

This is amazing stuff, but nothing beats looking at it in the video on Technology Review. So pop over and gawk your eyes out.

Via Engadget

Filed under: Future Tech, Mobile Phones
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