Possibility of TouchLESS Computers

The rapidity of the technology won’t slow down anytime soon. Just as folks have become more accustomed to touch screen computers, phone and gizmos, a new development has crested the horizon. The movement of your hand or finger interacts with this model forecasting the elimination of the mouse, the keyboard and webcam.

The motion screen computer has been tested and displayed as part of the MIT Media Laboratory development team, which has been working with low resolution prototypes successfully.

Researchers at the Lab have developed a motion relationship between screen and computer, turning the monitor into a device that not only displays images but can sense light and movement as well.

“Imagine every pixel on your LCD screen emitting light could also be receiving light,” said Ramesh Rakar, an Associate Professor at the MIT Media Lab. “So in a sense, you’re creating a mega-pixel sensor.”

The Chief Knowledge Officer at the MIT Media Lab, Henry Holtzman, believes it’s a natural progression from what we have come to learn from the rapid growth in technology.

“What we’re going to see is those gestures coming off of the display,” Holtzman said about the growing reliance on touch screen popularity.

In addition the capabilities shown by prototypes, the researchers believe there may be a health benefit.

“It will be wonderful if you don’t have to touch the screen,” Douglas Simon, a Brown PhD candidate said referring to the advent of viruses like SARS and H1N1.