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New technology could completely change the way we use augmented reality. Instead of waving your hands in the air or using controllers, you just need to… touch the desk. Scientists have demonstrated a solution that allows you to turn any flat surface into a touch interface. No extra hardware, no sensors, and no setup. This could solve one of the biggest problems of AR, which is hand fatigue during prolonged use.
How “screenless touch” works
The technology developed by Tohoku University utilises a simple physical effect – when you press a surface with your finger, the skin momentarily turns white. This so-called blanching effect is detected by cameras in AR headsets and is then interpreted as a click. AI analyses the image in real time and recognises the moment of touch, allowing the system to react like a traditional touchscreen. Importantly, it works on ordinary surfaces like a desk or wall, without any additional elements.
More Convenient and Natural AR
The biggest advantage is user comfort. Instead of holding your hands in the air, you can rest them on a surface and act naturally, just like with a laptop or smartphone. Tests show that the solution works stably and allows for accurate task execution. This could be a big step towards more practical AR that is actually suitable for work, not just short demonstrations. If the technology makes it into commercial devices, it could significantly improve everyday use of headsets.
The new approach eliminates one of the biggest problems of AR and shows that the future of interfaces could be simpler than it seems. Instead of new devices, it's enough to cleverly utilise what we already have around us.
source: digitaltrends.com
