NTT's Tangible-3D prototype gives feeling to on-screen imagery

Regardless of general consensus, it looks like 3D display technology is making a run for our wallets (and to a lesser extent, our hearts), and just days after getting wind of Philips' latest iteration, NTT is hitting back with a newfangled approach of its own. Based around an improved version of the company's original 3D display, this prototype system relies on a sophisticated array of cameras and an actuator-stuffed glove that can allow the wearer to "feel the image" that shows up on the LCD. As the object changes, the glove moves along in real-time to give the user a lifelike idea of what the on-screen matter actually feels like, but unfortunately, it doesn't allow the individual to react. Thankfully, a two-way system that will enable tactile transmissions to be channeled in both directions is in the works, but those parked in Japan can check out the current system at the Industrial Virtual Reality Expo later next week.

[Via Slashgear image courtesy of Mainichi]

[logyk @ Jun 21st 2007 9:45PM]

Now what would be on my screen that i would want to feel... hmmm
sensation of being shot in an FPS...interesting but no....
Get a sense of the size and weight of new gadgets... mehhh...
Interactive Porn... WERE DO I SIGN!!!

[JJ @ Jun 21st 2007 10:43PM]

That same thought crossed my mind...

[Deluxe @ Jun 21st 2007 11:08PM]

Would this be a good time to point out that just buying a /real/ woman dinner is probably an easier option.

Roofies are pretty cheap too... Gigitty.

[boomhauer @ Jun 21st 2007 11:16PM]

remember a similar system YEARS ago in popular science (if my aging memory serves me..). but it was just a pen you could drag around on objects to feel them.. and get accurate interactive feel. the article already mentioned they had to restrict use to it due to the almost immediate abuses that followed its creation ;)

[apeguero @ Jun 21st 2007 11:18PM]

Does the glove also get moist depending on what's on the screen?

[byaah @ Jun 22nd 2007 1:17AM]

Yes, in fact it does.

[ethana2 @ Jun 22nd 2007 6:42AM]

Hmm... I would think that by the time you start using special gloves, you'd be beyond a two-dimensional screen. Like, say a 3d headset. Else, what's the point.

The objective is to attain maximum immersion with minimal cost. A 3d headset, I'd be fairly certain, comes first on the slope, from where we are now.

[Comrade Penguin @ Jun 22nd 2007 7:47AM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIzKSnS1bJQ Features some swearing and plenty of cynicism.

[diverguy @ Jun 23rd 2007 12:10AM]

even better than using it for porn, would be using it to enhance long distance relationships... seriosuly, this solves the number on eproblem... you could make a bar where you pay like 20 bucks an hour to use these... you could make a killing...