A Touchless Touchscreen Device

That sounds somewhat paradoxical, right? After all, the fundamental principle of a touchscreen device is that it supports touch-based input. Well, there’s a small company in Finland that’s working to develop touchless touchscreen technology — and it could soon become a reality.

The Finnish company Ixonos has unveiled plans to build a holographic touchless touchscreen, in partnership with the US-based startup company Provision Interactive Technologies.

According to a press release, Ixonos’ bold new idea consists of a holographic images that users can touch to perform commands. This would essentially eliminate the physical constraints and boundaries posed by traditional touchscreen devices, while at the same time offering users high-definition, 3D images. As explained by the Provision’s lead researcher, Ixonos already has a strong footing in the filed of 3D and graphic designs, making them the perfect partner for this project.

“The touchless touch screen is a truly sanitary solution,”said Bob Ostrander, EVP of Provision.  “It will free consumers from the physical constraints involved in reaching conventional touch screens, and of course will feature Provision’s crisp, high-resolution 3D holographic images.  Ixonos has a strong background in and understands 3D, visual design and digitalization so they are the perfect partner for us.”

So, how do the two companies plan on using this touchless touchscreen technology? They say it will be used in conjunction with Provision’s 3D reward kiosks, which already feature 3D holographic displays. These kiosks play video via holographic images, without the use of any physical display screen. Consumers can use the reward kiosks to print coupons for various retail stores and shops.

Rather than touching a physical button or touchscreen display to choose and print a coupon, for instance, consumers can tap and swipe their hands in the air. By disturbing the holographic image, the system can identify when and where the user touched; thus, using this information to calculate the appropriate input command. It’s a bold idea that could change the way in which consumers use kiosks and other devices.

Of course, that’s just one of the many ways in which the touchless touchscreen technology could be used. Perhaps it could also be used with existing devices, allowing users to control their tablet or smartphone through holographic touch. Many other companies are working to develop similar technology, although the collaboration between Ixonos and Provision has arguably received the most attention in recent months.

What do you think of this project?