Japanese researchers show off tangible 3D interface

The system is based on a large LCD panel built into a tabletop. Users interact with it by moving objects sculpted in transparent rubber over its surface, or by poking or deforming them to produce particular effects.

The system was built by Hideki Koike and colleagues at the University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo, Japan, working with Kentaro Fukuchi at the Japan Science and Technology Agency.