CAR-AZY!
Jaguar creates ‘contactless touchscreen’ that knows where you’d press – to control gadgets or your car
JAGUAR has developed a "contactless" touchscreen that keeps drivers' eyes on the road – and could even reduce the spread of bad bugs.
The so-called "predictive touch" screens use a combination of AI and sensors to guess where you'd poke a display.
3
This means you can active settings or use on-screen features without having to physically touch the panel.
Jaguar says the new patented tech will work in cars, but could also be used for buying train or cinema tickets, at ATMs, or supermarket self-checkouts.
The pioneering system was developed with engineering experts at the University of Cambridge.
And Jaguar's lab tests suggest a driver's "touchscreen interaction effort and time" are reduced by as much as 50% with the new tech.
3
"We notice how many everyday consumer transactions are conducted using touchscreens," said Jaguar Land Rover's Lee Skrypchuk.
"Predictive touch technology eliminates the need to touch an interactive display.
"And therefore could reduce the risk of spreading bacteria or viruses on surfaces."
The technology uses AI to work out where you're going to touch the screen "early in the pointing task".
This works using a gesture-tracker that works with either cameras, radio sensors, or both.
It can even be made more efficient using an eye-gazer tracker to get a better idea of where you're going to touch.
3
You can even scroll a virtual cursor around a touchscreen by waving your finger in front of the display – without ever actually touching it.
"Touchscreens and other interactive displays are something most people use multiple times a day," said Professor Simon Godsill, of Cambridge University's Department of Engineering.
"But they can be difficult to use while in motion, whether that's driving a car or changing the music on your phone while you're running.
"We also know that certain pathogens can be transmitted via surfaces, so this technology could help reduce the risk for that type of transmission."
Sadly, there are no plans to put this in a car just yet – Jaguar says it remains a concept technology for now.
Jaguar reveal their new Gen 2 Evo Concept car for season 7 of Formula E
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
In other news, Amazon Auto now puts Alexa in your car.
Flying cars could soon be a reality.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
And Nissan has created an "eco lullaby" that soothes babies in electric cars with the "sounds of combustion engine".
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]
Topics