Precursor, a novel touch screen layer

PreCursor is a research project worked upon by Pranav Mistry of the MIT Fluid Interfaces group. The project aims at building an invisible layer that hovers in front of the screen and enables novel interaction that reaches beyond the current touch screens. PreCursor provides the missing hover interaction to touch screens.

-- Varun

SPARSH - Touch to copy, Touch to paste

SPARSH is a research project worked upon by Pranav Mistry of the MIT Fluid Interfaces group. The project SPARSH explores a novel interaction method to transfer data from one digital device to another device in a real fun way using the underlying cloud. Touch to copy the data and touch on another device to paste the saved content. "Touch whatever you want to copy. Now it is saved conceptually in you. Next, touch the device you want to paste/pass the saved content." Technical details and the timeline of this project are not yet available.

-- Varun

ISB iDiya – A National Social Ideas Challenge

What is ISB iDiya?
ISB iDiya is a social ideas competition with the aim to create high-impact, economically feasible and sustainable social enterprises in India. iDiya was launched by the Net Impact Club of ISB last year (2009). The purpose of the competition is to provide a platform for pursuing social entrepreneurship as a career path. What differentiates ISB iDiya from other competitions is that iDiya is focused at young professionals and the winners will receive extensive mentoring from various venture funds, to ensure that the idea gets implemented.

Who can participate?
The challenge is aimed at working professionals in India, across private, public or non-profit sectors. Teams of minimum two and maximum four individuals can participate. If you have enrolled in an educational institution pursuing a full-time program, you will not be able to participate in this.

What does your idea get you?
Apart from giving you a platform to showcase your idea, participating in the ISB iDiya Challenge will also help you identify possible avenues for ensuring your vision takes shape. Other benefits of participating include:

• A one week Boot Camp for the top six teams where you will meet industry leaders, venture capitalists and mentors.
• Top six teams will receive 10-weeks mentoring support after the competition. The mentoring board comprises of high-profile businessmen and organizations who will help you commercialize your idea.
• Top 20 ideas will be showcased on the iDiya website.
• Cash rewards

More details about the challenge can be found here.

-- Varun

Aqualux 3D - New 3D display technology using water drops!

Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new 3D holographic projection system trade named as "Aqualux 3D" using water drops. The refraction of light on water has been the main concept behind this system. The idea was born when the scientists were trying to understand the reflection / refraction of light on water drops for building better car headlights.

More details can be found here and the video with technical details of the system is available here.Thanks to @nanda_kumar_R for the info.

-- Varun

Mouseless, the invisible computer mouse

Mouseless is a research project worked upon by Pranav Mistry of the MIT Fluid Interfaces group. The project aims at building an invisible computer mouse that provides the familiarity of interaction of a physical mouse without actually needing a real hardware mouse. Check out the video below to know more about how it works. A fully functional prototype system of ‘Mouseless’ has been built and the cost  for the same is around $20.

-- Varun