Using a short-range depth camera and a MicroVision ShowWX+ laser pico projector1, Chris Harrison, a Ph.D. student of Carnegie Mellon University in collaboration with Microsoft Research’s Hrvoje Benko and Andrew D. Wilson, developed OmniTouch, a wearable projection system that can turn any surface into an interactive interface. Imagine using the palm of your hand as a touchscreen keypad, a digital notepad or a virtual palette. Now, imagine doing the same thing on practically any surface you can think of. The OmniTouch is set to expand the possibilities of mobile computing by making use of real world surfaces to break free from the limitations of small screen devices.
The present OmniTouch prototype includes a short-range depth camera and laser pico-projector and is mounted on a user’s shoulder. But the researchers say the device ultimately could be the size of a deck of cards, or even a matchbox, so that it could fit in a pocket, be easily wearable, or be integrated into future handheld devices. (Credit: Carnegie Mellon University)
How did they do it?
Read straight from the source: OmniTouch: Wearable Multitouch Interaction Everywhere
1 See above source for reference.