'Touch' TV

This picture demonstrates the world's first 3D televistion system that allows users to touch, pinch or poke images seeming to float in front of them at the Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology . The technology changes the shape of three-dimensional images in response to "touches", aided by cameras that monitor how the fingers move. It is not known when the technology will be put to practical use but its creators see it being used to simulate surgical operations and in video game software allowing players to experience the sensation of holding weapons or sports equipment.Photo: AFP