Today Microsoft unveiled what is quite possibly the future of computing. Minority Report anyone? An intern named Jinha Lee developed a see-thru 3D computer while working for Microsoft Applied Sciences Group. This is what he had to say on his official blog:

“Despite advances in 3D sensing and display technologies, our interactions with computer desktops have remained stagnant from the form that evolved under 2D I/O modalities. See Through 3D desktop is a 3D spatial operating environment that allows the user to directly interact with his or her virtual desktop. The user can reach into the projected 3D output space with his/her hands to directly manipulate the windows.”

See Through 3D Desktop, from Jinha Lee on Vimeo.

“Users can casually open up the See-Through 3D Desktop and Type on the keyboard or use a trackpad as in traditional 2D operating environment. Windows or files are perceived to be placed in a 3D space between a screen and the input plane. The user can lift up his hands to reach the displayed windows and arrange them in this 3D space.

A unique combination of a transparent display and 3D gesture detection algorithm collocates input space and 3D rendering without tethering or encumbering users with wearable devices. See-through 3D desktop is a term for the entire ensemble of necessary software hardware and design technological components for realizing this volumetric operating environment.

* This is a research project that I initiated and developed at Microsoft Applied Sciences Group during my internship with my mentor Cati Boulanger and with many advices from colleagues of Applied Sciences Group. Many thanks go to Andy Wilson, Vivek Pradeev, Pranav Mistry, Hrvoje Benko, Tim Large, and Raj Sodhi for their valuable advices during the development of the project.”