Mitsubishi latest technology promises to detect the distance between a finger and the touch panel to allow for a whole host of new interface options. That’s done with the aid of an array of sensors that can also be used to calculate the speed at which the finger is approaching, and allow for a so-called “mouse-over function,” which would essentially let your finger control a cursor without actually touching the screen—something Mitsubishi says would be ideal for devices with small screens. Currently, it is just in prototype form (currently a 5.7-inch capacitive VGA display).
via http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/11/mitsubishi-shows-off-3d-touch-panel-display/
