Microsoft is currently researching an interactive Holodeck (finally!) that allows users to realistically interact with projected objects. As virtual 3D graphics are rendered through a half-silvered mirror, the objects are spacialy aligned to the viewer using facial recognition software that tracks the gaze and adjusts perspective in real time.

They used a Kinect camera running on a real-time algorithm to sense the physical objects in the desk plane—hands, paper, bowls, and their volumes—allowing the projected objects to respond realistically to interaction. Not quite sure what all that means or ready to see it in action? Watch the video below.

As Gizmodo pointed out, though this specific model may never make it to market (since "research projects" rarely seem to), it still marks an important step toward visualizing data in new ways. High-tech crime labs and research facilities of movies and television may be within reach. Instead of examining complex objects on flat screens, researchers and creators will soon be able to examine, alter and interact with objects in the third dimension.

Some other hand-picked posts you might enjoy on our Design Blog:

Happy Machine by Physalia Motion Graphics Studio
Laika: A Dynamic and Responsive Typeface
MIT Media Lab create 40,000 Unique Logos with Three Shapes

Via Gizmodo