Disney could soon transform the mobile technology sector after its research department announced the development of a way to allow users to feel textures on a screen.

The technology uses tactile rendering of 3D features and textures, with varying frictions on a touchscreen creating the perception of a 3D bump without actually altering the screen’s surface as the user runs their fingers along it.

The development is the culmination of two types of technology working together to create the necessary friction on-screen.

Researchers have used electro vibrations to create a form of electrostatic force that creates the friction, which is then used in partnership with a specific algorithm which creates the required friction based on what’s being demanded by the visuals displayed on the screen.

“Our brain perceives the 3D bump on a surface mostly from information that it receives via skin stretching,” said Ivan Poupyrev, director at Disney Research, with the technology being revealed at the ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology in St. Andrews, Scotland

“Therefore, if we can artificially stretch skin on a finger as it slides on the touchscreen, the brain will be fooled into thinking an actual physical bump is on a touchscreen even though the touch surface is completely smooth.”

A video of the technology in action can be viewed here: http://lei.sr?a=H5b3V