Scratch input system being worked on

Boffins at Carnegie Mellon University are currently working on a new scratch input system that is able to measure surface scratches while interpreting them as commands. Makes us wonder whether this allows us to communicate with our cats in the future? This interface will theoretically turn any surface into an input device – imagine scratching virtually anywhere for you to turn on the TV, the computer and set the blender speed among others. We guess practical applications would be deeper than that since all those turning on and turning off functions have already pretty much reached its zenith with but a simple touch – why revert a few steps back by scratching? [via Wired]