Ariane 5 technology turns the lights on   The shop 'Illumina' in Paris has installed the ReverSys technology on the outside of one of their principal shop windows. Shoppers can choose a light fitting and turn it on and off by lightly tapping on a panel on the window. This enables shoppers to see and compare the effect of the light fittings even in the evening when the shop is closed.   Sensitive points to control different actions placed on an office desk. When tapped acoustic waves are emitted that are picked up by a sensor that transmits the commands. This innovation has the same technology that ESA used onboard satellites and Ariane launchers to control positioning. ReverSys     ReverSys has been made to make a piece of Murano glass interactive by using the same technology as that used for the accelerometers in the inertial positioning system onboard Ariane launchers   A virtual keyboard that can be applied to glass is planned to be ready by spring 2005. Two vibration sensors are mounted on the back of the glass to detect precisely which keys are selected. Designed as a standard product, it can be used on any plate glass surface that is up to two square metres in size and 10 mm thick – it can even be engraved into the glass. It is easy to maintain, robust and has no moving parts. This technology, previously used in Ariane launchers, will provide innovative solutions in many areas including medical because it is hygienic; in wet locations because glass is impervious to water and in public areas as the system is well protected against vandalism.   Demonstrating how a computer reads a command located at any position on a board, just by using one small sensor mounted in one corner. Release date: 16 January 2007