Invisible 3D objects can be felt thanks to haptic holograms! Haptic technologies are big business these days, and joining the burgeoning scene is a team of researchers from Bristol University, whove found a way to create invisible three-dimensional haptic shapes in mid-air using focused ultrasound. Making use of a Leap Motion sensor that tracks the position of an individuals hand, the teams system pinpoints where exactly in the air to create the haptic object. When human hands come into contact with these waves, they conjure the feeling of touching haptic holograms in mid-air. Our sense of touch is good at distinguishing subtle changes in how you perceives an object, says Subramanian, who remarks that the team wish to create a rich tactile sensation. As this mid-air haptic feedback eliminates the need for any attachment or contact with physical devices, the team hopes it will have practical implications in museums, operating theatres, and within the consumer electronics and automotive industry in the near future. Commenting on the growing popularity of touchless sensing, Subramanian said that companies such as LEAP and Microsoft Xbox Kinect were all pushing forward this technology. He explains, however, that touchless technologies can make people miss the sense of feeling, subsequently making them feel like they are floating in and out of context. youtu.be/kaoO5cY1aHk
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 06:03:24 +0000