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Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Ultrasonic Waves Create Objects in Space

On the face of it this a first move in creating and controlling the sense of touch. Obvious applications to games. Also potentially to other aspects of virtually interacting with a virtual world. Remains to see how realistic it is, and how it can be linked with other sensory experiences. The focusing of energy, in the form of sound, reminds me of experiments with sound focusing in retail environments. Might they be combined?

"The power of ultrasonic waves has been harnessed to produce "virtual" objects in mid-air.
The field of haptics - integrating computing and the sense of touch - has been around for some time but has required gloves or mechanical devices to impart a sense of feeling. Now, a team of Japanese researchers has developed a system that uses focused ultrasound to do the job. Its inventors may soon commercialise the approach ... "
Also in Engadget. Searching for some of the original papers in English.

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