Archive notice: This article was originally published on August 6, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Three-dimensional objects projected into space that can also be felt recall science fiction such as the television series “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” But thanks to researchers at the University of Tokyo, touchable holographic projections are beginning to become reality. To give virtually projected objects a tactile dimension, they combined a “Holo” projection system from US provider Provision with an ultrasound system developed in Tokyo. The researchers are presenting this development at the currently running SIGGRAPH computer graphics conference.
The Provision display uses a concave mirror to make images from an LCD display appear to float in space around 30 centimetres from the display’s surface. To allow a viewer not only to see projected objects but also to feel them, the team led by Hiroyuki Shinoda combined the 3D display with an ultrasound system that had been presented at SIGGRAPH the previous year. There is, of course, still a long way to go before achieving the possibility proposed at the time of being able to “touch a Princess Leia projected into the air.” Nevertheless, the prototype makes it possible to feel, for example, virtually falling raindrops or a small creature walking around on the palm of the hand.
Alongside making 3D projections tangible, Shinoda’s team has also explored other approaches to allowing users to interact more realistically with virtual objects. Specifically, the team uses the infrared sensor technology employed in Nintendo’s Wiimote and retroreflective markers on users’ fingers. This creates a simple hand-tracking system through which, for example, a projected ball can be moved with a real hand. The researchers see video games and 3D CAD as possible application areas for 3D projections with tactile feedback.
Further links:
- SIGGRAPH-Pr