Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a holographic projector that displays three-dimensional virtual objects you can feel with your bare hands.
+ Video
The system consists of a Holo display (developed by Provision Interactive Technologies), a pair of Wii Remotes that track the position of the user's hand in front of the screen, and an "Airborne Ultrasound Tactile Display" unit that shoots focused ultrasonic waves at the hand to create the sensation of pressure on the skin.
By controlling the movement of these focused ultrasonic waves -- which can produce up to 1.6 grams-force of pressure within a 20-millimeter-wide focal point -- the projector can recreate virtual objects that seem to have physical mass. In the video above, the projector displays a tangible virtual bouncing ball, raindrops, and a small creature that runs around on the user's hand.
The tangible hologram projector is now on display at SIGGRAPH 2009 in New Orleans.
[Link: Touchable Holography (PDF) via @GreatDismal]
Ashton
i can already imagine it's usage in adult entertainment.
[]JL
Me too, though I suspect there may be health issues associated with exposing your organ to ultrasound.
[]kevin
my organ? i was thinking about just letting balls and raindrops bounce off my chest until i come. you in?
[]AB
And that tiny elephant! Rawr!
[]infusion
This one looks very interesting. Apart from conventional projectors this one will be used in theaters for magic shows to create 3-D effects. I am very much interested to know the price of it. I think it will be much expensive. What do you think..??
[]DannyMazerolle
primitive.
[]Davey
Not cutting edge from where I sit.
[]Jerry
Add a few more emitters and a lot more $$ and you have a holodeck.
[]Mechko
Not quite a holodeck. Holodeck actually turns energy into matter :-p
[]anon
will i be able to touch hologram boobs. that's all i care about.
[]DTW
This isn't quite as advanced as I'd hoped. I was hoping for something like Tron, where they just pull apart that little stick and it makes a motorcycle. THAT would be awesome.
[]