They created a hologram that you can touch. How does it work?

[zakiyatasnim]

The science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation introduced the concept of a holodeck—a three-dimensional holographic projection of an environment that can be interacted with. And now, it seems, a possible real-world counterpart has emerged. We'll talk about what it's all about below.



A team of scientists from Bendable Electronics and Sensing Technologies (BEST) at the University of Glasgow, led by Professor of Electronics and Nanoengineering Ravinder Dahiya, has developed a special “aerotactile” system. It transmits the sensation of touch using air currents and in the future will allow you to feel the handshake of virtual avatars of colleagues from other parts of the world.

the researchers combined computer graphics and airflow, an czech republic number data approach that goes beyond the current generation of virtual reality, which requires a headset that displays 3D graphics, as well as smart gloves or handheld motion controllers.

Most approaches using wearable devices only allow for control of the virtual object being displayed and do not provide the same sensation as when two people actually touch. The tactile simulation provides an additional dimension and eliminates the need to wear gloves.

How the system works
The scientists used graphics that created the illusion of a three-dimensional image. This is a modern version of the Pepper's Ghost illusion technique, which was used in the 19th century. The system consists of glass and mirrors, which make the two-dimensional image appear to be floating in the air, and the tactile sensations are reproduced using air.

The mirrors are arranged in a pyramid shape with one side open. Users reach into it and interact with computer objects that "float" inside the pyramid. The objects are graphics that are controlled by the Unity Game Engine. It is usually used to create 3D objects and worlds in video games.

Under the pyramid is a sensor that tracks hand and finger movements, as well as an air nozzle that controls the air flow. The entire system is controlled by electronic equipment that controls this air nozzle. The team developed an algorithm with which it responds to hand movements with the appropriate force and direction.