The University of Tokyo
Comments: Manoj and others...
This paper is an introduction to the idea that ultrasonic transducers can be used for airborne interaction. The idea is that a person can interact with a virtual 3D object by manipulating it with the bare hand. The paper gives examples of hand-tracking systems that create 3D models of the hand, though the authors have not yet done work in that area.
This paper mostly discusses the feasibility of using ultrasonic vibrations to give tactile feedback to the user. Most of the paper gives technical details about the hardware and some calculations of the sound pressure the user is likely to feel.
The paper gives results of a setup with an electronic balance and a microphone to determine the force and resolution of a prototype the authors have created. They also report that people can feel the pulses at 250-300 mm above the device.
Since the ultrasonic device is deemed a success, the next step of this research is to create a 3D interaction system that uses the device to give tactile feedback.
This video shows some of the more recent work, including hand tracking and holographic display.
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I think this system is an interesting idea. I personally have been thinking about methods of interaction with 3D objects using direct manipulation with the hand and providing some form of tactile feedback. The most obvious solution is the CyberTouch glove, which the authors of this paper denounce since it is always in contact with the hand even when not vibrating. I am interested in reading more papers in this area, and I hope we get to some more in this course.
2 comments of glory:
The point about continuous contact is partially valid, as after a while I don't think one would be too aware of its presence. The advantage may be felt more in not being hindered by a glove at all and having the ability to move one's hand over a static tactile field much like touching an object from different positions.
I actually thought about the continuous feedback from the gloves. I don't particularly agree that it is necessarily a bad thing. After a while, you stop noticing the contact between the glove and your hand.
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