Recently updated on December 28th, 2019 at 02:49 pm
Something new is happening on the haptic feedback technology. A company called Ultrahaptics create a new way to touch and manipulate virtual objects. The unique thing is, you could feel the sensation of touching the virtual objects without any physical object or apparel put on your hands. Meaning to say, you can have the feel of touching something with your bare hand or fingers. No gloves or controller required. It will looks like you are just moving your hand and finger in the middle of the air. Sounds cool and awesome, isn’t it?
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The Power of Ultrasound Technology
So, how Ultrahaptics able to create tactile sensations in the mid-air? This new type of human-machine interaction rely on the power of the ultrasound technology. Tom Carter, the co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of Ultrahaptics, started exploring the ultrasound technology since he was in University of Bristol doing his Master’s Degree in Computer Science.
By using special algorithms and ultrasound emitters which are hooked up on the gesture-control platform, he is able to deliver haptic feedback and simulate range of feelings. The algorithms is made for the emitters to create the sensations. The software built can locate and track the hand as it moves across the interactive field. Then, the system can direct the sound to it and thus projecting the sensations onto the spot. Some of the feelings are like the outlines of 3D shapes, stream of liquid flowing over the hand and bubbles bursting on fingertips. Perhaps, the video clip below can help you to better understand it…
The only thing that we think is quite weird is because the interfaces are invisible. So the user must know where to put their hand correctly. IUI (Invisible User Interface) anyone? Furthermore, the ultrasound technology is not enough to make the virtual objects being touch feels like a hard, solid object. Thus, you can push or force your hand to ‘break’ the virtual objects through the vibration area. This limitation might become a major obstacle to use it effectively in virtual reality environment.
Anyway, if you are really interested to test it yourself, you can join their “Ultrahaptics Evaluation Program” where you’ll be provided tools and kits to evaluate, experiment and develop concept products featuring mid-air tactile feedback. For more info about this touchless haptics technology company, you can read it at:
1) Ultrahaptics Official Website.
2) “Meet the Man Who Made Virtual Reality ‘Feel’ More Real” from Bloomberg Business.
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