A volumetric display using an acoustically trapped particle (2021) [video] | Hacker News Reader

A volumetric display using an acoustically trapped particle (2021) [video]

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178 pointsmmastrac17 comments

Anyone know how well the mid-air haptic functionality performs with these displays? From an article published in IEEE last year [0]:

> A problem with mid-air ultrasound haptics is the weak displayed stimulation. As a solution to this, stimulation techniques as lateral modulation [21] and spatiotemporal modulation [22] have been proposed that increase the perceived intensity. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that not only vibratory sensations but also thermal sensations could be displayed. For example, in [23], a cold feeling is given remotely through the transport of cold air by the acoustic flow associated with a Bessel beam. In [24], a method for providing heat using the thermoacoustic phenomenon of ultrasonic waves passing through a narrow slit was demonstrated.

A contactless box that can faithfully simulate a wide array of tactile sensations sounds amazing.

[0] https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=9392322

Not an expert but did work on haptic feedback in undergrad ~10 years ago. Unless there's been a breakthrough there are still a number of unsolved problems in the field making it difficult to develop the fidelity one would want for such a system.

A startup called Emerge is actually manufacturing a haptic feedback device for use in the metaverse based on this same technology [0].

[0] https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/emergehome/emerge-home-...

There's a multi-particle version of this at the Brighton Fusebox (UK, [0]) for anyone who's got interesting ideas of how to use it.

[0] https://www.thefuseboxbrighton.com/events/1414958717/acousti...

If anyone is interested in a demo or just playing with it then DM me.

This is amazing.

The distortion looks like it's from the momentum in the ball. A control system that takes this into account is probably needed.

This reminds me of a volumetric display that consisted of a grid of vertical transparent fibers (fishing line, I think) and a projector. The projector illuminated the strands to form a 3D image. It worked pretty well. (I have no link though, sorry.)

Here is similar technique used, but with lasers: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-01125-y

Unfortunately, all of the implementations seem to be very audible, and stinky!

I am blown away by what this skilled engineer can produce in his spare time.

This is where imposter syndrome comes from. Holy moly.

I couldn't agree more. This person needs a corporate budget and total freedom behind them so they can turn this into something LEGITIMATELY revolutionary for computing.

Acoustic levitation dates back to 1866, with "3d shape" demos, like this, going back at least 20 years. This concept is used extensively in quantum computers, and for suspending and manipulate small things, but with lasers and radio waves rather than sound.

You should try a VR headset, for a glimpse of the future of 3d displays. ;)

Agreed, very cool. Makes me think this could someday be done with light in a vacuum or atmosphere with disembodied force instead of styrofoam, combined with a 360° treadmill and video holograms, leading to the development of the first Holodeck.

A 3D Oscilloscope!

Nice. A 3D vector display. I wonder if there are any use cases that could benefit from this type of display.

Absolute wild!

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