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Tangible Display Makes 3D Touchable

Posted by Zonk on from the haptic-happenstance dept.

moon_monkey writes "Researchers in Japan have developed a display that makes 3D objects solid enough to grasp. The system, created by engineers at Japan's NTT, combines a 3D display with a haptic glove, making 3D items that look real but also feel solid to touch. Two cameras are used to image an object, to make the 3D image. A computer also uses this to render a solid representation. It could be used to inspect products remotely, or even to shake hands with someone on the other side of the world, the researchers say."

7 of 112 comments (clear)

  1. Has to be said... by ushering05401 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Get money from pr0n kingpins. Bring them into the family and let them subsidize this tech/form their own group of researchers to specifically pursue porn related applications. It will get to market so much faster than if left to academics..

    My interest would be to explore new human/computer interactions (not like that sickos). The 2d nature of monitor systems is only slightly less annoying with the new 3d super gee whiz flying through space multiple workspace navigation systems.

    A haptic glove with sensitive feedback mechanisms and a graphical interface that allows organization of workspaces/workspace elements in an untethered 3d environment is something I have always wanted. Add in some good voice recognition and a chair designed so you can rest your arms while still retaining full range of motion with the gloved hand.

    It would be the interface of my dreams.

    1. Re:Has to be said... by snilloc · · Score: 3, Insightful
      The 2d nature of monitor systems is only slightly less annoying with the new 3d super gee whiz flying through space multiple workspace navigation systems.

      While 3d workspaces certainly would have their applications (medicine for instance), IMO for the average individual 3d would be merely re-creating the physical workspace that the 2d interface replaced. The 2d space is useful because it is an abstraction/simplification of the work that was previously done in 3d.

  2. Wait by ZachMG · · Score: 2, Insightful

    So does this mean that there is a possibility of realtime or "live" 3D encounters, no I do not think so. At this point it may be able to scan in one object and display it for feeling but doing it where new things can be scanned and created anywhere realtime would need processing power way beyond what we have so to all you sickos out there this probably wont be of much use if you like anything better then a plastic bag full of Vaseline.

    --
    There is hopeful symbolism in the fact that flags do not wave in a vacuum. --Arthur C. Clarke
  3. Re:Did somebody say McDonald's? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I am NOT letting a BIONIC HAND controlled by some sicko on the internet lock itself around my nutsack...

  4. Re:Who is driving? by nlitement · · Score: 2, Insightful

    It's really exciting to finally find a new brother, enlightenment. :)

  5. Re:How long until this is in the home? by MidnightBrewer · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Luckily, Nature has a built-in cure for sex addicts, which is called the orgasm. After the event occurs, the subject's interest in sex naturally abates for a time, and they either roll over and fall asleep or go and see what's in the fridge.

    --
    "Give a man fire, and he'll be warm for a day; set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life
  6. Processing easy, not lying hard by CarpetShark · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I don't imagine any heavy processing requirements here. Collision detection on 3D objects is done in almost every 3D game. The nodes in the glove are equivalent to a few other moving game objects colliding with the 3d object in question. How many games have you seen that can handle that workload? Quite a few, I think.

    This article is B.S., though. This isn't a "tactile display", it's just a 3D display, much like we've had for decades, with a force feedback glove attached.