Emerging Technologies

Interaction with mid-air floating images expands human-computer interface possibilities. This project proposes a system that superposes haptic sensation on mid-air floating images using ultrasonic standing waves. Conventional approaches of using airborne ultrasound can only apply weak pressure to the finger surface from limited directions and generate air flow as a side-effect.

The use of focused standing waves generated by HORN's surrounding phased-array system enables creation of spatially varying acoustic pressures in all directions. In addition, this method suppresses the air flow. Such spatial variation of acoustic pressure produces a haptic feeling of an elastic surface and offers a rich haptic experience. Combined with ultrasonic beam steering and mid-air floating images generated by numerous micro-corner reflectors, this system can display a virtual spherical gadget that is “pinchable” and “movable". It offers intuitive human-computer interaction.

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