Haptic 3-D Technology Designed By a Team At The University of Bristol Could Change Modern Medicine

                We have seen it on television and movies for years, it is employed by Tony Stark in all his creations in the Iron Man films, but at long last the technology of haptic 3-D holograms is no longer just a dream trapped in science fiction. Researchers at the University of Bristol’s department of computer science have created tangible 3-D holograms which can not only be seen and molded by users but also felt as if they were real shapes and objects. The technology is based on ultrasound; complex patterns of ultrasound are manipulated in order to create an array of air disturbances which can be formed into 3-D shapes the users can feel on their skin. Sensors are used which detect the position of the user’s hands within the array and focus the ultrasound waves in those areas; allowing the users to feel the objects freely without limitations of fixed parameters of the shapes which are tangible. The possible applications of the technology are endless, applicable to all fields from entertainment to sports and everything in between. The use for it in forms of media such as movies and video games is clear, to be able to hold a weapon from a video game or directly feel objects or props from a movie would create a new level of immersion for these mediums, but it doesn't end there. Michelle Starr, a writer for cnet.com, has listed the opinions of Dr. Ben Long, the project's leader, in regards to what he believes are this technology's potential uses in her article "Ultrasound creates a haptic shape that can be seen and felt." Dr. Long stated he believes the technology could be implemented in medicine allowing doctors to feel the different shapes in full body CT scans, giving them the ability to physically detect tumors. Dr. Long has also said he believes the technology can be used for experiences as simple yet enriching as it would be to be able to touch and feel objects in museums which are too fragile to be given into the hands of the common public. Haptic 3-D holograms have enormous potential for use in medicine, entertainment, sports, and even every day household use and I personally cannot wait to see how this technology advances and what potential it holds.

If you wish to learn more about this technology the article by Michelle Starr which I referenced can be found here: http://www.cnet.com/news/ultrasound-creates-a-haptic-shape-that-can-be-seen-and-felt/ The article also has a video which demonstrates how to shapes are "seen" with the technology by reflecting the Ultrasound waves on oil.