When I was a kid, I used to go with my mom in the hospital to have her under ultrasound test.  For me, that word was attributed to seeing the baby inside my mother’s womb.  Now, that word is even gaining popularity in the haptics scene.

            Professor Takayuki Iwamoto of the University of Tokyo developed a method that harnesses the pressure generated by sound to create “edges” seemingly suspending in mid-air.  Sound waves generate pressure on the object from which it bounces off.  This creates a focal point of concentrated pressure that serves as the virtual object itself.  This method can only be done in a vertical position where the ultrasound bounces off from an opposing object and creates a variety of pressure points on that object i.e. a hand for example.  The result would be like tracing the virtual object in mid-air. 

            With this technology, there won’t be a need for an exoskeleton (glove or headband) to provide force feedback or haptics feedback.  The device would be something that you could instantly walk straight into and use it. 

            The limitations of this technology are that only the vertical position is currently possible to apply ultrasound as haptic feedback of for tactile purposes.  Another is the danger of scattering too much of the ultrasound in unpredicted paths that would endanger the hearing of a person.  Also, the “feel” is not yet refined as with the contours and the “solidity” of the virtual object is concerned.

            The developer intended to use this technology in 3-D modelling software and games.  However, I propose implementing this technology along with holographic technology.  Imagine a hologram projection that also has ultrasound tactile ability.  You can virtually see and feel a hologram using the ultrasound tactile haptics.