Some scientists think the entire universe could be one big hologram. The idea is understandably met with skepticism and derision since everyone knows that even the best holograms can’t be touched . . . until now. Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed a haptic system, with the help of which it is possible to see and touch virtual 3D models. With the help of ultrasound, the system creates disturbances in the air, which can be felt on the skin and thus simulate the sense of contact with the object. The method is based on the effect ultrasound has on physical objects, known as acoustic radiation force. By observing the behavior of the sound, it is possible to determine the shape of the object hit by the sound wave. The researchers used this effect to focus ultrasound patterns to cause air disturbances and thus form virtual 3D shapes in mid-air, which can be felt when placing one’s hand above the device. “This approach applies the principles of acoustic radiation force, whereby the non-linear effects of sound produce forces on the skin which are strong enough to generate tactile sensations. This mid-air haptic feedback eliminates the need for any attachment of actuators or contact with physical devices,” the researchers wrote in the paper published in ACM Transactions on Graphics. So what good is a tactile hologram? According to the research team, it could find a variety of applications in entertainment and gaming industry, and even in medical technology. As lead researcher Dr. Ben Long said in a press release, “Touchable holograms, immersive virtual reality that you can feel and complex touchable controls in free space, are all possible ways of using this system.” Now here’s the MindBang: as I mentioned in the beginning of this post, some credible scientists think that the universe could be one large giant hologram run by some type of complex simulation. The idea seemed improbable, if not impossible, since holograms could only be seen and sometimes heard. This invention, in my opinion, takes us one step closer to seeing the high probability that the universe is indeed a simulation. What do you guys think?
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 21:30:07 +0000