Recent innovations in interactive technology may soon bring to life the floating displays found in science fiction, like Tony Stark’s holographic interfaces in the Iron Man films. Researchers at the Public University of Navarre in Pamplona, Spain, have recently developed a unique device that dispenses with traditional flat screens. Instead, they utilize a series of elastic strips, which replace the conventional means of rendering 3D images. Users can reach into the device to grab, drag, and rotate digital objects, creating a more immersive experience that doesn’t rely on VR headsets. This advancement opens pathways to innovative applications in education, museums, 3D art, and video gaming, making interactivity more tactile and engaging than ever before.
Historically, 3D objects were depicted by sweeping a flat screen vertically to present 2D sections of an object. As these images blurred together, they created the illusion of a cohesive shape. However, the ability to physically interact with the display was not feasible; users were restricted to observing from afar. Human-computer interaction researcher Elodie Bouzbib highlights the revolutionary nature of the new technology, which enables users to interact with a 3D representation that feels tangible. Although earlier devices exhibited realism, they lacked a crucial element—interactive touch without the risk of damage to the display or the user.
The researchers reimagined the conventional display by incorporating elastic strips akin to those found in stretchy clothing. This design allows users to extend their fingers within this oscillating array, where they can interact with virtual elements. The testing phase of the device disclosed that participants engaged with it using both their fingers and a 3-D mouse. Results indicated a significant improvement in speed and accuracy when using fingers, suggesting a more intuitive interaction compared to traditional methods. Feedback from the volunteers revealed a surprising sense of pleasure while interacting with the device, emphasizing the softness and tactile quality of the elastic strips.
James Fushimi, an engineer involved in 3D graphics creation using sound waves, praises the new display’s potential for expanded creativity. He mentions that although he has worked with levitated visuals, physical interaction is often limited to very small images. The newly developed elastic display is larger—approximately the size of a common Tupperware container, measuring 19 centimeters wide by 8 centimeters deep—facilitating more diverse experimental applications. This opens the door to various possibilities, such as creating control panels for surgical robots or enhancing the online shopping experience with immersive 3D product displays.
However, challenges remain, particularly in scaling the device. Fushimi cautions that should developers want to create a larger display, they could encounter issues regarding the feasibility of reaching through a more extensive setup. Effectively, smaller devices maintain usability for hands-on interaction, while larger versions may compromise that interactivity. Nonetheless, the current design proves the concept viable for desktop applications, potentially serving as a precursor to more ambitious spatial displays.
The exploration of haptic feedback is a subsequent aim for Bouzbib and her research team. By integrating focused ultrasound waves, the device could provide users with a physical sensation akin to the weight and texture of virtual objects they interact with, enhancing realism further. Moreover, they are contemplating the prospect of projecting visuals onto a layer of gas, which could yield seamless interactions with graphics projected into midair. This multifaceted approach signifies a substantial leap towards the future of 3D displays, making virtual interaction feel closer to physical reality than ever before.
