Aireal - a touch of the virtual world

Previously, in the old days of games under DOS, and there was no question that games would be three-dimensional, and even in high resolution. And even that they could manage the gestures did not even dream of. But now, thanks to technology, similar to Kinect, "manual control" of the game process is a reality. Yes, only these devays have one, although quite a big minus - no matter how man was, he will always feel that he is just waving his hands, even if he controls his favorite entertainment. That is, he will not feel an object that moves with the help of a gesture. But this problem is solved, and maybe already solved.

And now, in fact, about the subject for which I unfolded the foreword in the first paragraph. Pittsburgh office of the research center Disney Research created Aireal - inexpensive and, according to the developers, a very reliable tactile system, which, again, according to the creators, will give the person the opportunity to feel virtual objects.

The tactile system itself consists of modules (a vortex generator, five drives, two and a half inches (5 cm), and a flexible nozzle through which airflows are sent.), Which can track the movements of the hand (in fact Aireal can track any desired target ) And send to this place controlled air flows in the form of rings. Together with controllers like kinect, the invention can really create an illusion of touch for the user.
It is possible to adjust the intensity, direction and frequency of air rings.
Also in the set of modules that make up Aireal, is a 3D camera that tracks the actions.

Therefore, the system acts like this: a person makes a move; The 3D camera captures its movement and sends them to the modules that send a dense airflow to the right place, because all this happens instantly, the person feels a virtual object. The advantage is that there is no need for any additional devices (gloves with a vibration motor, for example.)

It is also worth mentioning that with the premise of air pulses, rather than a simple, albeit strong blow, a much stronger tactile effect is given. And the flow of air is felt at a greater distance than the whiff.
Disney Research itself has much bigger plans for this concept than just use. For example, using a 3D projector other than Aireal, you can achieve a simulation of a falling waterfall or flying birds (butterflies, as an option).

Similarly, Disney Research hopes for a warm reception of filmmakers.
Just imagine: you can place a waterfall right at home. But it will not be just a picture, even a three-dimensional one. After all, putting your hand under the "waterfall", you can feel the water that is "pouring". It's so incredible and interesting.
I'll have to upset all those who began to dream of owning such a device: Aireal is still only a concept and passes its tests, so you can only hope for a serial release so far.

The only place where you could at least one eye to admire this remarkable creation of modern technology is the SIGGRAPH conference in Anaheim, California, USA