MIT Researchers Develop Levitating Ball Interface

 Tangible Interfaces

The ZeroN system was created by Jinha Lee, a Media Lab research assistant. Above its open-air anti-gravity space sits an electromagnet, that can be moved vertically and horizontally via a three-axis motor controller. To the side is a stereo infrared motion-tracking system made with two cameras, along with a video projector. A second projector and third camera sit beneath a horizontal translucent screen, that is located on a tabletop underneath the anti-gravity space.

W What if materials could defy gravity, so that we could leave them suspended anywhere in mid-air? ZeroN is a new tangible interface element developed by Jinha Lee, at the MIT Media Lab  that can be levitated and moved freely by computer in a three dimensional space.

Both the computer and people can move the ZeroN simultaneously. In doing so, people and computers can physically interact with one another in 3D space.

 Users are invited to place or move the ZeroN just as they can place any other objects on surfaces. Once levitated, ZeroN's behavior can be digitally programmed.

In one example users can place the sun above physical objects to cast digital shadows, or place a planet that will start revolving based on simulated physical conditions. ZeroN can remember how it has been moved.

Lee has published his work on ZeroN online.

The physical motions of people can be collected in this medium to preserve and play them back indefinitely. When the users move release the ZeroN, it will continue to float and starts to move along the same path.

This allows a unique, tangible record of a user's physical presence and motion.

To realize such interactions, Lee and his colleagues developed a magnetic control system that can levitate and actuate a permanent magnet in a pre-defined 3D volume. This is combined with an optical tracking and display system that projects images on the levitating object.





SOURCE  Gizmag

By 33rd Square

Subscribe to 33rd Square