Computer Vision Lab lets you make virtual copies of real objects that you can touch

Developed by researchers at Computer Vision Lab at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, this new technology will help in making virtual copies of real objects. May be this doesn’t sound as a big deal, but what if I tell you that these virtual copies cannot only be sent over the internet, but can also be touched and moved by the user at the other end. Tempting? So, this basically means that we can send a birthday present over the net and we can even try a new product virtually. Beyond that bond movie stuff, it is definitely something that belongs to the future of great things. This project puts into play the principle of stimulating more and more senses, so that the user can dive deeper in the virtual world.

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With this, the researchers have developed a method by which they can combine visual and haptic impressions. A 3D scanner records the image of the object. The sensor arm collects all the information regarding shape and solidity and then with the help of an algorithm the copy of that object is created on the computer for the measurements. This copy can be sent over to another person over the internet. However, for that person on the other end to see and feel the object, special equipments like data goggles with a monitor and a sensor rod with small motors. The object can also be projected into the real environment in order to intensify the user’s experience of touching the virtual object.

Via: Physorg