Airflow Interaction With Floating Images

This new optical device forms virtual images that appear to float in the air. In combination with a contact-less airflow detector, it provides a new method of interaction. The floating image reacts when users blow air into it.  For example, an image of a flame flutters or dies, or dandelion seeds are dispersed in the "wind".  In another modality, users "touch" the image, and the finger position is sensed by an infrared screen

In future applications, airflow interaction will be enhanced by improving detection of position, direction, and intensity in the air puffs.  This new technique could open up new interaction methods in visualization, games, simulations, augmented reality, and other areas.

Satoshi Maekawa
Sandor Markon
National Institute of Information and Communications Technology