This new technology provides an interactive virtual exploration of feudal Japan via a reconstruction of a 16th Century Japanese castle. It utilizes video game media in new, novel ways in order to present the rich complexity of historical subject matter.

At its essence Matsumoto-jo is a new media work of art that utilizes interactive 3-D and video game media to present a convergence of art, architecture, artifacts, history and culture. This medium represents an important development for museums and cultural institutions in presenting complex and multidisciplinary content.

Latte Art Machine

Contributor:

Oleksiy Pikalo, OnLatte

Presents a new method of displaying images on the surface of premium espresso-based drinks. This standalone machine uses inkjet technology to compose stunning latte art designs by infusing the foam layer of the beverage with the tiny droplets of colorant.

The latte art machine explores the new medium by combining the existing inkjet technology with the freedom of artistic expression.

Maglev Haptics! Butterfly Haptic's New User-Interface Technology

Contributors:

Ralph Hollis, Peter Berkelman, Bert Unger, Dan O'Halloran, Matt Pucevich, Joey Liang, Mark Dzmura, Kei Usui, Carnegie Mellon University; Beth Hollis, Butterfly Haptics

Magnetic levitation haptic devices allow users to interact with computed environments by manipulating a handle that is levitated by magnetic means. Users can translate and rotate the handle while feeling forces and torques from the virtual environment. The motors, encoders, linkages, gears, belts, cables, and bearings of traditional haptic devices are simply dispensed with in favor of a direct electrodynamic connection to the handle by the user.

Haptic interaction with 3-D virtual environments mediated through magnetic levitation provides unprecedented fidelity. In addition to many research applications, this approach can be used in computer-aided design, medical and dental training, visualization and interaction with multi-dimensional data, microsurgery, control of remote robot manipulators and vehicles, arcade games, and character animation.

Airborne Ultrasound Tactile Display

Contributors:

Takayuki Hosh, Takayuki Iwamoto, Hiroyuki Shinoda, Mari Tatezono, The University of Tokyo

Airborne Ultrasound Tactile Display will substantially improve the usability of 3-D CADs or stereoscopic displays by superimposing a high-fidelity pressure field onto the graphic objects presented in 3-D free space, and enable the users to physically handle these objects with their bare hands.

The hand tracking system used in this prototype is a simple system comprised of a single camera. However, if the Airborne Ultrasound Tactile Display is combined with more sophisticated hand tracking systems, it would be a more practical haptic interaction system. It can also be expected that by superimposing acoustic radiation pressure onto the 3-D graphic objects presented with stereoscopic displays, it effectively enhances the reality of the 3-D virtual objects.

For more information on SIGGRAPH 2008 New Tech Demos, visit: www.siggraph.org.