Experience Virtual Reality with Smell and Cheap Body Tracking
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Incorporating Smell into Virtual Reality
- Accurate Body Tracking Using Smartphones
- Virtual Desktop on HTC Headsets
- Project Starline: Teleconferencing with 3D Representation
- Humane's AI-Powered Device
- Tear Down of Ray-Ban Stories Smart Glasses
- Samsung's Shape-Shifting Smartphone Concept
- Analog Film Camera by Blood Sampromoznik
- Thermal Optimization System for 3D Prints
- Armis Collection of 3D Printed Shoes
- Porsche and Puma's 3D Matrix Sneakers
- 3D Printed Building in Europe
- Japanese Tea House using 3D Printing and Traditional Joinery
- General Purpose Robots by Sanctuary AI
- Fully Autonomous Shuttle Service by Matami Homes
- AI Research Papers Collation by Air D
- Google's Palm 2 Language Model
🌸 Incorporating Smell into Virtual Reality
Virtual and augmented reality are constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of human experience. One intriguing development comes from a team of researchers in Hong Kong and China who have found a new way to incorporate smell into virtual reality environments. Unlike previous solutions that relied on liquid-based systems requiring frequent refills, this design harnesses the power of paraffin wax infused with various scents. By heating the wax using a mini electric coil, different scents can be emitted, with the intensity directly proportional to the amount of heat applied. Two versions of this design have been experimented with: a simple Band-Aid type design that can be placed on the top lip, and a more complex mask that can emit up to 9 scents, which when combined, create approximately 30 distinct smells. Although still in its early stages, this concept shows promise and could potentially be further miniaturized in the future.
🌸 Accurate Body Tracking Using Smartphones
Another fascinating development in the world of technology is the ability to accurately track body movements in real-time using just a smartphone, smartwatch, and earbuds. The Future Interfaces Group at Carnegie Mellon has developed a system called IMU poser, which leverages inertial measurement unit (IMU) data from these devices to infer and track body positions. By using clever algorithms, this system can even work with just one device, making educated guesses about the body's movements. This breakthrough has the potential to provide users with a cheap and easily accessible way to track their bodies using technology they already own.
🌸 Virtual Desktop on HTC Headsets
The concept of a virtual desktop, which allows users to create virtual rooms for gaming, movie-watching, and work, has taken a significant step forward recently. Virtual Desktop, a popular application, is now available on the latest HTC headsets, enabling users across various virtual reality systems and platforms to run it. While this may not be groundbreaking news, the idea of virtual desktops holds tremendous potential. Once these platforms reach a level where real work collaborations and shared experiences can take place, it will undoubtedly be a Game-changer for productivity and social interactions in virtual reality.
🌸 Project Starline: Teleconferencing with 3D Representation
Google has recently unveiled a new prototype for Project Starline, a teleconferencing system that creates a live 3D representation of a person on the other end of the call. This smaller and more advanced design utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to generate a three-dimensional depth effect, tracking the user's gaze and head position. The result is an illusion that the person being spoken to is sitting directly across from the user. While still in its prototype stage, Project Starline demonstrates the potential for more immersive and realistic teleconferencing experiences.
🌸 Humane's AI-Powered Device
Imran Chaudhary, former Apple designer and co-founder of Humane, gave a captivating overview of the company's vision for their AI-powered device. Designed to work seamlessly with artificial intelligence, this standalone device does not require a smartphone to function. It can be conveniently placed in a shirt or jacket pocket and features a mini projector instead of a traditional screen. The goal is to enable users to interact more naturally with AI, allowing for direct questioning, Instant speech translation, and real-time Image Recognition. While details are scarce, the potential of this AI-powered device is worth keeping an eye on.
🌸 Tear Down of Ray-Ban Stories Smart Glasses
Curious about what lies within the sleek design of Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses? Electrical engineer David Crainer and tech enthusiast Becky Stern have released an intriguing teardown video, dissecting these smart glasses to uncover the components Hidden within. Their analysis reveals the electrical intricacies and design choices that make these devices as small and lightweight as possible. For those interested in the inner workings of cutting-edge electronics, Becky has also provided a detailed blog post on her website.
🌸 Samsung's Shape-Shifting Smartphone Concept
Samsung continues to explore the possibilities of rollable display technology with their concept for a shape-shifting smartphone. A recently published patent showcases a smartphone with a rollable display that can change its size based on usage. This innovative design allows the phone to transform between various states, ranging from a super-thin band style to a standard phone size, a phablet, and finally a tablet. While this concept is still in the patent stage, it Hints at a future where smartphones can effortlessly adapt to users' needs.
🌸 Analog Film Camera by Blood Sampromoznik
In the realm of analog Photography, Blood Sampromoznik has designed and built a remarkable analog film camera that supports standard 35-millimeter film. This versatile camera not only captures photos but also shoots movies and time-lapses. Additionally, it features a built-in film scanner, fully automatic film winding, auto lens tracking positioning, OLED display interface, and compatibility with c-mount lenses. The resulting videos and photos produced by this device Evoke a nostalgic feel. For more in-depth information on this analog marvel, Blood Sampromoznik has created a detailed page on their website.
🌸 Thermal Optimization System for 3D Prints
Fine-tuning the heat flow behaviors within 3D prints is crucial for achieving optimal output quality. A1 3D showcased their thermal optimization system at the recent Rapid + TCT additive manufacturing event. This system simulates 3D prints, allowing users to optimize heat flow within specific sections of print layers. While currently tailored for A1 3D's polymer bead printers, this software holds promise for hobbyists and the open-source community in optimizing the quality of their 3D prints.
🌸 Armis Collection of 3D Printed Shoes
Live Form introduces the Armis Collection, a range of 3D printed shoes that combine style with functionality. Compared to other avant-garde designs, such as the Zelafel shoes, the Armis Collection offers a more conventional look. However, these shoes still possess an innovative edge with their 3D-printed structure. The collaboration between Porsche and Puma for the 3D Matrix sneakers takes this concept even further by utilizing additive manufacturing (AM) to create a complex 3D-printed midsole. This design enables horizontal movement upon each footstrike, potentially improving running performance by up to 83% through energy reuse. As these GRID structure designs gain traction, it will be interesting to see their impact on the future of shoe manufacturing.
🌸 Largest 3D Printed Building in Europe
German Real Estate Group Krauss is set to construct the largest 3D printed building in Europe, spanning an impressive 54 by 11 meters. This innovative construction project aims to showcase the potential of 3D printing technology in the realm of architecture. The concrete used in this project is 100% recyclable, consisting of sand, gravel, cement stone, and a printer provided by Heidelberg. While the modern aesthetic of 3D printed buildings often appears similar, advancements in this field hold promise for more varied and aesthetically pleasing structures in the future.
🌸 Japanese Tea House Combining 3D Printing and Traditional Joinery
Architects Kay Atsumi and Nicholas Praoud have taken a unique approach to construction by combining 3D printing techniques with traditional Japanese joinery in the creation of the Tsuginote tea house. Made from over 900 unique wood-based PLA tiles, this curved structure showcases the possibilities of widely available Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers. The innovative design and construction methods employed exhibit the capacity to produce remarkable architectural feats using standard-sized printers.
🌸 General Purpose Robots by Sanctuary AI
Sanctuary AI continues to impress with their general-purpose robots, capable of completing a wide array of tasks. In a recent video, these robots showcase their versatility by performing 60 tasks in just 60 seconds. From bagging groceries to sorting mail, dusting, making coffee, and soldering, these robots demonstrate their capabilities across multiple domains. The video highlights the growing capabilities of robotics and the potential for increased automation in various industries and everyday life.
🌸 Fully Autonomous Shuttle Service by Matami Homes
Matami Homes, North America's largest private homebuilder, has partnered with Robo taxi maker Beep to offer a fully autonomous shuttle service to residents in one of their housing developments. This innovative service allows residents of the Talaro, Florida complex to conveniently travel to surrounding shops and restaurants using autonomous vehicles. With plans to construct over 1,000 new homes in the development this year, this high-tech collaboration adds an element of futuristic luxury to the community.
🌸 AI Research Papers Collation by Air D
For those interested in keeping up with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, the website Air D offers a comprehensive collection of research papers from the field. This platform collates AI research papers from around the world, making them easily accessible and searchable. Whether you are a researcher, student, or simply curious about the latest developments, Air D provides a valuable resource for staying informed in the ever-evolving field of AI.
🌸 Google's Palm 2 Language Model
Google has recently introduced their next-generation large language model, Palm 2. This advanced language model boasts improved reasoning capabilities and proficiency in multiple languages. In an overview video, Google demonstrated Palm 2's ability to seamlessly Translate sections of code from one programming language to another. Remarkably, this new model is smaller than its predecessor while delivering better performance. Although the public release date is yet to be announced, Google hinted at Palm 2 already being utilized in the background of their apps and services.
Highlights:
- Researchers develop a way to incorporate smell into virtual reality using paraffin wax infused with scents.
- Accurate body tracking in real-time achieved using smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds.
- Virtual Desktop now available on the latest HTC headsets, expanding the possibilities for immersive experiences.
- Google unveils Project Starline, a teleconferencing system with live 3D representation and depth Perception.
- Humane's AI-powered device designed for seamless interaction with artificial intelligence.
- Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses teardown reveals the intricate electronics within.
- Samsung introduces a shape-shifting smartphone concept with a rollable display that adjusts in size.
- Blood Sampromoznik creates an analog film camera with automatic features and compatibility with c-mount lenses.
- A thermal optimization system for 3D prints fine-tunes heat flow for optimized output quality.
- 3D printed shoes by Live Form and a collaboration between Porsche and Puma enhance athletic performance.
- Krauss plans to construct the largest 3D printed building in Europe using recyclable concrete.
- Architects combine 3D printing and traditional joinery for the creation of a Japanese tea house.
- Sanctuary AI showcases robots performing 60 tasks in 60 seconds, highlighting their capabilities.
- Matami Homes partners with Beep to offer a fully autonomous shuttle service for residents.
- Air D provides a curated collection of AI research papers from around the world.
- Google unveils Palm 2, a powerful language model with multilingual proficiency and advanced reasoning.
FAQ:
Q: What is the concept behind incorporating smell into virtual reality?
A: The researchers use paraffin wax infused with different scents, which are heated up to emit various smells in virtual reality environments.
Q: How does accurate body tracking using smartphones work?
A: By leveraging data from smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds, an algorithm can make educated guesses about the body's movements, enabling accurate real-time body tracking.
Q: What is Project Starline?
A: Project Starline is Google's teleconferencing system that creates a live 3D representation of a person, providing a more immersive and realistic teleconferencing experience.
Q: What is unique about Humane's AI-powered device?
A: Humane's AI-powered device is designed to work seamlessly with artificial intelligence and features a mini projector instead of a traditional screen, allowing for more natural interaction with AI.
Q: What is the purpose of the tear-down video for Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses?
A: The tear-down video provides insights into the inner workings of Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses, revealing the underlying electronics and design techniques used to make them compact and lightweight.
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