Acoustic Holography for Multimodal 3D Display and Fabrication
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Department Name: Computer Science
Abstract
The aim of the project is to use recent advances in acoustic holography and high-performance computational techniques to create multimodal interactive applications that dynamically combine computational fabrication with visual, tactile, auditory, olfactory and gustatory experiences all using the same holography principles. The ambition of this project is to create systems that empower the design community to embrace the power of acoustic holography in creating applications that can create and manipulate both digital
and physical artefacts.
Acoustic holography has shown its capability as Mixed-Reality (MR) displays in providing five modalities and its potential as a new computational fabrication technique that allows multi-material and multi-resolution 3D printing. However, due to computational limitations, such endeavours have been limited to one-modality at a time or one-off carefully orchestrated examples of combinations, and no holographic 3D fabrication has been demonstrated. A serious limitation in current approaches is in real-time computation of the sound fields that account for sound scatterings. This limitation is hindering our ability to make full use of the power of acoustic holography to create the plethora of applications that are ripe for exploitation.
In this proposal, we will develop a real-time form-factor-agnostic sound field computation and explore optimum form factor to maximize users' multimodal experiences through several prototyping of interactive applications. The prototype applications will not only demonstrate the ability of acoustic holography to create magical experiences but will also provide easy-to-use tools for the community to integrate such systems in real-world applications. We will create an interactive application that blurs the boundary between displays and 3D printing where users can instantly 3D print physical prototypes and integrate them in an MR environment while going back-and-forth between 3D printing and MR-exploration.
and physical artefacts.
Acoustic holography has shown its capability as Mixed-Reality (MR) displays in providing five modalities and its potential as a new computational fabrication technique that allows multi-material and multi-resolution 3D printing. However, due to computational limitations, such endeavours have been limited to one-modality at a time or one-off carefully orchestrated examples of combinations, and no holographic 3D fabrication has been demonstrated. A serious limitation in current approaches is in real-time computation of the sound fields that account for sound scatterings. This limitation is hindering our ability to make full use of the power of acoustic holography to create the plethora of applications that are ripe for exploitation.
In this proposal, we will develop a real-time form-factor-agnostic sound field computation and explore optimum form factor to maximize users' multimodal experiences through several prototyping of interactive applications. The prototype applications will not only demonstrate the ability of acoustic holography to create magical experiences but will also provide easy-to-use tools for the community to integrate such systems in real-world applications. We will create an interactive application that blurs the boundary between displays and 3D printing where users can instantly 3D print physical prototypes and integrate them in an MR environment while going back-and-forth between 3D printing and MR-exploration.
Organisations
Publications
Gao L
(2022)
DATALEV: Acoustophoretic Data Physicalisation
Chen H
(2024)
Omnidirectional and Multi-Material In Situ 3D Printing Using Acoustic Levitation
in Advanced Materials Technologies
Christopoulos G
(2024)
Temporal acoustic point holography
| Description | We have developed a new way to 3D print materials in mid-air without needing a nozzle or physical support. Instead of pushing material through a tube, like a regular 3D printer, we use sound waves to levitate and move tiny droplets or solid pieces, placing them exactly where needed. This method allows printing onto surfaces that are curved, moving, or delicate-things that traditional 3D printers struggle with. For example, we demonstrated printing directly onto a human hand without touching it. This could be useful in areas like medicine (printing directly onto skin or wounds), electronics (creating circuits on unusual surfaces), or manufacturing (printing parts on complex objects). Our system can handle a wide range of materials, from water-like liquids to thick pastes and even solid particles. It also makes it possible to print multiple materials at once without them mixing unintentionally, which is important for creating complex structures. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for 3D printing, making it more flexible and expanding where and how it can be used. |
| Exploitation Route | This research enables contactless 3D printing using sound waves to levitate and position materials, allowing fabrication on complex and delicate surfaces. It could be applied in biomedical engineering, as demonstrated by printing onto a human hand, and in industrial manufacturing, where omnidirectional printing is needed. The ability to print multiple materials without cross-contamination expands possibilities for structural, conductive, and biological applications. Others could build on this work by refining the technology, exploring new materials, or integrating it into existing fabrication processes. |
| Sectors | Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Early stage commercialisation funding (Higher Education Innovation Fund) |
| Amount | £30,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University College London |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2023 |
| End | 04/2024 |
| Title | METHOD,APPARATUS AND SYSYEM FOR CONTROLLING SOUND GENERATION |
| Description | The present techniques provide a method, apparatus and system for high-speed acoustic levitation, for example high-speed acoustic holography or other applications. A novel technique is presented that allows high-speed multi-point levitation even in the presence of arbitrary sound-scattering surfaces and demonstrates a process that works in the presence of any physical object. Embodiments provide a simplified approach for determining locations of traps in a working volume which may also be termed an acoustic volume or acoustic chamber. Moreover, embodiments provide an approach for determining the location of traps by determining a contribution of a scattering surface in the working volume and a contribution from a target object in the working volume. |
| IP Reference | WO2023227890 |
| Protection | Patent / Patent application |
| Year Protection Granted | 2023 |
| Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
| Impact | We have a spin-out company called AcoustoFab. |
| Company Name | AcoustoFab |
| Description | AcoustoFab develops contact-less, acoustic levitation technology as a way of manipulating and assembling materials during manufacturing. |
| Year Established | 2023 |
| Impact | AcoustoFab provides sound-field control technology from hardware to software. |
| Website | https://acoustofab.co.uk/ |
| Description | Demonstration at CES 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | We demonstrated our prototypes at CES 2024, the world larget consumer electronics show. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://exhibitors.ces.tech/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=0014V00003wamFSQAY |
| Description | Keynote Speech at Culinary Action! On The Road |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I gave a keynote speech at the event held by UCL School of Management, in partnership with Basque Culinary Center. This is an event where innovative culinary entrepreneurs showcase their start-up ideas. I talked about how acoustic levitation would be useful in the food and beverage sector by live demonstrating levitation of wine in mid air. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/culinary-action-on-the-road-tickets-1111625605109?aff=ebdssbcategoryb... |