It cancels out motion for all parts except the one chosen. Each two-part vibration takes a fraction of a second, moving an object across the surface at an almost imperceptible snail's pace. The vibrations are low amplitude, Reznik said, and feel like a sound wave. The UPM can move multiple objects simultaneously by focusing on a different object with each cycle. The paths of the objects are plotted on special software linked to a color camera, which is mounted directly above the table's surface.
Operators simply select an object and draw the path they want it to follow.
The UPM is the product of four years of research and a lot of false starts, Reznik said. It was inspired by a previous method which did not work very well. Wired Digital Inc. All rights reserved.